The McGill Rose Garden is a Incredible Treat of Nature in the City

Watch: Visiting McGill Rose Garden

The McGill Rose Garden is Full of Charm

I love gardens and nature in general, but I wasn’t sure what to expect from a small garden that is located off of busy North Davidson near downtown Charlotte. We took our 3-year-old and 6-year-old with us to check out the McGill Rose Garden and were blown away by the charm.

The garden is both an immersive experience and a sensory one! Who would have thought that such a lovely urban garden of well-maintained roses (over 200 varieties!), flowers, flowering trees, and nature sculptures would be less than a mile from the skyscrapers of the Queen City? 

Though we visited in early spring, before the peak of the rose season in late spring/ early summer, we still got to see some lovely flowers and blooming trees. The garden is still fantastic without all the rose buds!

The meticulously designed winding paths are great for a leisurely walk, and watching my daughters giggle and run through the paths with some newly made friends was the highlight of my day. The paths are made from fine gravel, so you could easily push a stroller throughout the garden while your older kids run ahead.

When the roses do come in bloom, you will be overtaken with vibrant colors, from deep reds and pinks to yellows and white, which are a visual feast! Gardeners have taken special care with the McGill Rose Garden to highlight their beauty while incorporating lots of native plants and pollinator structures. We had a great time talking to our kids about the bee houses on the outskirts of the garden, and why they are so important to the flowers. 

What to Explore at the Garden

The McGill Rose Garden is a fantastic spot for families looking to enjoy nature together while staying close to downtown. Aside from the lovely flowers and trees, the garden is a great spot for taking family photos or simply sitting on one of the many benches scattered around the garden, soaking up the beauty.

Murals and Sculptures

Some might see “rose garden” and think “stuffy” or “too posh”, but the designers of the McGill Rose Garden have taken into consideration people of all ages. There is a relaxed, artsy vibe throughout the space.

There are several really neat metal sculptures, including a kangaroo and some a gorgeous heron. Plus, if you head left when you first enter the garden, you will see an old train car and a very long mural featuring some of the world’s best artists throughout time. There are also several unique bee houses (which were my favorite), a shrub maze, and more.

Make it Educational! 

For those with an interest in gardening or horticulture, the garden serves as a wonderful learning opportunity. It’s an excellent place for parents to introduce their children to nature and gardening.

The variety of plants offers fascinating educational experiences about different types of flowers and their growth cycles. Maybe let your kids bring along their cameras and spend the afternoon taking photos of all the things that they see! 

Have a Picnic

The peaceful environment also provides a lovely backdrop for family picnics. Families can bring along snacks or lunch to enjoy under the shade trees, making the garden an ideal spot for a relaxing afternoon. The calm atmosphere also makes it a great place to read books or sketch the natural beauty around you.

There are a lot of places to sit, and even some group table areas if you have a larger group. Seating in the garden is first come first serve, and the weekends can get pretty busy, so you might not get table seating.

Parking Near the McGill Rose Garden

Parking can be a little difficult to find, especially during the busier weekends. We found free parking down the block and walked up to the garden. However, if you are visiting during the week when the crowd is lighter, there is a small lot right beside Rosie’s that holds 10-15 cars. 

Know Before You Go

• It is a garden, so be mindful if you or your children have allergies to bees or pollen!
• The garden is an event space, so be sure to check if it is closed for special events before heading over.
• Please advise your children before and during your visit to not climb on or harm the plants, especially in spring when new sprouts are popping up from the ground.
• You can purchase food and drinks from Rosie’s and bring them into the garden.
• There is no admission fee, but donations are accepted!
• Dogs are allowed in the garden, but they must be leashed (and please, pick up after your pet)
• The pathways are stroller-friendly (though it may be a little bumpy).
• There is a restroom inside of Rosie’s. 

McGill Rose Garden
940 N Davidson Street Charlotte, NC
Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 8 am – 10 pm
Friday – Saturday: 8 am – 11 pm
The garden may be closed for a wedding, check ahead of time