With twenty years of history behind it, the Thanksgiving Point Tulip Festival returns, promising an experience better than ever before. What began as a simple spring flower showcase at the Ashton Gardens has blossomed into one of the nation’s largest and most beloved tulip festivals, offering entertainment, decoration, and a handful of fun activities for visitors to enjoy.

Every spring, Thanksgiving Point Ashton Gardens come alive with a kaleidoscope of colors as over 250,000 tulip bulbs and 500,000 other flower bulbs burst into bloom. Originating from the Netherlands, these tulips are meticulously hand-planted each and every fall by Thanksgiving Points’ dedicated agriculture team, ensuring a breathtaking display that stretches across 50 acres of land.

The festival, typically running from mid-April to mid-May, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of the gardens as they wander through pathways full of vibrant tulips, daffodils, and various other spring blooms. While strolling through the gardens, guests can capture picture-perfect moments at numerous photo ops strategically placed throughout the grounds.

For those seeking convenience, golf carts are available for rent to explore the expansive gardens, although some pathways remain inaccessible to them.( Must rent golf carts in person, first come first serve) Nevertheless, the gardens are wheelchair and stroller-friendly, with paved paths ensuring ease of access for all visitors.

Weekends during the Tulip Festival are particularly lively, with Fridays and Saturdays featuring food trucks, vendors, and entertaining activities such as bounce houses and art projects. Families with children may find these days especially enjoyable, although Friday and Saturday are busier than weekdays.

While the Ashton Gardens has beauty year-round, the Tulip Festival undoubtedly showcases them at their peak. If you have never visited Ashton Gardens I highly encouraged you to schedule your first trip during this event to witness the gardens in all their resplendent glory.

To maximize your experience at the Tulip Festival, consider my top tips:

• Opt for weekday visits for discounted tickets and fewer crowds. You can sometime get tickets cheaper online.
• Grab a map upon arrival to ensure you don’t miss anything.
• Purchase fish food at the ticket desk to feed the biggest koi fish I have ever seen in the pond.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes
• The Tulip Festival is in Spring in Utah, so plan on any kind of weather. I always pack this jacket in my car in case it gets a little chilly. Or try to arrive around noon when the sun is out.
• Visit the Secret Garden. You walk through a tunnel made from vines, and end up in a small garden with a fountain. This is the perfect place to take a break from walking.
• If you want to learn more about the beautiful gardens take the Spring Flower Tour. It’s guided tour of Ashton Gardens where guests will learn more about the plants and the property. This is normally held every Tuesday and Thursday from 11:30 am – 1 pm and is free with admission to the Tulip Festival.
• If the weather is nice, let your inner child out and roll down the hill toward the waterfall.
• There are picnic tables near the waterfall and snack shop/food trucks, you can bring a lunch and have a picnic in the gardens. Thanksgiving Point allows you to bring in food and drinks. Fill your wagon to easily carry your lunch.
• Make sure to grab a scavenger hunt paper for the kids when you first arrive. Even as an adult I love the thrill of a good scavenger hunt.
• Make sure to have room on your camera, there are so many great spots for photos.

The Tulip Festival not only serves as a visual delight but also as a tribute to the beauty of nature, offering visitors a tranquil escape among a sea of colors and scents. Whether you’re an professional photographer or simply seeking a day of relaxation with loved ones, the Thanksgiving Point Tulip Festival guarantees an unforgettable experience.

If your like me and walking makes you hungry, satisfy your appetite at Trellis Café. Located within Ashton Gardens, Trellis Café is an airy lunch space with a beautiful patio overlooking the stunning 50-acre Ashton Gardens. Trellis offers a satisfying and fresh menu of seasonally-inspired fare as well as friendly service. At the end of your meal, choose a sweet dessert you’ll be craving until your next visit.

Mark your calendars and prepare to be enchanted by the magic of the Thanksgiving Point Gardens, where nature’s beauty takes center stage in a celebration unlike any other. Thanksgiving Point Lehi Utah.

Be sure to follow Best Kept Secrets on Instagram to stay up to date with all the fun things happening in Utah!

This site contains product affiliate links. We may receive a commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links.