5 Botanical Gardens in St. Louis that You Can't Miss

St. Louis is home to some of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the country. Whether you're looking for a place to relax and enjoy nature, or you're interested in learning more about plants and gardening, these gardens are worth a visit.

1. Missouri Botanical Garden

The Missouri Botanical Garden is one of the oldest and largest botanical gardens in the United States. It was founded in 1859 and today it contains over 79 acres of gardens, exhibits, and research facilities. The garden is home to over 12,000 species of plants, including a world-renowned collection of orchids.

Highlights:

• The Climatron, a geodesic dome that houses tropical plants from around the world
• The Japanese Garden, a serene space with traditional Japanese architecture and landscaping
• The Rose Garden, with over 3,000 roses in bloom from May to October

2. Saint Louis Zoo

The Saint Louis Zoo is home to over 17,000 animals from around the world. The zoo also has a botanical garden with over 1,000 species of plants.

Highlights:

• The River's Edge, a naturalistic habitat for polar bears, sea lions, and penguins
• The Primate Canopy Trails, a series of elevated walkways that allow visitors to see monkeys and apes up close
• The Butterfly House, with over 1,500 butterflies flying free

3. Laumeier Sculpture Park

Laumeier Sculpture Park is a 105-acre park that features over 70 sculptures by world-renowned artists. The park also has a botanical garden with over 2,000 species of plants.

Highlights:

• The Mark di Suvero sculpture, a towering steel structure that is one of the most iconic works of art in St. Louis
• The Yayoi Kusama sculpture, a colorful and interactive installation that is popular with visitors of all ages
• The Donald Judd sculpture, a series of concrete boxes that are arranged in a geometric pattern

4. Tower Grove Park

Tower Grove Park is a 289-acre park that is home to a variety of gardens, including a botanical garden, a rose garden, and a Japanese garden. The park also has a lake, a playground, and a picnic area.

Highlights:

• The Climatron, a geodesic dome that houses tropical plants from around the world
• The Japanese Garden, a serene space with traditional Japanese architecture and landscaping
• The Rose Garden, with over 3,000 roses in bloom from May to October

5. Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery

Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery is the final resting place for over 180,000 veterans and their families. The cemetery also has a botanical garden with over 2,000 species of plants.

Highlights:

• The Soldiers' Circle, a memorial to the soldiers who died at Jefferson Barracks during the Civil War
• The Confederate Section, where over 4,000 Confederate soldiers are buried
• The National Cemetery Chapel, a beautiful Gothic-style chapel that is used for funerals and memorial services

Table 1: Botanical Gardens in St. Louis

Table 2: Gardens in the Missouri Botanical Garden

Table 3: Gardens in the Saint Louis Zoo

Table 4: Gardens in Laumeier Sculpture Park