McConnell gardens in Redding will now charge admission to visitors
McConnell gardens in Redding will now charge admission to visitors
Michele Chandler, Redding Record SearchlightTue, May 12, 2026 at 10:45 AM UTC
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After years of being free to visit, people coming to Redding's iconic McConnell Arboretum and Botanical Gardens must now pay to stroll through the acres of mediterranean-climate display gardens and other natural attractions that is located near the Sundial Bridge.
One-day tickets for non-members to visit the gardens began on May 1. Ticket prices range from $10 for adults, $6 for youths and seniors over the age of 65. Admission is free for infants and children up to age 2, the organization said.
Admission into the gardens has always been included with a Turtle Bay Exploration Park membership, while non-members have in the past been asked for a voluntary $5 donation.
"Due to changes in the economy," the gardens have not had staffers checking for visitor memberships or processing admission fees for some years, said Laurinda Willard, chief operating officer of Turtle Bay park.
Sign at McConnell Arboretum and Botanical Gardens in Redding on May 7, 2026.
Now, said, Willard, "In order to sustain our operations, similar to all businesses, we have had to find creative ways to generate funding."
That includes closing the west gate and having park staffers collect the admission fee, payable only by credit card, at the park's east gate. That entrance is open daily from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. and is located near 844 Sundial Bridge Drive.
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"We are trying it out to see how it works and are making changes along the way to fit our needs and our guests," said Willard.
Echinaceas grow in the McConnell Arboretum and Botanical Gardens at Turtle Bay Exploration Park in Redding.
Guests who pay admission at the gardens and then decide to also visit the museum can apply the admission they've already paid to their museum admission, said Willard.
Covering 10 acres, the McConnell Arboretum and Botanical Gardens contain plants native to Mediterranean climate zones, as well as ornamental gardens and a children’s garden, along with a large seasonal pond.
A monument depicting wildlife is shown inside the McConnell Arboretum and Botanical Gardens at Turtle Bay Exploration Park in Redding.
Revenue from admission fees, memberships and events are used to cover Turtle Bay's operations.
There is a separate admission fee for people attending a nighttime event at the botanical gardens, the Glowing Wild Lantern Festival.
Michele Chandler covers public safety, reports on trials in Shasta County Superior Court, writes about restaurants and foodies and handles whatever else comes up for the Redding Record Searchlight/USA Today Network. Accepts story tips at 530-338-7753 and at mrchandler@gannett.com. Please support our entire newsroom's commitment to public service journalism by subscribing today.
This article originally appeared on Redding Record Searchlight: McConnell charging admission to tour its botanical gardens in Redding
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