Here's Missouri's Top Outdoor Attraction … And You'll Definitely Want To Do It
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Stephanie Zeilenga
Author
Missouri is rich in natural beauty, but we also excel at more cultivated aesthetic pleasures. The Missouri Botanical Garden is arguably one of the state’s top outdoor attractions, and it’s not hard to see why. Whether you visit in the spring, summer, fall or even winter, whether it’s your first time or 100th, you’re sure to be stunned by the beauty to be found in this state gem.
Located in St. Louis, Missouri Botanical Garden was founded in 1859 by philanthropist Henry Shaw. It's not only one of the oldest botanical gardens in the U.S. but also a National Historical Landmark.
Today, it's not just a beautiful space for locals and visitors to marvel at, but it's also a renowned center of botanical conservation, research and education.
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It's also home to gorgeous Victorian architecture.
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The landmark's 79 acres include multiple formal gardens, including the 14-acre Japanese garden, the largest of its kind in the U.S. The peaceful space delights with waterfalls, islands and even a hidden Japanese tea house, closed to the public except during the garden's annual Japanese festival.
Missouri Botanical Garden includes other internationally inspired spaces, including the Chinese Garden, the Ottoman Garden and the English Woodland Garden, a canopied wood wonderland with babbling brook (and plenty of hidden benches for quiet contemplation).
One of the most spectacular parts of the garden are the bulb gardens, which burst into a riot of color in late spring.
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For kiddos, there's even a Children's Garden, which combines fun and learning to teach kids about plants and what life was like on the 19th-century frontier.
The Victorian district is home to more formal gardens, including a 'pincushion' garden made up of succulent paths and a kitchen garden with herbs, fruits and vegetables.
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Although it's fun to visit the tropical Climatron anytime, it's especially nice in winter, when you can peel off your layers and enjoy the tropical humidity.
There's also a series of demonstration gardens showcasing the latest in home gardening techniques.
During the summer, the garden hosts the Whitaker Music Festival, a series of free concerts. Many attendees enjoy picnics in the beautiful surroundings.
For the holiday season, the garden becomes utterly magical during Garden Glow, it's holiday light attraction.
Have you visited the Missouri Botanical Garden yet? What do you think? What’s your favorite outdoor attraction in Missouri?
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