If you have been a long-time reader of the Frugal Lancaster blog, you know that one of my favorite things to do and share is hidden secrets in Lancaster County. I just love finding hidden secrets! This secret isn’t really a very hidden secret, but I had never heard of it before so I was thrilled when I came across it recently. It is such a cute little experience and retreat for families and individuals.
What is the Garden of Five Senses?
The Garden of Five Senses (located in Lancaster County Central Park), as the name implies, is a walk-thru garden providing stimulation for each of your five senses. You’ll experience smells, sights, sounds, and educational resources teaching you about each of the plants you pass on your walk.
Plaques throughout the garden educate visitors on the five senses.
But you’ll find much more than just information about your senses on your walk through the garden’s beautiful pathways, curving stream and flowing waterfalls.
You’ll also find plaques teaching you about various insects, animals, herbs, plants and trees. Do you know the name of the state tree? You will after your walk through this garden!
Whether you visit in spring, summer or fall, you’ll be captivated by beautiful colors, flowers, smells and sounds.
The paths are easily accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. There are benches throughout the garden and there is a grove of picnic tables at the top of the hill near the bathrooms.
Who would enjoy the Garden of Five Senses?
This garden welcomes all visitors, but would be perfect for . . .
- anyone who needs to get out and relax and enjoy some of God’s beautiful nature. Its gorgeous in each season of the year with colorful spring, summer and fall flowers and foliage.
- students studying the five senses in their school or homeschool lessons.
- moms with non-napping toddlers or preschoolers who want to get out of the house for the afternoon. Its a nice little walk for kiddos and you’ll likely be able to sit at the waterfall and enjoy refreshing sounds while your child is entertained for a little. Peace and quiet is always good!
- those interested in learning more about plants, flowers and trees. The numerous plaques throughout the garden teach you many helpful facts about plants and trees, that you can use in your own landscaping and gardening.
- those who love the outdoors, especially waterfalls!
Where is the Garden of 5 Senses Located?
The Garden of Five Senses is located at 38 Pontz Drive, Lancaster, near the pool. If you enter the park from Chesapeake Street, onto E Strawberry Street, make the first left onto Rockford Road and then its the long thing parking lot on your right at the bottom of the hill. There is a sign for Garden of Five Senses. You can also go straight ahead when you enter the park on E Strawberry Street, continue left on the loop of Pontz Drive, and in the far, back left there is a parking lot at a bath house, which is at the top of the hill of the Garden of Five Senses.
The garden is open to the public year-round. All walkways are paved and easily accessible by strollers and wheelchairs. There is a pavilion and a picnic area with picnic tables perfect for packed lunches. You can read more about the park on the Lancaster County Central Park Garden of Five Senses webpage.
