For plant and nature lovers, entering a botanical garden can be a magical experience. These institutions are dedicated to propagating, preserving, and displaying a wide variety of flowers, trees, and more. If you want to experience the best gardens that the United States has to offer, there is no need to do your own research. We did the legwork and collected the cream of botanical experiences below!
Table of Contents
1. Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Location: Alabama.
The Birmingham Botanical Gardens welcomed its first visitors in 1963. Today, nature lovers can visit more than 30 gardens, each with a theme. Stretched out over a vast area, it will take more than a few days for you to explore everything that this institute has to offer! Interestingly, Birmingham Botanical Gardens is also home to America’s biggest horticultural library which is open to the public. So if you’re a bookworm too, then definitely make a plan to visit this site.
2. Desert Botanical Garden
Location: Arizona.
Are you more of a cactus-hugger than a tropical fiend? Then the Desert Botanical Garden in Arizona is a special treat. Here, you can explore a surprising number of plant species that flourish in dry and desert conditions. You’ll get the opportunity to gaze at over 50,000 plants in the garden’s collection that reflects ecosystems from Arizona, Australia, California, and South America. The garden also offers walking trails, art exhibitions, and educational events.
3. Botanical Garden of the Ozarks
Location: Arkansas.
Compared to other US gardens, the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks is relatively new. First opened in 2007, it offers visitors 6 acres of 12 themed gardens. One garden, in particular, is devoted to plant species that are native to the Ozark region and if you’re more interested in plants that attract pollinators, then don’t hesitate to visit the stunning Butterfly Garden! There, you will also find Arkansas’s only butterfly house.
4. Denver Botanic Gardens
Location: Colorado.
The Denver Botanic Gardens opened in 1951 and is probably the greenest spot in the city! This botanical garden is famous for owning America’s biggest collection of cold climate plants. Beyond this impressive feat, the location also offers visitors several gardens that reflect biomes of the western world plus ornamental Eastern gardens like the Japanese Garden and the Tea Garden. Bonsai lovers can also visit the fascinating Bill Hosokawa Bonsai Pavilion to view the best miniature marvels of the tree world. There are also shady gardens, water gardens, and native Colorado flower gardens.
5. University of Delaware Botanic Gardens
Location: Delaware.
Looking for a free experience? Head on over to the University of Delaware Gardens where the staff is dedicated to plant-related education and research. Spread across 15 acres, you can immerse yourself in the beauty and wonder of 11 themed gardens, which include many tree species. The oldest garden, the Clark Garden, first opened in the 1960s and contains some of the collection’s oldest plants. The site also offers a trail known for its butterflies.
6. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
Location: Florida.
If you are dedicated to visiting the top botanical gardens, then this site is a must! This center is among Florida’s biggest and oldest botanical gardens. After opening in 1938, the Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden grew into a lush and stunning attraction. Today, this 83-acre garden is a paradise that holds the only rainforest in the United States.
In other words, you don’t have to travel to some far-off country to see a rainforest, simply visit the Fairchild Garden’s two-acre plot that brims with species from the Amazon rainforest! Furthermore, you can also view the world’s biggest collection of bamboo, over 700 tropical trees, and plenty of rare or newly-discovered species.
7. McBryde Garden
Location: Hawaii.
Consisting of 200 acres of lush foliage and beautiful blooms, the McBryde Garden is not a standalone site. It’s linked to the National Tropical Botanical Garden’s network in Florida and Hawaii. Located in the Lawai Valley, you have to make an appointment to visit but this small inconvenience is worth it – especially if you want to learn more about Hawaii’s indigenous plants. Indeed, the McBryde Garden has a massive native plant collection for you to explore.
8. Chicago Botanic Garden
Location: Illinois.
When we call this garden a slice of heaven, we are not exaggerating. There are stunning scenes along footpaths, flanked by water and weeping willows. The Chicago Botanic Garden can also boast about its size. It ranks among the biggest horticultural institutions located in the Midwest. The garden’s 385 acres opened to visitors for the first time in 1972. Today, researchers still use the premises to study plants and educate students. Some of the most fascinating areas you can visit are the Dixon Prairie which recreates 6 different prairie habitats, and the Heritage Garden which preserves Illinois’s indigenous plants.
9. Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Location: Iowa.
Going back all the way to 1979, this lovely center is divided into indoor gardens, a geodesic conservatory dome, and a group of outdoor gardens. The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is a must if you want to experience as many plants as possible. The site is home to over 1,000 taxonomic groups of arid and tropical plants. There is something for everyone. Rose fanciers can visit the Wells Fargo Rose Garden and if you love running streams, head on over to the Water garden. Other great features include seasonal exhibits, natural Iowa landscapes, and displays of rare species.
10. The American Rose Center Gardens
Location: Louisiana.
This garden is a dream come true for anyone who appreciates roses. The Garden of the American Rose Center consists of 118 acres where you can explore more than 20,000 rose bushes that are always kept in immaculate order. Also acting as the American Rose Society’s headquarters, the center is aptly the biggest park dedicated to roses in the US. Visitors can view different types of roses including hybrid tea roses, heritage varieties, and cute miniature roses too! The site also includes walking trails and the ever-popular Dudley Watkins Reflection Pool.
11. Matthaei Botanical Gardens
Location: Michigan.
This botanical wonderland first opened in 1907 and has been researching and conserving plants ever since. Run by the University of Michigan, the site consists of themed gardens and a massive conservatory, totaling an area of 300 acres. When the weather is rainy, you can enjoy the indoor specimens within the 10,000 ft² conservatory where you can explore biomes from tropical, temperate, and dry climates. Otherwise, the themed gardens highlight categories like Michigan’s native plants (including rare species on display), a restored prairie, medicinal plants, and a stunning rock garden.
