Pecan Lake Gardens

Pecan Lake Gardens is an edible botanical garden and outdoor recreational destination located at 25004 S 206th St. in Queen Creek, Arizona. Founded in 2020, the property features themed demonstration gardens, a historic 1886 stone gristmill, and a regenerative aquaponic lake stocked with catfish, black crappie, bluegill, and largemouth bass. Visitors can enjoy catch-and-release fishing, canoe rentals, and self-guided walks through over a dozen themed landscapes including English, Japanese, and Mediterranean gardens.

General admission is priced at $10 per person for ages 12 and over, while children under 12 enter for free when accompanied by a paying adult. Fishing entry is also $10 per person regardless of age, and canoe rental costs $16 for those 12 and up, or $5 for kids under 12. All these activities are included with the garden admission until closing time on the day of the visit.

The gardens include formal beds in the English garden, a tea house and stone stairway in the Japanese garden, and streams leading to Legend Falls. Other themed areas include Mediterranean, Italian, French, Tropical, Vietnamese, and Southwest gardens, all connected by pathways that run along the lake and past the mill. A year-round fruit orchard is woven throughout the landscape as well.

From Monday through Friday, the gardens operate from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with Friday hours extended to 10:00 PM. On Saturday, the facility opens at 10:00 AM and closes at 10:00 PM, while Sunday hours run from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Special holiday hours apply, such as Thanksgiving Day from 3 PM to 10 PM and a 12 PM closing on November 13 and 14 for weddings.

Barbless hooks are provided by the facility and must be returned before leaving, and fishing is strictly catch-and-release only. A valid Arizona fishing license is mandatory for all anglers, and barbless hooks are supplied to ensure safety. The lake is stocked with bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish, and anglers can fish from the grass shoreline.

The lake is stocked with catfish, black crappie, bluegill, and largemouth bass, which enrich the water quality. This water is then filtered and piped out to irrigate the surrounding edible gardens, creating a closed-loop regenerative system. The fish also attract herons, egrets, kingfishers, and other birds to the area.

Casual photographs for personal enjoyment are welcome without reservation, but posed sessions require a photography reservation arranged in advance. Commercial photography needs written approval, and visitors must request a date from the photography page to confirm availability in writing before payment. The policy ensures that all photography activities are properly coordinated with the garden staff.

The gardens offer a distinctive backdrop for weddings, proposals, baby showers, birthdays, and team-building gatherings. Visitors can inquire about these events through the contact form by selecting 'Private Events' as the subject, or by using the Photography Reservations page for wedding photography coordination. The setting includes mature pecan trees, water views, and a recreated historic grist mill to enhance the occasion.

The address is 25004 S 206th St., Queen Creek, Arizona, and the facility is situated just off Riggs Road. It lies between Horseshoe Park & Equestrian Center and Ellsworth Road, making it easy to find for those familiar with the area. Directions are available on the website for precise navigation to the entrance.

On Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 26, the gardens operate from 3 PM to 10 PM. The facility is closed entirely on Friday, December 25 for Christmas Day. These adjusted hours reflect the seasonal schedule and special events that occur during the holiday period.

Fishing entry costs $10 per person and includes garden admission until closing that day. It is available for any age, and a valid Arizona fishing license is required for participation. The fee helps care for the lake and its fish, and catch-and-release only is enforced.

Canoe rental is available for $16 per person for ages 12 and up, or $5 for children under 12. Visitors can rent a canoe to see the mill and waterwheel from the water, providing a unique perspective of the property. The lake is also used for catch-and-release fishing, allowing guests to paddle and fish simultaneously.

The gardens were founded in 2020 on the Pecan Lake property in Queen Creek, Arizona. The concept was to create a botanical garden where every plant is edible, including fruits, vegetables, herbs, and edible flowers. The property also features a restored 1886 stone gristmill and a regenerative aquaponic lake, blending nature, history, and recreation.

Visitors can call the business at (602) 754-1055 or email info@pecanlakegardens.org for general inquiries and reservations. The contact form on the website is also available for specific requests, such as private events or photography reservations. These channels ensure that all visitor needs are addressed efficiently.

The official website of Pecan Lake Gardens is pecanlakegardens.org.