Highlands Biological Station and Botanical Gardens
A Western Carolina University biological station with public gardens devoted to regional plants. The outdoor gardens remain available in late 2026 while the Nature Center is closed for renovation, with its reopening still a future plan.
About Highlands Biological Station and Botanical Gardens
Highlands Biological Station combines research, education and conservation on a campus affiliated with Western Carolina University. Founded in 1927, it maintains botanical gardens that introduce regional plants and their habitats. The public outdoor visit serves a different purpose from the station's academic activities.
Visitor entrances need to be distinguished. The gardens have an entrance at 111 Lower Lake Road, the Nature Center is at 930 Horse Cove Road, and administration is at 265 North 6th Street. The administrative address should not be treated as the single entrance for every kind of visit.
Official access information describes 12 acres of gardens, free outdoor admission and year-round opening from dawn to dusk. Garden areas and paths support an unhurried look at the region's vegetation. Courses, programs and indoor activities retain separate hours and conditions; general access to the grounds does not imply participation in those services.
The significant 2026 change concerns the Nature Center, which announced a renovation closure from August 16 through the end of the year. Reopening in the new year remains a forecast rather than a confirmed event. The gardens and outdoor grounds remain open. A fall recommendation therefore rests on the botanical visit, without promising admission to the indoor exhibitions.
Contact: Highlands Biological Station administration. Logo: property / organization.