Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens: Hours, Admission, Tours & More

There’s something quietly magical about walking through what was once a dusty limestone quarry and finding instead 20 acres of waterfalls and gardens. Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens in Williston, Florida, is that kind of place — a restoration project turned into a living museum with over 50 themed gardens.

Admission: $12 (adults) · Hours: 9:30 AM – 5 PM · Size: 20 acres · Number of Gardens: 50+ · Guided Tours: Included with admission

Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens offers a compact but dense experience — seven key facts that define what visitors can expect.

Where is Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens located?

Address and directions

• The garden sits at 4990 NE 180th Ave, Williston, FL 32696, about 30 minutes southwest of Gainesville near I-75 (Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens – official site).
• It’s nestled inside a restored century-old limestone quarry, giving it a hidden, sunken feel.
• From Gainesville, take US-27 south and turn onto NE 180th Ave — the drive is straightforward, about 25 miles.

Parking information

• Free on-site parking is available, including accessible spots near the entrance (Visitor Rules, Pet Policy & Accessibility – Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens).

Accessibility

• The garden is wheelchair accessible, with paved paths throughout most of the main gardens.
• Some areas with steep grades may require assistance — the official policy encourages contacting staff for specific needs.

The pattern: the garden’s quarry setting creates a naturally bounded space that’s both intimate and easy to navigate, though a few slopes remind you it was once a pit.

How much does admission to Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens cost?

Ticket prices

• Adult (13+): $12 plus tax.
• Children (6–13): $7 plus tax (Visitor Rules, Pet Policy & Accessibility – Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens).
• Children 5 and under: free.
• Military with ID: $6 plus tax.

Discounts and groups

• Group rates are available; the official site encourages contacting the garden directly for pricing.
• Discounted rates for children, groups, and active-duty military are confirmed by TripAdvisor (TripAdvisor – user review platform).

Season passes

• Individual membership: $40/year, includes one named adult and $5 add-on per child (Cedar Lakes Woods & Gardens Memberships).
• Two-adult membership: $60/year.
• Gold membership: $200/year.
• Members get unlimited free admission for one year, reduced special-event pricing, and 50% off at partner Kanapaha Botanical Garden in Gainesville.

The trade-off: a single adult visit costs $12, so the $40 membership pays for itself after four visits — and you get reciprocal benefits at another major garden nearby.

What can visitors see and do at Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens?

Themed gardens

• Over 50 separate gardens are spread across 20 acres, including a butterfly garden, rose garden, Japanese garden, and native plant displays (Cedar Lakes Woods & Gardens Map).
• The gardens are arranged along winding paths that explore the quarry’s original limestone walls and terraces.

Waterfalls and koi ponds

• Multiple waterfalls cascade into koi-filled ponds, fed by natural springs within the quarry.
• TripAdvisor reviews highlight the dozens of garden rooms, bridges, and views that make the space feel larger than 20 acres (TripAdvisor – user review platform).

Guided tours

• Guided tours are included with general admission — no extra fee.
• Self-guided walking is also allowed; maps are available at the entrance and online (Cedar Lakes Woods & Gardens Map).

Seasonal events

• The annual ‘Lights of the Wild’ Christmas event runs in December, with tickets sold through Eventbrite (Eventbrite – Lights of the Wild).
• Special festivals and workshops are held throughout the year, though a full calendar isn’t published online.

The implication: the garden’s compact size and rich features make it a cost-effective day out.

Is there lodging near Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens?

Hotels

• No on-site lodging exists at the garden. The closest hotels are in Williston (5 minutes north) and Gainesville (25 minutes east) (VISIT FLORIDA – state tourism office).
• Options include Comfort Inn & Suites Williston, budget motels along US-27, and chain hotels near I-75 in Gainesville.

Vacation rentals

• Private vacation rentals (Airbnb, Vrbo) are available in the rural areas around Williston and nearby lakes.

Camping and RV parks

• Several campgrounds and RV parks operate within 10 miles, including Rainbow Springs State Park 20 minutes north (AllTrails – hiking and trail guide).

What this means: if you’re driving from Gainesville or Ocala, a day trip is easy. For visitors traveling farther, Williston’s small hotels or a stay at Rainbow Springs make a pleasant overnight.

When is the best time to visit Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens?

Weather considerations

• Spring (March–May) and fall (October–November) offer mild temperatures and lower humidity — ideal for walking the 20-acre property.
• Summer afternoons can be hot and rainy; morning visits are recommended.

Crowd levels

• Weekdays right at opening time (9:30 AM) are the least crowded, according to a Facebook tip (Facebook – official garden page).
• Weekends and holiday events like the Christmas lights draw larger crowds — expect more waiting for tours.

Special events calendar

• The Christmas ‘Lights of the Wild’ event in December is the most popular seasonal attraction, with timed tickets required (Eventbrite – Lights of the Wild).
• The garden’s Facebook page posts updates on workshops and festivals (Facebook – official garden page).

The pattern: spring weekday mornings give you the garden at its quietest and most colorful — the waterfalls are flowing, the flowers are blooming, and you’ll have the paths mostly to yourself.

“Nestled within a restored, century-old limestone quarry, Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens is a 20-acre non-profit botanical garden that aims to educate guests while promoting sustainability and conservation.”

— Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens – official site

“A family-friendly attraction with hundreds of plant species, dozens of gardens, several waterfalls, bridges, and views.”

— VISIT FLORIDA – state tourism office

A typical visit lasts 1 to 2 hours, according to TripAdvisor reviews. For families with young children or seniors who want a gentle walk, the paved paths and frequent benches make it a low-stress outing. The catch: if the garden’s close time is 4:00 PM on certain days, show up by 2:30 PM to avoid feeling rushed.