12. Crosby Arboretum
Location: Mississippi.
Are you looking for something a little different? Well, the Crosby Arboretum might be a good choice if you want to explore aquatic plants and bogs! Operated by Mississippi State University, the site has blossomed into one of the best botanical institutions in the South. The 700 acres include the famous Pinecote Pavilion and seven areas representing different native habitats. Some of these gardens display native water plants and several kinds of bogs.
13. Tizer Botanic Gardens and Arboretum
Location: Montana.
Sure, the Tizer Botanical Garden won’t win the prize for being one of the biggest gardens. But this small gem remains popular with the public because of its incredible beauty. Tizer is not just the only full-time botanical garden in Montana but also among the only three US arboretums that have been internationally accredited. Located in the Elkhorn mountains, the site consists of six acres and several gardens. Put this arboretum on your list if you love pollinators because they have an amazing Butterfly and Hummingbird Garden! You can also visit the Rose Garden, Shade Garden, and Meditation Garden among others.
14. Las Vegas Spring Preserve Botanical Garden
Location: Nevada.
This site is another great choice for those who adore desert and arid biomes. The botanical garden’s specialty is a collection of plants that are indigenous to the Mojave Desert. You can expect quality displays since their cacti and succulent collection is nationally recognized and accredited. The garden also propagates many of its specimens from seed which helps to conserve several species. As a true desert fan, you might also appreciate the fact that one section goes beyond the US and display desert plants from all over the world! If some of your family are not cactus-huggers, they can still enjoy the Vegetable Garden, Wildlife Garden, Palm Garden, and the fun Teaching Garden.
15. ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden
Location: New Mexico.
This park can certainly offer you a glimpse into other parts of the world. While the 36-acre site has a collection of plants that are native to the Southwest, its 10,000 ft² conservatory is the place to be if you want to experience some wonderful foreign flora. The conservatory has two zones and one highlights plants that globally grow in Mediterranean biomes (the second zone shows North American desert plants). The garden also has a Spanish-Moorish Garden, the Sasebo Japanese Garden, and the beautiful Curandera Garden.
16. The New York Botanical Garden
Location: New York City.
When anything is in New York City, you know things are about to go big! The New York Botanical Garden hosts over a million plants and has been receiving visitors since 1891. The site covers 250 acres of beautiful landscapes, gardens, water features, and buildings. Speaking of which, you’ll find the LuEsther T. Mertz Library here as well, home to one of the biggest botanical text collections in the world. Other attractions include the Native Plant Garden, The Azalea Garden, and the Conifer Arboretum. The NYBG is also the place to visit if you love displays of orchids, daffodils, aquatic plants, and cherries.
17. Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Location: Ohio.
This stunning conservatory first opened its doors in 1895 and remains one of Ohio’s most frequented botanical gardens. You can meet over 400 species of plants from different ecosystems but the most popular include the Tropical Rainforest biome, the Himalayan Mountain biome, and the Desert biome.
18. Memphis Botanical Garden
Location: Tennessee.
This botanical garden is perfect for anyone who wants to explore plenty of themed gardens! Indeed, the Memphis Botanical Garden offers 23 amazing themed areas and an arboretum spread across 96 acres. You’ll be busy all day! You are also in for a special treat if you love natural remedies. The site’s Herb Garden is home to 500 types of herbs. Rose lovers can trawl the Rose Garden. If you love insects, head on over to the Beekeepers Garden and the Pollinator Garden. The Japanese Garden is also a popular destination due to its tranquility and beauty.
19. Washington Park Arboretum
Location: Washington State.
Spread across much of Washington Park in Seattle, this 230-acre delight also has several themed gardens for visitors to explore. If you don’t know where to begin, you cannot go wrong with the arboretum’s biggest attraction and that is their spring bloom exhibition of the Azalea Way. Another suggestion would be the Pacific Connections Garden. There you will encounter a treasure trove of Pacific plants that are indigenous to countries like China, Chile, and Australia. The Pacific Garden even allows you to explore 2.5 acres of New Zealand forest! Furthermore, you can look forward to stunning collections of flowers, trees, and a Japanese Garden.
20. United States Botanic Garden
Location: Washington D.C.
If you’re planning a trip to Washington, then don’t hesitate to make a turn at the United States Botanic Garden. George Washington started the garden in 1820, making it the oldest ongoing botanic garden in America. You can expect to see more than 65,000 plants organized into fascinating areas such as the Primeval Garden, the Desert collection, the Tropical collection, a Rose Garden, and plants that are indigenous to the Mid-Atlantic.
FAQ
Q: Are US botanical gardens free to enter?
This depends on which US botanical garden you are going to visit. Some are completely free to the public but others charge an entry fee to help support their research and maintenance of the park. It’s best to call ahead of time to find out whether you need to pay a fee or not.
Q: How will I know which plants I’m looking at when I visit a botanical garden?
Most botanical gardens want you to learn more about the plants you view. For this reason, there will be a signboard near the flower, tree, or display that you are looking at that will give you more information about these species.
Q: Why are botanical gardens important?
Botanical gardens are conservation powerhouses. They research, protect, and propagate plants – especially threatened species – to ensure that the public not only learns more about plants but that future generations can also enjoy them.
Q: What makes a garden a botanical garden?
Not all public gardens are botanical. In order to be a botanical garden, it must also culture, propagate, research, and display special plants.
Q: Am I allowed to have a picnic at a botanical garden?
Most botanical gardens do not allow picnics because it causes littering. But there might be a garden near you that allows you to bring your own lunch so call ahead and find out what their policies are on picnics before you visit.
