Oklahoma has some incredible gardens, offering an opportunity to relax and appreciate the beauty of nature. From massive botanical gardens to hidden oases tucked away in secret corners, we’ve rounded up some of the most beautiful gardens in Oklahoma to visit.
10 Beautiful Gardens in Oklahoma
A perfect garden outing awaits you with opportunities to explore tranquil ponds, vibrant flowers, and secret pathways. Since we live in Oklahoma, my family has enjoyed personally visiting these beautiful gardens around the state.
1. Myriad Botanical Gardens, Oklahoma City
Located in the heart of downtown Oklahoma City, the Myriad Botanical Gardens is a beautiful destination for both visitors and locals. The outdoor gardens are free to visit. The Crystal Bridge Conservatory does cost to enter.
The Crystal Bridge Conservatory is a highlight of the gardens. It has been recently renovated and boasts a stunning reflection pool and a collection of new plant species.
If you are visiting with kids, you will want to head over to the Children’s Garden to find your way in the bamboo hedge maze and play on the playground. Mo’s Carousel, open seasonally, is another treat for little ones. Bring your towel and water shoes to let the kids play at Thunder Fountain during the summer months.
Be sure to venture out to the Sheridan Lawn and Wave Fountain for some outdoor relaxation. And don’t forget to visit the Tanenbaum Reflection Garden for a peaceful moment of reflection.
If you are looking for an extra special visit, check out the Myriad Botanic Gardens events during their Pumpkinville in the fall or Tulip Festival in the spring.
With so much beauty to explore, the Myriad Botanical Gardens is a true oasis in the middle of the city.
2. Tulsa Botanic Garden, Tulsa
The Tulsa Botanic Garden is a beautiful escape into nature, with a variety of gardens and trails to explore. One of the highlights of the garden is the Children’s Discovery Garden, which covers almost two acres and is filled with interactive exhibits, water features, and activities for kids.
For those more interested in flora, the floral terraces are a must-see, with over 8,000 permanent plants arranged in terraced beds on a hillside. Spring is a popular time to visit the garden to see the annually changing tulip display on the terrace.
The Cross Timbers Nature Trail is perfect for those who want to explore the natural landscape, while the Lakeside Promenade offers a scenic stroll around the seven-acre lake.
The Liberty Garden that recently opened is another stunning addition to this already impressive botanical oasis.
If you are looking for an extra special visit, check out the Tulsa Botanic Gardens during their Tulsa Botanic BLOOMS, Autumn in the Botanic Garden, or Botanic Garden of Lights annual events.
3. The Gardens at Philbrook Museum, Tulsa
Nestled in the heart of Tulsa, the Philbrook Museum boasts a breathtaking 25-acre garden. With picturesque pathways winding through meticulously curated flower beds and tranquil reflecting pools, visitors can feel transported to the rolling hills of Tuscany.
The gardens offer much more than just a stunning view, though. The Victory Garden produces fresh herbs and produce. There are areas for kids to play including a fun little obstacle course and swings scattered throughout the grounds.
And for those interested in history, there’s the Slumgullion, a full-scale log cabin built from the skeleton of a late-1800s pioneer home.
Whether you’re a garden enthusiast or simply looking for a peaceful escape, the gardens at Philbrook Museum are certainly worth a visit.
4. Will Rogers Gardens, Oklahoma City
The Will Rogers Gardens is a gem in Oklahoma City that should definitely be on your to-do list. This peaceful oasis offers a stunning array of flowers, plants, and trees, making it the perfect spot to unwind and connect with nature.
Visit the Charles E. Sparks Color Garden located between the two ponds at the gardens and be dazzled by a seasonal display of vibrant blossoms!
Explore the Margaret Annis Boys Arboretum, a sprawling ten-acre spread of trees. Discover species native to Oklahoma as well as more rare varieties. Take time to wander along winding ADA-accessible trails as you enjoy this serene area.
Step into the Ed Lycan Conservatory and you’re sure to be transported back in time. Inspired by 19th-century Victorian architecture, this glass-enclosed Lord & Burnham greenhouse has been around since 1924. It boasts one of Oklahoma’s largest collections of cacti and succulents.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, the Will Rogers Gardens is a must-visit destination.
