Nonprofit quarry garden

Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens

About 2.7 miles straight-line from Kirby Family Farm

A nonprofit botanical garden transformed from an abandoned limestone quarry into 20 acres of ponds, waterfalls, bridges, plant collections, wildlife habitat, and numbered self-guided trails.

The place

About Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens

Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens is a rare second stop that changes the pace of a Kirby event day without falling back on a generic chain. Founder Dr. Raymond Webber began transforming a century-old abandoned limestone quarry in 1991, building paths, walls, islands, ponds, bridges, and garden areas. The property opened for public enjoyment through a nonprofit in 2014.

Daily admission includes a brief map overview and a self-guided walk through the 20-acre garden. The official visitor page says the numbered trail normally takes about 90 minutes and provides benches and rest areas. Bring water; the front office sells snacks and beverages. Swimming, climbing, fishing, plant picking, wildlife feeding, alcohol, glass, and drones are prohibited.

The garden is open seven days a week from 9:30 a.m. until the 4:45 p.m. last admission, with separate published holiday hours. Current admission is $12 plus tax for ages 13+, $7 plus tax for ages 6–13, and free for age 5 and under. The operator’s overlapping age-13 labels are reproduced rather than silently resolved; call before relying on a specific 13-year-old price.

This is not a fully accessible garden. The lower quarry requires a steep ramp and uneven terrain. The upper overlook has ramps and can work for some wheelchairs and scooters, but still includes inclines, rocky sections, and device-dependent surfaces. Front restrooms are designed for wheelchairs and powerchairs. A construction notice says the main entrance has moved to the middle of the parking area and some areas may be temporarily inaccessible.

What stands out

A quarry turned garden

Rock walls and changes in elevation make the site feel fundamentally different from a flat municipal garden.

Ponds, waterfalls, and bridges

Water features and island plantings form the visual core of the self-guided route.

A nonprofit local stop

Admission supports an independent 501(c)(3) garden rather than a national chain.

Honest route choices

The upper and lower trails offer different experiences, but neither should be described with a blanket accessibility promise.

Pair it with the train

Why it belongs in a Kirby Family Farm trip

At about 2.7 straight-line miles from Kirby, Cedar Lakes is the closest researched full attraction and works best before a night event or as a calmer next-day stop. Do not compress its 90-minute trail into a rushed pre-departure gap.

Before you go

Plan your visit

  • HoursOpen daily 9:30 a.m.–4:45 p.m.; 4:45 is the last admission. Holiday hours differ and Christmas Day is closed.
  • Admission$12 + tax ages 13+, $7 + tax ages 6–13, free age 5 and under; military and first responders with ID $6 + tax.
  • Time neededThe official numbered self-guided route takes about 90 minutes, with benches and rest areas.
  • MobilityNot considered handicap accessible overall. Lower levels require a steep ramp and uneven terrain; the upper trail remains rugged and device-dependent.
  • RestroomsFront restrooms are wheelchair/powerchair accessible; portable restrooms near the Orchard Gardens are not.
  • PetsLeashed non-retractable pets are allowed during normal hours but prohibited at all special events. Vaccination and behavior rules apply.
  • ConstructionThe main entrance is temporarily moved to the middle of the parking area, and some areas may be inaccessible during current work.
  • What to bringWater, weather protection, sturdy footwear, and a mobility companion where needed. Swimming and feeding wildlife are prohibited.

Next closest experience

Add Devil’s Den Prehistoric Spring

Continue about a tenth of a straight-line mile farther for a reserved active-water experience inside a prehistoric spring.

View the guide →

Useful answers

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cedar Lakes take?

The official numbered trail takes about 90 minutes. Add time for photos, rest, terrain, and current construction.

Is the garden wheelchair accessible?

Not overall. Some guests use the upper trail with wheelchairs or scooters, but it includes inclines and rugged surfaces; the lower quarry requires a steep ramp.

Can I bring a dog?

Leashed pets using non-retractable leads are allowed during standard hours, but pets are prohibited during special events. Other vaccination, cleanup, and behavior rules apply.

What is current admission?

The garden publishes $12 plus tax for ages 13+, $7 plus tax for ages 6–13, and free admission for age 5 and under. Confirm the overlapping age-13 wording directly.

Can I swim or feed the animals?

No. Swimming, fishing, touching or feeding resident animals and wildlife, and climbing rocks or ledges are prohibited.

Trust and accuracy

Sources

Source checked 2026-08-14. This free guide has not yet been confirmed by the venue. Current hours, prices, services, and accessibility can change; confirm time-sensitive details directly.