The 13 Best Botanical Gardens In The United States
Are you looking for the most beautiful botanical garden in the United States? Visiting a botanical garden is one of the best things you can do if you are looking for something to do.
It’s a shame to admit that Botanical gardens are sometimes forgotten in the planning phase. When visiting a botanical garden you can experience real magic.
These gardens are not only filled with thousands of beautiful plants but they are also rich in history. Several of these gardens were first established in the 1800s and they are still here. That’s pretty amazing.
Join us to find the 13 most beautiful botanical gardens in the United States.
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13. Heronswood Garden, Washington
Location: 31912 Little Boston Rd, NE Kingston, WA 98346
Phone Number: 360-297-9624
Price of admittance: 10.00 per person for adults 18 and over. For ages 7- 17, entry is $5. 6 years and under get in for free
Located in Kingston, Washington, and first opened in 1987 Dan Hinkley and Robert Jones. The property is 15-acres and is owned by the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe. There are plenty of rare and unusual plants growing within the nursery.
The garden has undergone several transformations throughout the years to keep it up to standards. Several gardeners have sent back their plants to the garden to help maintain it. There are plenty of fun and educational activities to be done in the garden. Guests can even schedule private tours where they are able to view and learn about all the rare plants.
Price of admittance: $17.95 for adults, $16.95 for seniors and students, and $11.95 for children
Located in Pennsylvania and first established in 1893. The property is 15-acres and is known as the “greenest” buildings worldwide. It was named as a National Historic Landmark. The conservatory has won the Lord & Burnham award for the 13 glass-encashed silver domes that cover the garden rooms.
The vibe of this property is very romantic and promises a fun adventure for its guests. There are many permanent and seasonal plants. There are also other exhibits for guests to enjoy. Such as a garden railroad display in the Plam Court. It is decorated with rare and exotic bonsai trees, orchids with a Lilly pod in the rose garden.
11. North Carolina Botanical Garden
Location: 100 Old Mason Farm Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27517, United States
Phone Number: 919-962-0522
Price of admittance: (prices currently not available due to Covid19)
Located in Chapel Hill and first established in 1951. The property is 950-acres and is owned by the University of North Carolina. They have been working on researching plant conservation for the past 40 years. The team behind the conservation efforts are leaders in their field. Their goal is to promote the natural conservation of the native plant species through research and catalogs.
The property showcases numerous displays and exhibits for guests to enjoy. These include thousands of species of beautiful fauna and flora. It features a Carnivorous Plant Collection that has won several awards for its display. The price and joy of the property are the Horticultural Therapy Demonstration Garden. It features displays of heirloom flowers and vegetables that were made for guests who suffer from mobility issues. With the thought of ease and comfort in mind for any and all guests.
10. Dumbarton Oaks, Washington, DC
Location: 1703 32nd Street, NW Washington, DC 20007
Phone Number: 202-339-6401
Price of admittance: in the Regular Season is $10 Regular. $8 Military (with valid ID) $8 Seniors (60+)
Located in Georgetown, Washington, DC, and first established in 1940. The property is 27-acres and was once the home of Robert and Mildred Bliss. It is currently owned by Harvard University. The gardens were designed by Beatrix Farrand and Mildred Bliss.
It features several head-turning gardens, meadows, and streams. A very romantic spot on the property is at the stunning Roman-inspired amphitheater. There are weekly and monthly tours for visitors to enjoy with several options for any preference.
9. The Brenton Arboretum, Iowa
Location: 25141 260th Street, Dallas Center, IA 50063
Phone Number: 515-992-4211
Price of admittance: Admission is FREE and dogs are welcome
Located in the heart of Dallas Center and first established in 1997. The property is 141-acres and is currently owned by Buz Brenton. The property has been in the Brenton family lineage since 1853. It is a public garden and as such, it is completely free for the public to visit.
There are over 2,600 types of trees, shrubs, and flowers. The property is designed in beautiful walking paths. There are several beautiful spots for picnics and resting areas. Renovations have restored the property back to its pre-agricultural setting with a large prairie added.
8. Desert Botanical Garden, Arizona
Location: 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85008
Phone Number: 480-941-1225
Price of admittance: $24.95 for adults and $12.95 for kids 3 to 17. Children younger than 3 enjoy free admission
Located in the Arizona desert and first established in 139. The property is 140-acres and was founded by the Arizona Cactus and Native Flora Society. There are over 50,000 displays of various plants. Both native and foreign.
Guests can book dinners in the desert and enjoy a romantic evening under the stars. Music in the Garden is another activity guests can enjoy when visiting. Guests can enjoy food from three different restaurants as well. There are several tours and activities to book. This garden is not just a beautiful display but it also educated guests on them and their importance.
7. The Four Arts Gardens, Florida
Location: 2 Four Arts Plaza, Palm Beach, FL 33480
Phone Number: 561-655-7227
Price of admittance: Gallery admission is $10 and free for members and children 14 and younger
Located in Palm Beach Florida and first established in 1938. The property is currently managed by The Garden Club of Palm Beach. It is a beautiful demonstration of tropical plants for the region. The garden is decorated with beautiful sculptures and statues from famous artists.
