The Missouri Botanical Garden is one of the great gardens of America and a calm, beautiful counterpoint to the Arch and the riverfront. Founded in 1859 by Henry Shaw, a businessman who made his fortune in early St. Louis, it is among the oldest botanical gardens in continuous operation in the country and a National Historic Landmark, as well as a leading center for plant science. Its 79 acres are laid out as a series of themed gardens. The star is the Climatron, a geodesic-dome conservatory that encloses a lush tropical rainforest with waterfalls and orchids, which is the place to head on a cold or rainy day. Outside, the Japanese Garden is one of the largest of its kind in North America, with a lake, islands, bridges and stone lanterns, and there are also Chinese, English woodland and Victorian gardens, a maze, rose and herb gardens and Henry Shaw’s own country house. Families can visit the children’s garden, which has a small extra charge for kids. Free guided walking tours run daily. This page links to the Garden’s own admission ticket on Viator, rated 4.8 from 58 reviews.
How to visit: the Garden is at 4344 Shaw Boulevard in the Shaw neighborhood, south of Forest Park and a short drive from downtown, with free parking on site. The Viator listing is the Garden’s own mobile admission ticket with instant confirmation, so you can skip the entrance queue, and it can be cancelled free up to 24 hours ahead. It covers general admission, not the special ticketed festivals such as the winter light show. Children’s Garden access is free for adults and carries a small fee for children aged 3 to 12; some outdoor areas are seasonal, so check what is open in winter. Food, drinks and a tram tour can be bought on site.
What to expect: paths are wide and level, and the Garden is wheelchair and stroller accessible, but the grounds are large, so wear comfortable shoes. In November the outdoor gardens move into their autumn and winter look, while the Climatron stays warm and green all year.
Making the most of it: start in the Climatron, walk around the Japanese Garden lake, and join one of the free daily guided walks for the stories behind the collections. Allow two to three hours, or longer if you want lunch on site and time in the children’s garden.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided walk through 79 acres of themed gardens and the Climatron rainforest dome, with optional free guided walks.
Best time
A weekday morning for quiet paths, or a cold or wet afternoon spent mostly inside the warm Climatron.
How long
Two to three hours, longer with lunch and the children’s garden.
Tips
Book the Garden’s own ticket to skip the queue, use the free parking, and note that festival events such as the light show need a separate ticket.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Garden lovers, couples, photographers and families who want a calm half day away from downtown.
- Families
- The children’s garden and the rainforest dome are favorites, and the paths suit strollers.
- Couples
- Walk the Japanese Garden lake and its bridges in the soft late-afternoon light.
- Pair with
- The Saint Louis Art Museum in Forest Park, or the food and history tour in the Central West End.
- Time needed
- Half a day.
Good questions
How big is the Missouri Botanical Garden?+
The Garden covers 79 acres of themed gardens, including a fully enclosed tropical rainforest in the Climatron. Allow at least two hours to see the highlights.
Is there parking at the Missouri Botanical Garden?+
Yes, parking is free on site. The Garden is on Shaw Boulevard, a short drive from downtown and Forest Park.
Does the ticket include the children’s garden?+
Adults enter the children’s garden free, while children aged 3 to 12 pay a small extra fee. Some outdoor areas are seasonal, so check what is open in winter.
Does the admission ticket include the light show or festivals?+
No, the general admission ticket is not valid for special festivals such as the winter light show. Those events need their own ticket.
Are there guided tours of the Garden?+
Yes, free guided walking tours are offered daily. A tram tour can also be bought on site.
