Visitor Information

The JC Raulston Arboretum is a public garden that serves as a living laboratory and classroom for NC State University. As part of NC State University’s Department of Horticultural Science, the JCRA welcomes visitors to experience a diverse plant collection adapted to the southeast United States.

Location

4415 Beryl Road
Raleigh, NC 27606-1446

Use this address to program your GPS device or follow detailed directions provided on our website to help plan your visit.

Hours

April 1 through September 30

Offices are closed during state holidays and NC State University closures.

October 1 through March 31

Offices are closed during state holidays and NC State University closures.

The JC Raulston Arboretum is open every day of the week throughout the year including holidays. However, hours and entrance are limited during special events like Raulston Blooms! and Moonlight in the Garden. Please check our events calendar for dates, times and details including information on how to buy tickets to these special events.

Guidelines for Your Visit

Please review the JCRA's visitor guidelines and photographer guidelines prior to your visit.

Admission

There is no admission charge. Support through JCRA memberships and donations allow us to offer free admission. Become a JCRA member today!

On select dates, there is an admission fee for special fundraising events like Raulston Blooms! and Moonlight in the Garden. Check our events calendar for dates, times and details including information on how to buy tickets to these special events.

Parking

Parking is free and is available in the JCRA's paved lot and along Beryl Road. Please observe the no parking signs on Beryl Road.

Accessibility

The JCRA's gardens are mostly accessible via wide paths of various materials that are suitable for wheelchairs, walkers and strollers. The A. E. Finley Rooftop Garden is ADA-accessible. Wheelchairs or strollers can access the Ruby C. McSwain Education Center, Bobby G. Wilder Visitor Center, Rose Garden and The Necessary at McNeel Corner. Paths throughout much of the JCRA are not paved but are partially accessible, ground conditions permitting.

Wheelchairs are available for visitors to borrow at no charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact the staff in the Ruby C. McSwain Education Center or Bobby G. Wilder Visitor Center when you arrive. If you have questions about accessibility while planning your visit, please contact the JCRA at jcra-events@ncsu.edu or 919-515-3132.

No pets, emotional support or therapy animals allowed. We welcome service animals.

Guided Tours and Field Trips

Guided tours for all ages are available year-round. Tours for adult groups should be arranged at least one month in advance and are $5.00 per person ($50.00 minimum per tour). Learn more about tour options for youth and high school students on our School Groups web page.

Requests for tours and field trips can be made using our online request form:

Request a Tour or Field Trip

Rentals

The JC Raulston Arboretum offers a variety of options for hosting group events, meetings, conferences, weddings and parties. For more information, please review the rental information or contact the JCRA's rental coordinator at jcrarentals@ncsu.edu.

Map of the JC Raulston Arboretum

Be sure to pick up a Visitor Guide inside and outside of the Bobby G. Wilder Visitor Center or the Ruby C. McSwain Education Center to help guide yourself throughout the JCRA's gardens and collections. Or you can use our online map.