The Free State National Botanical garden dates back to 1965.

During the 1963 Kirstenbosch Jubilee Year Tour, it was decided that the Free State warranted a botanical garden for the cultivation and displayed of the varied flora of the province. This garden, on the outskirts of Bloemfontein, spans a valley between picturesque dolerite koppies with the natural vegetation comprising tall grassland and woodland, dominated by magnificent wild olive and karee trees.

The garden covers 70 hectacres, and is home to about 400 species of plants, mainly from the Free State, Northern Cape and Lesotho, including a fine collection of decorative and hardy trees indigenous to the area. Some 5 hectacres of the garden have been developed to display and preserve as much of the Free State flora as will grow there - with particular emphasis on species such as Crinum, klipdagga and witgousblom. The harmony of the garden has been achieved by retaining and highlighting the best elements of the natural landcape.

The naturally wooded dolerite koppies beyond the cultivated garden contain cabbage trees (Cussonia paniculata), white stinkwood (Celtis africana), false olive (Buddleja saligna) and wild olive (Olea europaea subsp. africana). Lion's ear (Leonotis), red-hot poker (Kniphofia) and dwarf coral tree (Erythrina zeyheri) provide touches of colour against a restful woodland backdrop. A series of vistas leads one naturally through the garden, to the wooded koppies, up onto the rock outcrops that overlook the garden, and back down to the dam, to the bird hide, and the lawns.

The Botanical Society of South Africa arranges periodic talks and moonlight walks, and sunset concerts are held during summer. From November to March, most of the plants in the garden are in full leaf and from March to June, the colourful autumn shades of yellow and red dominate. Starting with spring, take a seasonal tour of the garden. The natural areas of the garden are a haven for wildlife, including 124 species of birds, 54 species of reptiles and almost 50 species of mammals.