Tucked into the heart of St. Louis’s historic Shaw neighborhood, the Missouri Botanical Garden is a lush, living museum where Victorian charm meets tropical wonder. From strolling beneath twinkling lights at Garden Glow to marveling at cacti in the Arid House or wandering the serene paths of the Japanese Garden, there’s magic to be found in every season. One of the Garden’s crown jewels is the Climatron, a soaring glass dome that houses a misty, exotic rainforest complete with waterfalls, palms, and orchids – offering a taste of the tropics in every weather. Whether you’re chasing blooms, discovering rare plants, or just soaking up the serenity, this 79-acre oasis offers the perfect blend of nature, history, and artistry, with thoughtful touches and surprises waiting around every bend.

📚 Rooted in History

• 🌱 Founded in 1859 by English philanthropist Henry Shaw as both a public green space and a center for scientific research and education
• 🏛️ Recognized as the oldest continuously operating botanical garden in the U.S.
• ⭐ Designated a National Historic Landmark
• 🏡 Built adjacent to Shaw’s Victorian estate, Tower Grove House, which still stands today
• 🧪 Over time, it grew into a world-renowned center for botanical science, conservation, and horticultural excellence

📍 Where to Plant Yourself

• Nestled in the historic Shaw neighborhood, just off I-44 making it easily accessible
• You’ll know you’re close when things start looking extra green

🌟 Garden Highlights & Delights

• 🌴 Climatron – Step into the dome and into the jungle
• 🌵 Shoenberg Arid House – A desert dream full of cacti and succulents
• 🎋 Japanese Garden – Tranquil paths, koi ponds, and photo-worthy views
• 🏡 Tower Grove House – Henry Shaw’s Victorian home, especially dreamy during the holidays
• 🎄 Garden Glow – A winter wonderland of 2 million+ lights (Nov–Jan)
• 🧭 Hedge Maze & Observatory – Glows up during the holidays, too!
• 🖼️ Sachs Museum – Rotating exhibits in a gorgeous red-brick setting

🎟️ Ticket to Grow

• Adults: $16
• Children (12 & under): Free
• St. Louis City/County Residents: Free on Wednesdays & Saturdays (7am–12pm), discounted during regular times
• Special Events (like Garden Glow): Additional cost; timed-entry tickets recommended
• 💡 Proof of residency required for discounts
• 🎟️ Buy tickets online in advance: Especially for Garden Glow, purchasing online helps skip the line and guarantees your entry time

💡Tips to Blossom Your Visit

• 🕰️ Arrive Early: The Garden is most peaceful in the morning, and parking fills quickly during special events and weekends.
• 🅿️ Parking: Free parking is available in the main lot, with overflow lots at Shaw & Vandeventer. Street parking can also be found nearby – just watch for signs.
• 📸 Bring a Camera: From the Japanese Garden to the glass sculptures, the photo ops are endless – especially during spring bloom or when the lights are twinkling at Garden Glow.
• 🍝 Fuel Up: The Sassafras Café offers garden-fresh meals, snacks, and drinks. Or head to The Hill nearby for authentic Italian fare (try toasted raviolis) after your visit.

🌼 Our Blooming Adventures

No matter the season, the Missouri Botanical Garden blooms with something magical. From the soft blush of spring tulips and irises to the golden rustle of autumn leaves, nature puts on a show year-round. Summer paints the ponds with whimsical lily pads, while winter wraps the garden in a twinkling cloak for the beloved Garden Glow – a luminous wonderland of over two million lights that dances through the dark. It’s our favorite time to visit with family, and it holds a special place in our hearts – Scott’s brother even got engaged under the glow of those sparkling lights! Throughout the year, the garden also hosts joyful gatherings like the Japanese Festival, Chinese Culture Days, and the Whitaker Music Festival, each bursting with colorful traditions, mouthwatering bites, and lively performances that turn every visit into a celebration of the senses. Every corner offers something new to discover… and if you’re ready to explore, here’s a map to guide your adventure.

🌴 Climatron

The Climatron is an absolute must-visit – the world’s first geodesic dome greenhouse, it shelters a lush, steamy tropical rainforest that feels worlds away from St. Louis. Towering palms, cascading waterfalls, and exotic blooms transport you to a jungle paradise, all beneath the shimmering curves of its iconic glass dome. The bridge is an iconic spot for pictures which captures the tropical beauty and phenomenal dome architecture. Just outside, the the lily pond has become a favorite photo spot, perfectly framing the Climatron’s architectural marvel with the serene elegance of floating lily pads and blooming lotuses.

