Missouri Botanical Garden: Everything You Need to Know

Whether you are a St Louis resident or just a visitor, the Missouri Botanical is a place you must visit. It is a magical place to build your knowledge with education by exploring different garden grounds to share knowledge with others.

You can see an orchid show, explore different indoor plants, or relax at the Sassafras café. The gardens have something for young and old to enjoy.

A National Historic Landmark

The mission of the Missouri Botanical is to discover and share outdoor plant knowledge with St. Louis residents and visitors. They also preserve and enrich life with the gorgeous displays people can find throughout the grounds.

The garden, founded in 1859, is the nation’s oldest botanical garden with continuous operation. It is an oasis in St. Louis, spreading over 79 acres with horticultural displays. The Japanese garden spreads over 14 acres and hosts a yearly Japanese festival.

It is a place families can visit to have fun and learn how the garden protects and conserves plants through conservation, education, and science. One thing is true the Missouri Botanical Garden’s mission is seen throughout the entire place.

The Missouri Botanical has two more properties outside the city limits the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House in Chesterfield Faust Park and the Shaw Nature Reserve found in Gray Summit.

Things to Know Before Going To Missouri Botanical Garden

Before you experience the Missouri Botanical, it helps to plan your trip to make the most of this gorgeous garden.

Hours and Admission

The National Historic Landmark opens from Tuesday to Sunday at 9 am and closes at 4 pm. The garden is closed on Mondays, and the holiday house from November 15 to January 8 is open from 9 am to 4 pm.

A fantastic thing is you can book your e-tickets in advance with the park online for guaranteed access. The Saint Louis garden general admission for ages 13 and up is $14. Members get entry free, and the St Louis resident rate with proof of residency is $6.

Children under the age of 12 get entry free. At the Missouri Botanical Garden, you can arrange school programs/trips to group tours and easily book online in advance.

Parking

The world’s leading garden is open daily except on Mondays and is easily accessible from the city center near Highway 44. The address is 4344 Shaw Boulevard. The parking is free, and if there is no parking available, you can use the free parking at the overflow lots at the corner of South Vandeventer and Shaw Boulevard.

So, make sure to plan your trip, as there are many attractions for visitors to explore in this beautiful environment.

Top Attractions in Missouri Botanical

The Missouri Botanical Garden is a magical horticultural display in South St Louis with a world culture that will keep children and adults entertained. Here are some of the top attractions found in the botanical gardens.

Japanese Garden

The Japanese garden presents visitors with history, culture, and symbolism throughout the gardens. You see the garden as an art with the lake, statues, plants, flowers, and more. Here you see different garden styles with waterfalls, islands, beaches, to gravel.

The main attraction is the four-acre lake with a wet stroll garden and four islands within the water mass. On one island, you have a teahouse where the Shinto ceremony is performed. In addition, you see traditional bridges with lanterns on the paths.

Other main attractions you must also explore are the Chinese garden, Tower Grove House, English Woodland Garden, Ottoman Garden, and home gardening offered at the magical place. You can visit the Chinese culture days at the Chinese garden to learn more about their culture.

Children’s Garden

The children’s gardens are closed for the season and spread over two acres. At this victorian district, kids can enjoy the interactive themes of venturing into a limestone cave or gliding down Spelunker’s Slide into the wetlands.

There is a steamboat with tree houses to explore and a splash pad for the warmer days.

Climatron

Explore the tropical rainforest inside Climatron with its dense foliage with native huts and sparkling waterfalls to rocky cliffs. There are exotic fish with a bridge to view plants from above. Inside this spectacular dome, you find thousands of tropical species that is climate controlled and conserved.

Linnean House

The Linnean House is the oldest greenhouse in the Missouri Botanical Garden, with continuous operation. The greenhouse dates back to Henry Shaw when the garden initially started. Here you find sub-tropical species from around the world.

In addition, you see a display of camellia blossoms to other plant species. Another highlight is the merbaby statue found in the middle of the pool.

Sachs Museum

The Sachs Museum is the scientific heart of the Missouri Botanical Garden. Here you can view rare art to artifacts collected for centuries. The museum opens daily from Tuesday to Sunday from 11:30 am to 4:30 pm. The admissions are included with your regular garden admission.

Shop and Dine at The Missouri Botanical

The Missouri Botanical Garden has more than only plants to see and is a great place to shop and dine.

Garden Gate Shop

At the Garden Gate Shop, you can find apparel, gifts, plants, gardening resources to souvenirs. The shop is open daily from Tuesday to Sunday from 9 am to 4 pm. You need no garden admission to visit the shop.

Sassafras Restaurant and Cafe

Enjoy some brunch to lunch at the Sassafras restaurant and cafe. The cafe opens at 9 am and closes at 4:30 pm, while the restaurant opens at 10:30 am and closes at 3 pm. Here you can enjoy indoor and outdoor seating with spectacular views.

The Little Shop Around the Corner

For antique collectibles, a shop is a great place for vintage merchandise. The proceeds support garden education and research.

Garden Etiquette

The main purpose of visiting the Missouri Botanical is to enjoy yourself. Still, there are rules in place, and that is to remain on the mowed lawns and pathways. Also, leave the flowers to other vegetation alone. Neither soliciting nor music is allowed.

Photography

Personal snapshots are permitted but for any other photo shoots for weddings to commercial use, a reservation and fee are payable.

Attire to Wear

Shoes and shirts must be on at all times, and no vulgar, racist or sexist clothing is allowed. Clothing changes are not permitted for personal or photography shoots inside or outdoors. The only permitted clothing changes are for children in the restroom stalls.

 Wildlife and Pets

No pets are allowed, and only assistance animals are. You are not allowed to feed wild animals.

Picnics

You cannot picnic in the Missouri Botanical Garden except for music festivals. Neither are you allowed to bring in food from outside. Most importantly, the garden is smoke-free.