Myriad Botanical Gardens sits in downtown Oklahoma City, between West Reno, West Sheridan, South Hudson and South Robinson avenues. The outdoor grounds are free and hold a sunken lake, walking paths, a children's garden, splash fountains and an off-leash dog park. The centerpiece is the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory, a glass cylinder over the water that holds two tropical climate zones, a waterfall and a skywalk. Inside, look for orchids, exotic fruit trees and cacti, and bring water for the heat.
Inside the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory
The conservatory is the reason most people come. It is a cylindrical glass building set over the sunken lake, and it holds thousands of tropical plants in two climate zones: a Tropical Wet Zone and a Tropical Dry Zone. One visit moves you from rainforest growth to desert-style cacti.
Inside you will find a reflecting pool, overlook terraces and a skywalk that looks down over the planting below. A 35-foot waterfall runs through the space. The displays include orchids, exotic fruit trees, endangered palm trees and a Japanese koi pond. Lizards, fish and butterflies also live in the building.
Art exhibits sit among the plants. The Discovery Room, on the second floor, is aimed at children, and it explains how rainforest plants depend on the animals and insects around them.
The conservatory went through a two-year renovation before it reopened. The newer parts include the tropical plant collections, the overlook terraces and the skywalk.
The outdoor grounds and family areas
Admission to the outdoor grounds is free. A stone staircase lined with flowers leads down toward part of the Riverwalk, and a waterfall sits beside those steps. Walking and jogging paths wind through the gardens, and one loop around the park is about a mile.
The lake holds goldfish and giant koi, with geese and ducks on the water. Families can use the children's garden and the splash fountains, and the carousel is a popular stop for younger visitors. Dogs have an off-leash dog park to run in.
The Devon Lawn and Band Shell is a one-acre green space with a sculpture at one end that doubles as a stage. It can be booked for events.
If the popsicle cart is open, its watermelon guava flavor is a good pick.
Events through the year
Concerts run on Sundays from June through August, with jazz, blues, Latin and rock among the styles. The gardens also host the Twilight Concert Series and Downtown in December.
Each summer, Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park brings one of the playwright's works to the gardens. In winter, the pond becomes an ice rink, and in fall a pumpkin patch called Pumpkinville opens. Spring brings tulips and bulb displays.
Year-round programming includes yoga, Zumba, workshops and tours, along with live music from local and regional acts. Check the event calendar before you plan a trip around a specific program.
Garden history and recent work
The park received a complete redesign in 2011. In 2015, the Urban Land Institute gave Myriad Botanical Gardens its Urban Open Space Award.
The Crystal Bridge's two-year renovation came later, and the conservatory now has new plant collections and a skywalk. Downtown residents use the grounds for picnics, dog walks and lunch breaks, so the paths are busy on weekdays.
Photos, proposals and weddings
The stone steps that climb toward the conservatory, the tiers of greenery and the cascading water make the grounds a common choice for family and couple photos. The pond reflects the surrounding buildings, which adds a city backdrop to the plants.
Proposals and weddings are common here as well, and the conservatory is a popular spot for both. The gardens' website has a photography policy, so check it before you book a shoot.
Perguntas frequentes
Is there an entry fee?
The outdoor grounds are free. The Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory charges admission, so check the current price on the official website before you go.
Is Myriad Botanical Gardens good for kids?
Yes. The grounds have a children's garden, splash fountains and a carousel, and the conservatory has a Discovery Room for children.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes. The gardens have an off-leash dog park.
Is it hot inside the conservatory?
Yes, it can be very hot inside, so bring water with you.