🌵 Shoenberg Arid House

The newly reopened Shoenberg Arid House – formerly the Temperate House – is a stunning showcase of desert beauty. Stepping inside feels like entering another world, where towering cacti, spiky agaves, and plump succulents thrive beneath a canopy of warm, dry air and filtered sunlight. I was genuinely amazed by the sheer variety of species on display – it’s the most cacti I’ve ever seen in one place. From miniature pincushions to massive saguaro-like giants, the Arid House offers a dramatic contrast to the lush tropical Climatron, highlighting the Garden’s incredible botanical diversity.

🎋 Japanese Garden

The Japanese Garden is a tranquil masterpiece – one of the largest of its kind in North America – where every element feels thoughtfully placed and serenely balanced. We love to meander along the winding wooden and stone paths that encircle the central lake, taking in the reflections of koi, lanterns, and gracefully arched trees. Though visitors can no longer cross the bridge to the central island, it remains a breathtaking focal point – its arch creating a picture-perfect backdrop that captures the garden’s timeless beauty. It’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and lose track of time.

🇨🇳 Chinese Garden

The pagoda stands as a striking focal point within the Chinese Garden, its elegant silhouette rising above the landscape like a symbol of harmony and reflection. Framed by stone pathways, it offers not just a visual anchor, but a peaceful place to pause and take in the surrounding beauty. Whether viewed from the bridge or beneath its shaded eaves, the pagoda brings a quiet sense of balance to the garden’s timeless design.

🏡 Tower Grove House

Tower Grove House, the beautifully restored Victorian-era residence of Henry Shaw, offers a charming glimpse into the garden’s storied past. While lovely year-round, it becomes especially enchanting during Garden Glow, when it’s adorned with twinkling lights and festive Victorian holiday décor. The warm glow from its windows, paired with wreaths, garlands, and period embellishments, makes it feel like a scene straight from a holiday postcard – nostalgic, cozy, and utterly magical.

Linnean House

The Linnean House is a stately brick conservatory that holds the title of the oldest continuously operating greenhouse west of the Mississippi River. Originally built in 1882 to house tropical palms and fruiting plants, today it offers a warm, fragrant retreat filled with camellias, alstroemeria, citrus trees, and seasonal blooms. Its historic charm and elegant architecture make it a quiet favorite among visitors seeking a peaceful escape.

🖼️ Victorian Garden and Sachs Museum

The Stephen and Peter Sachs Museum, with its striking red brick façade and grand arched windows, serves as a stately backdrop to the Victorian Garden. Inside, it hosts rotating exhibits that explore the intersection of botany, art, and culture, often drawing from the Garden’s rich historical collections. Whether you’re stepping inside to learn something new or simply admiring its elegant exterior, the Sachs Museum adds a layer of intellectual curiosity and architectural beauty to the heart of the Garden.

🧭 Observatory and Maze

The Observatory is a hidden gem nestled within the Garden’s landscape – a graceful structure framed by greenery and charm. Surrounding it is a delightful hedge maze, inviting visitors of all ages to wander, laugh, and perhaps get a little lost. While lovely in the daylight, the maze becomes especially enchanting during Garden Glow, when twinkling lights weave through the hedges and cast a magical glow over the entire area, turning it into a playful, glowing labyrinth under the stars.

🌱 Center for Home Gardening & Herring House

I always enjoy wandering through the Center for Home Gardening, where each visit feels like a mini treasure hunt – I love seeing how many plants, herbs, and veggies I can identify, and there’s always something new to discover. Nearby, the Herring House, once the residence of the Garden’s groundskeeper, is a storybook-like cottage that we never pass without admiring. Its charm adds to the Garden’s fairytale feel. During special exhibitions, colorful glass sculptures are thoughtfully placed throughout the grounds, bringing a striking, artistic contrast to the natural beauty. And of course, I can never resist the call of an arched pathway, especially if it’s draped with dangling blooms or ripening fruit – those are the moments that feel utterly magical.

🎄 Garden Glow

One of the Garden’s most beloved seasonal traditions is the Garden Glow, held annually from mid-November through early January. During this time, the entire Garden is transformed into a breathtaking winter wonderland, with over two million twinkling lights casting a magical glow across pathways, trees, and historic buildings. It’s a truly enchanting experience – we love bundling up and wandering through the glowing displays with family, sipping hot cocoa and soaking in the festive spirit. It’s become one of our favorite ways to celebrate the holiday season.

💍 Engagement

The Garden Glow was made even more special by a cherished memory: Scott’s brother, Daniel, got engaged beneath the twinkling lights at the pavilion, creating a moment as magical as the setting itself. Scott’s best friend Sheldon also got engaged here, so it’s definitely a magical place!