It’s something St. Louisans have long known, but now it’s national news. The Missouri Botanical Garden has been named one of the best botanical gardens in the United States by Martha Stewart, earning recognition for its beauty, history, and cultural impact.
Ranked #4 in the nation through the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, the Garden stands alongside some of the most celebrated horticultural destinations in the country. The full top 10 includes:
- Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
- Longwood Gardens
- Lauritzen Gardens
- Missouri Botanical Garden
- Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
- Botanica Wichita
- Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
- Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens
- Desert Botanical Garden
- Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
Founded in 1859, the Missouri Botanical Garden is one of the oldest botanical institutions in the United States and spans nearly 80 acres in the heart of the city. Its impact goes far beyond its grounds—it is a global leader in plant science, conservation, and education.
Visitors experience a remarkable range of landscapes, from the iconic Climatron—a geodesic dome housing a tropical rainforest—to Seiwa-en, one of the largest Japanese gardens in North America. Seasonal displays, historic architecture, and curated plant collections create a setting that feels both immersive and ever-evolving.
For St. Louis, recognition like this reinforces what makes the city distinct. And for those visiting, it places the Missouri Botanical Garden firmly among the country’s must-see destinations.
