Betty Ford Alpine GardensBetty Ford Alpine GardensBetty Ford Alpine Gardens
As a critical part of our mission, the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens puts considerable effort and investment into exhibits, events, workshops, seminars, and education resources. The hub of this effort is our Education Center which houses year-round displays including a cold greenhouse. Interactive displays, reading materials, videos and information, housed at our Education Center, are available for members and the public.
The Education Center is the site of many of our workshops, seminars and special events, and its rooftop is available for rent as a venue for social events.
Discover & learn about the alpine environment and its tough plants through informational displays, drop-in activities and a state-of-the-art alpine house featuring plants from around the world. Open year round. Spanish translation available.
From the tiniest ant to the tallest tree, every living thing plays a role, and this exhibit helps highlight the delicate balance of nature and how it’s threatened by deforestation, pollution, and climate change. Ideal for young explorers, families, and curious minds of all ages, “Habitat” offers an unforgettable opportunity to connect with nature and learn how we can all become better stewards of the environment.
Betty Ford Alpine Gardens invites families and nature lovers of all ages to experience the beauty and importance of the natural world in the engaging exhibition “Habitat,” on display from June 2025 through April 2026. Developed by Smithsonian Gardens and presented by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES), this nationally recognized exhibit explores the powerful message: protecting habitats protects life. Through interactive and family-friendly displays, and art, visitors will discover how plants, animals, fungi, insects, and even dead wood work together to create healthy ecosystems—and what we can do to protect them.
Visit the Gardens and the Education Center throughout the summer for the Habitat exhibition, family scavenger hunt, educational activities, and expert speaker events.
Betty Ford Alpine Gardens is pleased to present this exhibit courtesy of member donations and DiscoverVail, one of our sponsors.
The Alpine House is an indoor cold greenhouse which mimics our alpine environment in terms of temperature, humidity and other atmospheric conditions. The House is monitored and regulated through highly sensitive climate control and allows Betty Ford Alpine Gardens to house some of the rarest alpine plants 365 days a year.
Our Education Center contains several interactive learning activities for adults and kids, that help curious minds discover the alpine ecosystem.
Freezing temperatures and deep snow make winters in Vail challenging. Discover how animals have adapted to survive by following the clues! Children who complete the scavenger hunt get a special prize. The Scavenger Hunt starts at the Education Center, available every day from 10am to 3pm.
Discover the birds of winter from the cozy indoors! Children can watch and identify local feathered visitors while learning about the wildlife around them. Free binoculars are available to use, making it easy for young birdwatchers to get a closer look.
Settle in for hands-on fun with nature-inspired tabletop activities! Children can enjoy coloring pages, puzzles, and worksheets that encourage creativity, curiosity, and learning about the natural world.
Visit our calendar of events for ways to explore and experience our gardens and participate in learning programs.
Interested in bringing your classroom or campers to the Gardens?
A naturalist from Betty Ford Alpine Gardens guides students through botanic and special exhibit themed activities. Hands on learning for all ages!
School visits typically last 2 hours and custom packages are available. Stay longer and have lunch on the field or play on the playground. For inquires, contact .
In partnership with the Town of Vail Public Library, Betty Ford Alpine Gardens is connected to the Marmot online database. The library is located in the Education Center back offices. It is a non-circulating collection with the primary purpose to support staff research and Members’ gardening needs.
Search the Vail Public Library and the Gardens online library collection below.