Quick Facts:
Location – Saint Louis, MO
Hours – Open Monday- Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Check website for special hours and Children’s Garden hours
Cost – $12 adults (ages 13 & over), free for children under 12
It’s possible that even with 45,000 members, many Saint Louis residents are unaware that one of the world’s greatest, and surely one of America’s top botanical gardens sits right in the middle of their city. Located in the Shaw neighborhood of Saint Louis, Missouri, the 79 acre Missouri Botanical Garden (MOBOT) mends history with the future of horticulture. Founded by Henry Shaw in 1859, the Garden has evolved into a highly-respected resource for botanical knowledge, research, and education. Rich in history, education, and family fun, it’s no surprise MOBOT has attracted millions of visitors from all over the world. If you haven’t been, here are just a few reasons you should add it to your list.
1. Experience more than 150 years of history –
What started as the realization of Henry Shaw’s vision to create a beautiful, horticulturally significant space around his home for his neighbors to enjoy, today serves as a point of convergence for garden enthusiasts, cultural buffs, thousands of families, and even history aficionados. A National Historic Landmark, the Missouri Botanical Garden is the oldest functioning botanical garden in North America and home to the oldest public greenhouse west of the Mississippi. There aren’t a lot of American botanical gardens that boast such a historical component. Take advantage of MOBOT’s rich history by visiting the Garden’s Victorian district and Linnaean House, touring Shaw’s country home, and taking in the beauty he envisioned more than 150 years ago.
2. Encounter the world’s gardens, all in one place –
The Missouri Botanical Garden honors many of world’s most famous garden design styles with five international gardens including its 14-acre Japanese Garden, (celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2017). MOBOT also hosts twenty formal and family gardens including Azalea, Boxwood, and Rose gardens all beautiful and not-to-be-missed. Experience the rainforest inside the Climatron, the only dome-like structure of MOBOT’s three conservatories. With all there is to see and experience, one day around the garden could feel like a trip around the world.
3. Escape the routine with the whole family –
The Doris A. Schnuck Children’s Garden is a two-acre learning center and playground located within the Missouri Botanical Garden for young horticulturalists, explorers, and good old-fashioned fun-loving kids. Themed after the time of its founder, kids are transported to 19th century frontier days for hands-on learning among caves, slides, and treehouses. Creating a space for parents to share their passion for horticulture with their children within the Garden grounds is something many members and visitors truly appreciate.
We hope this quick list of the best features of the Missouri Botanical Garden has inspired you to visit one of our favorite Gardens of the World. If you have visited the Missouri Botanical Garden, or plan to soon, please let us know what you loved the most about it either on our Facebook page.
Stats via: http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/
