What Is Dyck Arboretum?

Updated

Dyck Arboretum is a 13-acre botanical garden in Hesston, Kansas, focused on the wildflowers and prairie landscapes of the Great Plains. It is open to visitors year-round, seven days a week, from sunrise to sunset, with general admission of $2.00 for adults and $1.00 for children under 12. If you are looking for a prairie garden to visit in south-central Kansas, a place to attend a concert or event, or a native-plant resource, this is what the site represents.

Location and Visiting Basics

The Arboretum is at 177 W Hickory St, Hesston, KS 67062. According to its visitor information:

  • Hours: Visitors are welcome year-round, 7 days a week, sunrise to sunset.
  • Children: Must always be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
  • General admission: Adults $2.00 per visit; children under 12 $1.00 per visit; members are admitted free.
  • Payment: Admission may be placed in the brown metal payment pole at the southeast corner of the Visitor Center, or brought to the receptionist during Visitor Center open hours.
  • Visitor Center & Gift Shop hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00am–4:00pm, with seasonal hours and holidays possibly applying.

Photographers are directed to consult the site's photography policy before shooting.

What You'll Find There

The garden's identity is built around the prairie: the site describes itself as "A Prairie Garden" and invites visitors to "experience the wildflowers of the Great Plains." Beyond self-guided visits, the site lists several recurring uses:

  • Prairie Window Concert Series and upcoming events, such as House of Hamill (November 15, 2026, 4:00–6:30pm) and Amanda Pascali (December 6, 2026).
  • Tree and shrub ordering for a limited time.
  • Event hosting — the Arboretum can be booked for private events.
  • Prairie Notes Blog, with posts on topics like Aster yellows in coneflowers, flowers of the Oyamel fir forest, and Kansas native shade plants.

Mission and Membership

The Dyck Arboretum of the Plains states that it "cultivates transformative relationships between people and the land." Annual membership supports that mission, and the site also accepts support through event sponsorship, corporate matching gifts, memorials, and in-kind donations. An email newsletter is available via a subscribe link.

Who This Site Is For

  • Visitors planning a trip to Hesston or the surrounding area who want current hours, admission, and directions.
  • Gardeners interested in Kansas native plants and prairie landscaping, particularly through the blog.
  • Concert-goers and event planners checking the performance schedule or inquiring about hosting an event.
  • Supporters who want to become members or donate.

If your interest is native prairie plants in Kansas, the blog and the garden itself are the most directly useful parts of the site. If you need current event dates or seasonal hours, check the site directly, since those change throughout the year.