The Missouri Botanical Garden: Vibrant Plant Life and Architecture in St. Louis
The St. Louis area offers no shortage of vibrant outdoor attractions, from the world-class attractions of Forest Park to shopping districts of all shapes and sizes. Amidst all the options is another St. Louis gem, located not far from Forest Park and in easy reach of regional interstates. Dating back to the 19th century, the Missouri Botanical Garden is a trove of diverse plant life amidst some terrific buildings and other structures. It’s also part of a larger network of spaces that includes the Sachs Butterfly House and the Shaw Nature Reserve.
Getting There
The Missouri Botanical Garden (Google Maps link) sits just a short distance south of I-44 in the Tower Grove area south of Forest Park and west of downtown. We find it easiest to take 44 to Kingshighway south, then turn left onto Shaw Boulevard. Depending on where you’re coming from, some people may prefer to take I-64 to Kingshighway south.
Parking
There is a main parking lot on the north side of the property immediately off of Shaw Blvd. There are also overflow lots on the northwest and northeast corners of Shaw and Vandeventer, about a block away. All of the parking lots are free.
Costs and Considerations
The Garden is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with last entry at 3:30 p.m. Some buildings close before 4 p.m.
The Garden is open every day of the year except for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
In 2026, normal admission is $16 for ages 13 and up, $6 for St. Louis City and St. Louis County residents, and $4 for area seniors 65 and up with proof of residency. Admission is free to members. Groups may be able to get discounted rates. In addition, certain events like the wintertime Garden Glow may have additional ticket prices.
On Wednesdays and Saturdays, the Garden operates a couple of perks for St. Louis City and St. Louis County residents. One is early walking hours from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. A second perk is free admission from 7 a.m. to noon. Residents can also get free admission to the Children’s Garden on Saturdays. Free tickets are walk-up only and can’t be reserved in advance.
Things to Do
There is a lot to see at the Botanical Garden. Most of it can be found outdoors, but there are indoor spaces, too. Major attractions include, but are not limited to:
- The Visitor Center. Recently renovated, the Jack C. Taylor Visitor Center is a spacious hub for people entering the Garden. Here you can find the information desk, auditorium, restrooms, and other amenities. There is a large gift shop selling souvenirs, and there’s a combination cafe and restaurant for both grab-and-go and quick-serve fare.
- Linnean House. Located just beyond and to the left of the Visitor Center, this landmark brick building houses a number of specimens.
- Climatron. This domed enclosure plays host to a number of exotic tropical plants.
- Arid House. The Shoenberg Arid House is the place to find plants native to dry climates. The Arid House is connected to the Climatron by way of the kid-friendly Edward Jones Hall, which has hands-on activities for younger ones.
- Lichtenstein Victorian District. This collection of vintage homes, gardens, and even a mausoleum dots the west end of the property. Some of the homes are open to the public at limited times, while others are not.
- Children’s Garden. The Doris I. Schnuck Children’s Garden is open seasonally and has lots for kids to explore. There is an additional cost depending on the day.
- Seiwa-en, Japanese Garden. One of the largest and most iconic spaces in the Garden, the Japanese Garden wraps around a lake along the southwest corner of the property.
Our Thoughts
The Missouri Botanical Garden is one of the more low-key major attractions in St. Louis. It doesn’t have, say, the thrills of Six Flags, the wild animal life of the Zoo, or the flashy exhibits of the Science Center.
But don’t sleep on it. We’ve visited MOBOT a number of times over the years, and we’ve found it to be a terrific space to roam. We love taking in the plant life, and there is just enough interpretive material to make it educational, too.
What’s more, the combination of indoor and outdoor spaces make it a great place to go during all times of year. You can stroll the grounds during the day, or visit during select holiday events at night. As an added bonus, St. Louis City and St. Louis County residents can get in for free on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and at a discount other days of the week.
If you’re looking for a place to soak in nature and architecture, and learn some along the way, we think the Garden is a must-see in St. Louis.
