Tucked away off Hillsborough Street near the main campus of NC State University, the Raleigh Municipal Rose Garden is a bit of a hidden gem.
With over 1,200 rose bushes, this historic garden is nothing short of a fragrant wonderland, where colors and aromas collide in one 6.5 acre park.
Whether you’re a floral enthusiast or someone who just wants to stop and smell the roses, the Raleigh Rose Garden is a refreshing retreat from the hustle of the city.
Having access to several gorgeous gardens in Raleigh is one of the nice aspects about living here, and the good news is, it’s open 365 days a year!
So if you’re thinking about visiting the Rose Garden, here is everything you need to know before you go…
About Raleigh Municipal Rose Garden
The grounds of the Raleigh Municipal Rose Garden include 60 rose beds of more than 60 different varieties.
The gardens are surrounded by an arboretum of evergreen and deciduous trees, shrubs and perennials.
The roses are typically in bloom between from late May (Mother’s Day) until around mid-November, but the park is open every day of the year.
The Raleigh Rose Garden is a public garden, and was dedicated in 1951. It’s one of three accredited rose gardens in North Carolina.
The first rose was planted between 1950-1951 by Amos Fowler of Fowler’s Nursery, according to the historical papers kept by the Raleigh Garden Club.
In 1955, the City of Raleigh parks department hired Rosarian Edward Anderson from London, a graduate of the Royal Horticultural Society School and head of the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh, to supervise the garden.
Today, the park is looked after by the City of Raleigh Parks Department gardeners and Raleigh City Council.
As well as the formal beds of roses, the gardens also have an amphitheatre for concerts and theatrical productions and a beautiful pond and memorial fountain.
Opening Hours & Entrance Fees
The Raleigh Rose Garden is free to visit, and is open to the public from dawn to dusk, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Our experience at the Raleigh Rose Garden
A beautiful and tranquil space, we’ve spent time here visiting as a couple and our kids even enjoyed exploring the nearly two acres of gardens and varieties of roses and hybrid teas, floribundas, grandifloras, and climbers.
The garden is designed to showcase the different colors, fragrances, and textures of the flowers and they’re arranged in a variety of beds and borders.
Raleigh Rose Garden also features a variety of plants and trees, including Japanese maples, magnolias, and camellias, plus several fountains and benches scattered throughout the garden, making it a popular spot for photography, weddings and events, or contemplation and relaxation.
Professional Photos and Portraits
When my parents visited from Australia, my sister gifted us a professional photo experience with a local photographer and we chose the Raleigh Rose Garden for the experience.
It offers different scenes from open fields, to forest vibes, and of course, beautiful smelling roses.
Here are a few photos to see how beautiful it is:
I don’t have the details of the photographer my sister organized for this photography session – sorry, as I didn’t plan it I kinda switched off and then the chaos of my life, means I’ve lost all the commuciation.
However, we can recommend local photographer Jen Bauldree, who has captured family photos of us before and did our daughter’s senior photos. She’s excellent!
Raleigh Little Theatre
The Raleigh Little Theatre campus, which includes the Stephenson Amphitheatre and Raleigh Rose Garden sits on land belonging to the Lumbee and Tuscarora tribes.
In 1936, a group of passionate local performers joined forces with technical workers from the Federal Theatre Project to begin a community theatre in Raleigh, joining a nation-wide movement of little theatres focused on intimate, non-commercial theater.
We’ve seen a performance here in the past and it’s a unique and lovely experience at an outdoor theater.
Check out their upcoming shows and events.
Discover more cultural and performing arts experiences on Hillsborough St.
FAQs about the Raleigh Municipal Rose Garden
Is the Raleigh Rose Garden pet friendly?
Yes, the Raleigh Rose Garden is pet-friendly. You can bring your furry visitors on a daily basis.
Can you get married in the Raleigh Municipal Rose Garden?
Yes, you can use the fountain, the arbor, or the stone shelter as a backdrop for wedding ceremonies and other gatherings at the Raleigh Rose Garden.
Are there restrooms at the Raleigh Rose Garden?
No, there are no public restrooms.
Where should I park for the Raleigh Rose Garden?
There are limited parking spaces available next to the garden, including two accessible parking spaces. However, there is more parking nearby on Pogue Street.
Video: Raleigh Rose Garden
Watch us explore the Raleigh Rose Garden in the following video:
Before you go
If you’re searching on your phone for a “rose garden near me”, when the roses are in bloom it’s well worth a visit.
But if you’re looking to pick roses in Raleigh, note that you are NOT allowed to cut or pick any roses during your visit here!
HOT TIP: Grab a coffee-to-go from one of our favorite coffee shops in Raleigh, Jubala Coffee or Left Hook Coffee on nearby Hillsborough St and then stroll the gardens.
- Address: Located behind the Raleigh Little Theater at 301 Pogue Street, Raleigh
- Website: Here.
Other gardens to love in Raleigh include the Juniper Level Botanic Garden and the JC Raulston Arboretum and this hidden azalea garden in downtown Raleigh.
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