Mt. Cuba Center - Hockessin, Delaware

Raymond E.

I enjoyed my visit to the Mt. Cuba Center. The formal and naturalistic gardens were scenic and interesting. I also enjoyed the trail area across Barley Mill Rd.

72ocutter

We visited here father's day weekend while the hydrangeas were in full bloom. It was a nice walk but the heat cut our visit short. It was nice to view a brief video about the history of Mt Cuba and then tour the grounds. The kids enjoyed doing the scavenger hunt, spinning the "big seed", walking through the Forests and searching for frogs by the beautiful ponds. Our stay lasted about 3 hrs but could have done more like walked the open fields. We agreed that fall will be our next visit.

Rachael D.

First, I recognize that it isn't fair to compare every estate and garden in this area to Longwood Gardens. I feel that if I'm going to give an honest review for those traveling out of state—or for individuals like myself who have health and physical limitations, it is good to draw a comparison between the two places since they are only miles apart. Mt. Cuba charges $15 and Longwood $25 for adults (anyone under 18, it's $13).

I would want to know if the trip and money spent would be worth it or if I could have gone just a few miles farther away and been more than satisfied with a planned visit to Longwood Gardens. I have visited there many times, along with my husband and children, over the last two decades. With Mt. Cuba's proximity to our town, we often spoke about visiting, especially if either of us didn't feel up to handling a crowd or being overwhelmed by too much stimuli.

We finally visited! I can see Mt. Cuba is holding an advantage in this area for many individuals. It provides an opportunity to enjoy a quieter and less overwhelming environment. A larger, busier botanical gardens such as Longwood could hold a disadvantage for someone who gets anxious and overloaded by large groups of people, music playing, sounds of the fountains, and other stimuli you'll face.

I've included pictures because they truly speak a thousand words. I will most likely purchase a membership, but this is because I want to support more local businesses. I think you'll fall a little more in love with plants, gardening, and the potential for horticulture to improve peoples’ lives. We locals should enjoy getting out here, and out of state visitors will also enjoy as long as they have realistic expectations. I've been to Botanical Gardens in the Southwest with sculptures and hardscaping, in the South I've visited some lovely Estates and Gardens, and Longwood is a favorite several times a year.

Anyone checking my profile sees health issues, and limitations are my main concern. I want to share things in my reviews for others who have challenges due to aging or health. We can still enjoy a lot. By the way, Copeland house carries juice, water, and iced tea plus varieties of snack bars, crackers, nuts, and fruit for sale. There's someone there to assist you with purchasing food and drinks.

Next time, we decided to bring a lunch and sit at the tables with umbrellas or ask for one of their picnic blankets to use on the grounds. Check out and register for a couple of activities I read about online. I got excited over the Night Hike, but we're not sure I'd do well with that. One of our date nights could be the Bale and Brews hayride instead. Either way, I'm looking forward to revisiting even as Longwood remains my fave!

Barb H. (.

Exceptional displays of a wide variety of native plants on grounds tended by welcoming volunteers. The ponds were teeming with frisky frogs and sunbathing turtles when we visited in early spring. We spent a few hours strolling the formal and woodland gardens as well as hiking their trails. We recommend bringing a picnic lunch: snack options onsite are limited and there are no nearby restaurants. The trail markings, maps and interpretive signage were clear and enlightening for novice gardeners like us. There is some parking and construction of an overflow parking lot is underway for later this year. Stop and check out the mailboxes around the gardens, especially if you come with children. Each has a scavenger hunt or fun activity to do. If you hike the trails, the understory and forest edge trails offer more visual interest than the grasslands trail. Note that dogs are not allowed, to protect the wildlife and plantings.

Laura R.

We attended an event at Mt Cuba Center recently and were so impressed that we signed up for a membership. The lands were absolutely beautiful and there were informative signs to give information about what we were looking at. The staff were extremely friendly and were stationed all throughout the property. We can’t wait to go back!

Mike S.

Beautiful experience! Great collection of local plants. There are many lovely walking paths around the grounds. The test gardens were very interesting. The mansion and it's architecture were delightful. Overall a memorable experience.

Israel R.

We became members at the beginning of the season and we have enjoyed it so much. There are many events and benefits that make your membership cost totally worth it. Give it a try.

Diana F.

I came here for the first time today and I can say I'm thoroughly impressed. The staff are very friendly, welcoming, and knowledgeable about the site, the mansion, and the plants. The landscaping was absolutely beautiful and well maintained, the paths were well maintained, and there were very clear directions along the way so no one should get lost easily. Lots of beautiful statues throughout the garden, a few small waterfalls, ponds, some fountains, many local plants, and many butterflies. You can pack a picnic, bring it in, and they even offer picnic blankets for you, and many picnic areas! Honestly, I loved it so much I'm considering buying an annual pass. In addition to all of this I'd like to say that this place isn't snobbish at all. It's beautiful, historical, but also very down to earth. This would be a place where someone could come and study, draw, have a nice date, or even bring small kids and do a nature hunt!