Located in the rolling hills northeast of Columbus is a stunning property featuring 75 acres manicured lawns, 10 lakes, themed gardens, sculptures, waterfalls, and more, surrounding a spectacular Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired home designed by Ted and Ann Schnormeier.
And as nice as that sounds, it’s truly beyond expectation.
image: Columbus on the Cheap
Schnormeier Gardens is only open to the public on select dates in June each year, so you’ll want to make a plan to visit while you can to experience the peaceful beauty. Due to the growing popularity in recent years, you must purchase tickets in advance.
The Schnormeier Gardens Open House begins Thursday, June 6th, and runs every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from June 6-27, 2024.
“Our gardens have a distinct Asian flavor and feature a variety of plantings rich in color and texture. Rare conifers are plentiful here. Large boulders and stone walls add dimension and contrast to the landscape. Designed with a bold vision and attention to detail, the gardens offer delightful viewing in any season.”
The Gardens include
- Chinese Cup Garden
- Waterfalls Garden
- Stream Garden
- Serenity Garden
- Woodland Garden
- Hosta Garden
- Quarry Garden
- Meadow Garden
- Japanese Garden
photo: Columbus on the Cheap
In addition to the natural beauty and lakes, you’ll find a Japanese teahouse, garden house, Chinese pavilion and arched bridge, along with a collection of unique sculptures.
The Schnormeier Residence, the Main House, is inspired by Fallingwater by Frank Lloyd Wright. Instead of being stacked up like Fallingwater, the home is stretched out and designed to resemble a Japanese village. The Main House is closed to the public.
Details for the 2024 Schnormeier Gardens Open House
Due to the Schnormeier Gardens overwhelming turnout in recent years, reservations are required to visit the gardens in 2024.
To ensure the best experience the Schnormeier’s designed the Gardens to share, they will only be accepting reservations for 80 vehicles at 10:00 AM and 80 at 1:00 PM for every Thursday through Sunday from June 6-27.
Reservations will be $50 PER VEHICLE with unlimited occupants. While this may seem pricey, most vehicles fit 5+ people, which brings this to $10 per person or less. Carpool or find a group of friends to drive with!
You can stay as long as you want (until closing time), and these gardens are truly beautiful and a perfect way to spend a day.
Book your tickets on the website starting May 1.
You will receive a receipt on your smartphone and is the ONLY ticket for entry. IMPORTANT NOTE: NO CHANGES CAN BE MADE TO YOUR RESERVATIONS AND NO REFUNDS WILL BE MADE.
Reminder, gardens are only open to the public on designated dates each year; do not visit at other times or it is considered trespassing. This is a private residence. Reservations required for 2024.
photo: Columbus on the Cheap
Rules for visiting the gardens
- No wheelchairs or wheeled vehicles; gardens are very hilly and there are no paved paths
- No dogs
- No Picnics anywhere on the property.
- Watch small children at all times. The lakes are deep and the banks are steep.
- The wet rocks are very slippery. Don’t cross the streams or walk in them. Do not throw rocks in the water.
- No smoking
- Do not pick flowers; but feel free to take photos.
- There are no paved paths, wear comfortable shoes to walk through grass
photo: Columbus on the Cheap
I encourage you to explore the website before your visit. I truly enjoyed reading about the process (and mishaps) they share as they created this stunning property. We are fortunate that they open it up to the public each year.
If you want to dine locally before or after your visit to the gardens, they have compiled a list of restaurants. Be sure to check restaurant websites for current hours and rules for dining.
Schnormeier Gardens
8701 Laymon Road
Gambier, Ohio 43022
schnormeiergardens.org
Reminder: This is private property, so DO NOT attempt to visit the gardens during other times of the year, or without a ticket during the open house.
photo: Columbus on the Cheap
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