Missouri Botanical Garden

The Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis is one of the oldest and most respected botanical institutions in North America, founded in 1859 by businessman Henry Shaw. Its 79 acres encompass more than 6,800 plant species across a range of themed garden rooms, making it simultaneously a scientific research institution and one of Missouri's premier visitor attractions. The centerpiece is the Climatron, a geodesic dome conservatory housing a lush tropical rainforest environment with waterfalls, free-roaming birds, and rare tropical plant collections maintained at year-round warmth and humidity. The Japanese Garden — the largest traditional Japanese garden in North America outside of Japan — covers 14 acres with a central lake, stone lanterns, zigzag bridges, and seasonal cherry blossoms that draw large crowds each April. The historic Linnean House, the oldest continuously operating greenhouse west of the Mississippi River, grows camellias and other temperate plants. The Children's Garden provides interactive water features and plant-based discovery stations for families. Seasonal highlights include the spring tulip and daffodil displays along the main axis, the summer rose garden peaking in June, and the Japanese Garden's fall foliage in October and November. The Garden also hosts an annual Garden Glow holiday lights event in November and December that extends operating hours and transforms the grounds into an illuminated winter landscape. Midweek mornings are the least crowded time to visit; Saturday afternoons in spring and fall are the busiest. The on-site restaurant and café serve lunch and light refreshments, and a tram tour is available for visitors who prefer not to walk the full grounds.