The garden features several cultural displays such as the Chineses Garden and the Spanish Facade. There is even a Madonna garden that has a beautiful fountain. The entire garden is very photographic which means it is a fan favorite for visitors. It is described as “Instagram Pretty.” The property is also available for hire for events, programs, concerts, and other activities.
6. Sawtooth Botanical Garden, Idaho
Location: 11 Gimlet Rd, Ketchum, ID 83340
Phone Number: 208-726-9358
Price of admittance: Admission is free.
Located in the heart of Ketchum Idaho and first established in 1994. The property is smaller than the others on the list at 5-acres. It is a public non-profit that is run by a small group of organizers. The garden benefits from this and its generous benefactors. The goal is to educate visitors about the rare plants of the region through their beautiful displays. There are several areas for guests to explore.
A xeriscape (water-conserving) garden, a side-stream garden, and an ornamental garden to name a few. The “Garden of Infinite Compassion” is a newly added alpine garden. It has quickly become a favorite amongst visitors. There is also a large greenhouse where herbs, vines, and perennials grow. The entire garden was created from the designs of a Zen Buddhist monk. They took inspiration from the 14th Dalai Lama who visited and blessed the garden.
5. Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library, Delaware
Located in Winterthur and first established in 1951. The property is 60-acres and is owned by Henry Francis du Pont. Marian Cruger Coffin designed the stunning layouts of the gardens. The property offers so much more than beautiful gardens as it is also the sight of a museum and library.
It features several works of art, beautiful decor, and rare and unique books. Enjoy a fun yet educational experience in American history and beautiful garden displays. The stunning walkways lead to incredible displays and exhibits of several plant species.
4. Santa Fe Botanical Garden, New Mexico
Location: 725 Camino Lejo Suite E, Santa Fe, NM 87505,
Phone Number: 505-471-9103
Price of admittance: Adult: N$7.00. Seniors 65+ & Active Military: N$6.00. Students with ID & Children ages 6 and above: N$5.00. Children under 6: Free.
Located on Museum Hill in Sante Fe and first established in 1987. The property is 12-acres and was designed by W. Gary Smith. The property has stunning views of the mountain landscapes. It has a rich biodiversity of the regional flora.
There are several displays and exhibits for guests to explore. For example, The Orchard Gardens is a beloved addition for visitors. Beautiful fruit trees and flower displays are seen as visitors stroll through the walkways and bridges. The garden offers a free tour where a trained tour guide can educate them on everything they are seeing.
3. Tower Hill Botanic Garden, Massachusetts
Location: 11 French Dr, Boylston, MA 01505
Phone Number: 508-869-6111
Price of admittance: Adults: $10 Seniors (65+): $7 Youth (6–18): $4 Children 5 and Under: Free. Dogs: $4
Founded in 1986, the New England garden hosts a variety of unique plant collections and exhibitions. The property is 171-acres and is managed by the Worcester County Horticultural Society. It is the third oldest horticultural society in the U.S.The garden has a large variety of ancient apples. Enjoy a double gondola ride in the Secret Graden for some real romance.
See stunning glass garden pools and fountains all decorated with beautiful sculptures. The garden takes inspiration from 18th-century style Orangerie. The wintertime is the most magical for this garden as their winter displays are the best. The Italian styled Systematic garden is a favorite amongst visitors. Guests can enjoy stunning displays with educational information.
2. Fuller Gardens, New Hampshire
Location: 10 Willow Avenue, North Hampton, NH 03862
Phone Number: 603-964-5414
Price of admittance: $9 admission fee (free for locals)
Located near the coast of New Hampshire and first established in 1958. The property is 3-acres and is currently a non-profit that benefits from the funds of its visitors. The garden is home to various horticulture that includes over 2,000 roses. Along with other varieties of annual blooms. There are a propagation house and a conservatory on the property.
The Japanese Garden is very popular as they have several stunning cultural plants and a koi pond. Guests can wander through the garden and pick from many beautiful spots for picnics. Visitors can explore all the paths of the garden and finally end up in the Garden Shop. There they can shop for the perfect memento.
1. Missouri Botanical Garden
Location: 4344 Shaw Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63110
Phone Number: 314-577-5100
Price of admittance: open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission is $12 for adults and $6 for residents of St. Louis City and County. Children 12 and younger get in free
Located in St. Louis, Missouri, and first established in 1859. The property is 79-acres un as a non-profit organization by the Fuller Foundation of New Hampshire. The garden is dependent on the funding that the visitors provide as well as other generous benefactors. It was formerly known as Shaw’s Garden. It was named after Henry Shaw who founded it. He was a well-known philanthropist in his time. The Missouri Botanical Garden Is the oldest in the country and was also named a National Historic Landmark.
The garden receives around a quarter of a million visitors each year. They have an impressive orchid collection as well as a beautiful 14-acre Japanese Garden. There are also a Victorian District, an English Woodland Garden, and a Climatron conservatory. It is home to several tropical plants from the rainforest. Visit the Café Flora or the Terrace Café where guests can enjoy a good cup of coffee or indulge in delicate snacks. There are also two little gist shops where the proprietors sell vintage and antique items.
