Bellingrath Gardens and Home

Bellingrath Gardens and Home was the creation of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Bellingrath.  The Gardens first opened to the public in 1932 while a national garden club meeting was taking place in Mobile.  Mr. Bellingrath placed an ad in the Mobile paper, announcing that anyone who would like to see the spring garden could do so free of charge.  After an overwhelming response, the couple decided to keep the gardens open year-round, beginning in 1934. Bellingrath Gardens and Home is a 65-acre (26 ha) botanical garden and mansion. In addition to touring the Gardens, the Bellingrath Museum Home and the Fowl River aboard the Southern Belle River Cruise, its features also include the Bayou Boardwalk, Mirror Lake, the Great Lawn, Asian-American Gardens, the 2004 Top Public Rose Garden in the United States, Butterfly Garden, Formal Garden Terraces, and more. Tour the Bellingrath Home, complete with its original furnishings and Mrs. Bellingrath’s extensive collection of decorative arts. Built in 1935, the 10,500 square foot home was designed by prominent architect, George B. Rogers. The style of the Home was dubbed “English Renaissance” by Rogers. Additionally, take a 45-minute cruise along the Fowl River aboard the Southern Belle. As you enjoy your relaxing cruise, learn about  birding habits, ecological systems and civil war history of the area. The Southern Belle departs daily from Bellingrath Gardens and Home between March and November.