Lauritzen Gardens — Attraction in Omaha

My elderly mom and her elderly friend were in town and we were looking for something fun to show them around Omaha and we decided on LG. We looked on the website and confirmed they were open until 5pm Sunday. Skimmed thru the other info on the site about what they had going on, Lego displays etc. we live here in Omaha and have only been to LG one time before and figured since they have the huge indoor greenhouse it would be a nice thing to do since it is 4 degrees outside. We arrive and approach the counter and we're greeted and informed of the pricing and we paid. The cashier then was very assertive to point out a plant that hasn't bloomed in 10 yrs and when it does it smells of rotting flesh. Thought that was a strange thing to point us to as we received our receipt and entered the entry way. (It was a voodoo plant fyi) ok neat, we walk around the open area and that took literally 7 minutes and as we approach the green house there's a sign that says it's closed. So our $70 admission consisted of a short walk in their cafeteria that circled around to their gift shop. I politely approached the cashier and said, hi there, we don't want to be rude , but we weren't aware everything here was closed and we'd like to get a refund. She then said, oh, how long have you been here? We were only a party of 5 and there couldn't have been more than 15 other guests in the cafeteria, so I said, politely, you just checked us in, and she asked for our receipt, and apologized. Another cashier overheard us and interrupted and said, sorry, we don't do refunds, you guys came in and walked around and saw the Lego displays and the art on the wall and there are signs everywhere stating that the conservatory is closed and it's posted on our website. We don't do refunds. She was starting to get annoyed when I explained, yes we understand, but we're not from here and the ones who are don't visit regularly ( important because all the other guests that were there are annual members) and we didn't know that the conservatory meant that 99% of your attraction is closed, why did you take our money? No cooperation or customer service or empathy and just said we can call their members hotline and try to get a refund. Not wanting to cause a scene we just conceded and used the restrooms and purchased something from the grotto and left politely. The cashier should have explained to us before collecting our $70 admissions that their main attraction was closed. We were clearly "tourists". So we spent $70 to see a couple ponds and use the restroom and shop in the gift shop. It would be simple the right thing to do to offer a refund. And we were made to feel stupid and they clearly knew we're only there for less than 10 minutes before inquiring. Oh, she did tell us that the outdoor garden trails were open. ( we had two elderly folks with walkers with us and it's 4 degrees...

I had to delete my old review due to ridiculous full price you pay for this place when you are literally taking a hike outside. Our first time here was amazing but this time was just a soldi NO.The conservatory is closed and under construction until fall so that tram they offer should be free period. Since the indoor one that is the main attraction is closed and there’s nothing really inside the main building. I would say right now this place isn’t worth visiting while it’s under construction. As well as the kids play area they just finished isn’t even open to public so my kids literally had to watch other kids play on a kids playground because we Arnt members. That’s really cruel to kids and petty. The signs stating which plant is which needs to be redone because there is so many plants you don’t know what sign is for which . Everyone around us was confused too and we were all asking eachother . The tram lady was rude we asked if we could buy tickets somewhere as we were already at the end of the park. She rudely said you have to walk back not my problem. This trip sealed the deal for us as we do not want to be members of a facility with staff who are rude and have you pay full price tickets for a hike outside with no tram. And no conservatory . And no kids area that’s open to the public non members . Next spring and summer I’ll Update but as for now it’s not worth visiting the rest of the year. If you want the full experience . Even with...

If you find the zoo stressful, smelly and crowded but want to enjoy nature and a day outside, consider Lauritzen Gardens. I am a local who hasn't visited until today but I was impressed by the work that they have lovingly crafted. The Japanese Garden with the model of Mt. Fuji that supposed to be completed was behind schedule (due to COVID restrictions last year)but they had the Kabuki gate that was gifted by our sister city in Japan. It's a little disappointing but forgivable since there are so many other gardens to walk through and view- you'll never be bored as a nature lover. I enjoyed scenic stretches of nature, fresh air, sounds of birds outside and peaceful views : both grand and cozy, sun and shaded. You can view the Missouri River from some spots and thickets of mature trees and opens into a glade. They have an adorable outdoor model railroad along the path with models of Omaha buildings that you can spend an hour walking in and around. There are water gardens, a rose garden, an herb garden and a romantic sweet English garden where you can enjoy the shade and reflect. I loved the arboretum as well and has little pockets of joy and surprise - there was a bunch of bananas on one of the trees which made me squeal with joy and laughter. Bananas!!! It's definitely worth going if you need to get away from the sounds and bustle of the city if you're a local. I will...