5. Woodward Park (Tulsa Garden Center), Tulsa
Another beautiful garden in Tulsa is Woodward Park. This 45-acre park is a botanical paradise, boasting eleven expertly crafted themed gardens. From the aromatic scents of the Herb Garden to the more rugged Rock Gardens, visitors are transported to idyllic settings without ever leaving the city.
One highlight of the park is the Memorial Pavilion with a formal garden design. There are multiple expertly crafted levels to explore. The beautiful Conservatory is another highlight of the park.
One of the park’s standout features is the Linnaeus Teaching Garden, which serves as a living classroom. This part of the garden, situated on 1.55 acres, delights children with shrubs, perennials, annuals, herbs, and vegetables.
There are other dedicated garden areas to see as well as a small playground for kids to play.
Woodward Park is a true gem of midtown Tulsa. This map of Woodward Park is a good guide to make sure you see all of the different gardens within the park.
6. Lendonwood Gardens, Grove
Lendonwood Gardens in Grove consists of eight distinct gardens, each possessing its own charm and beauty.
This botanical haven is home to an impressive assortment of flora, including 25 varieties of dogwoods, 75 varieties of Japanese maples, 125 varieties of hostas, 200 varieties of conifers, and 25 varieties of viburnums. But the highlight of Lendonwood Gardens has to be the more than 500 varieties of daylilies that adorn the landscape.
Visitors can explore the serene Oriental Garden, admire the stunning Azalea Garden, see the daylilies in the Display Garden, have a seat in the English Terrace Garden, and see the local plants that thrive in the Oklahoma Garden.
Stroll through the American Backyard Garden, where you’ll find blooming flowers in every hue. Visit the Japanese Pavilion and cross over the tranquil koi pond, feeling as though you’ve been transported to another continent. And don’t forget to stop by the Angel of Hope Garden, a peaceful sanctuary where you can reflect and honor the memories of lost loved ones.
Whether you’re a nature lover, a photographer, or simply in need of a peaceful retreat, Lendonwood Gardens is a wonderful garden to visit.
7. Honor Heights Park, Muskogee
Honor Heights Park is a beautiful natural gem located in Muskogee. Covering 132 acres, this park is a haven for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy the beauty of Mother Nature.
The park boasts a wide array of gardens, ranging from the fragrant Rose Garden to the diverse Native Tree Collection. Visitors can also stroll through the Azalea Garden or explore one of the three trails that lead through the park.
Another attraction in the park is the Papilion Butterfly House open daily from Mother’s Day weekend through September 30. Honor Heights Park is free to visit, but there is a small fee for the butterfly house.
During Christmas time, Honor Heights Park is transformed into a spectacular light show that can be experienced by driving through.
8. The Formal Garden and Botanic Garden at OSU, Stillwater
Oklahoma State University prides itself on its gardens and landscaping around the campus. There is an entire list of the campus gardens and public art. Two particularly stunning areas are the Formal Garden and the Botanic Garden.
The Formal Garden, located just outside of the student union, is a meticulously designed space that boasts a symmetrical layout of perfectly trimmed hedges, elegant fountains, and vibrant flowers in bloom.
Just a short drive from Oklahoma State University lies the stunning 100-acre Botanic Garden. Wander through the walking trails and take in the beauty of the display gardens. It’s a peaceful escape, where you can enjoy a wide variety of plants.
If you find yourself in Stillwater, make sure to visit the beautiful gardens at Oklahoma State University.
9. Gilcrease Museum Gardens, Tulsa
The gardens at the Gilcrease Museum in Tulsa are gorgeous and provide a peaceful space. Covering 23 acres, visitors can explore various themed gardens. The Victorian Garden, complete with beautifully fragrant wisteria, is a highlight.
The rock-lined paths of the Rock Garden are unique with pockets of flowers and grasses springing up in the small areas between the rocks. Or, sit at one of the benches in the formal Colonial Garden surrounded by trimmed hedges.
While the Gilcrease Museum is currently closed for reconstruction, the surrounding gardens remain open to the public.
10. Cann Memorial Gardens, Ponca City
The Cann Memorial Gardens in Ponca City leads you through displays of perennials, annuals, and herbs that surround a renovated 1908 house. Visitors can walk on brick paths and see more than 70 species of trees. The garden’s 10 acres also contain wisteria arbors, native and ornamental trees, sundials, a water garden, and two gazebos.
Gardens Membership
The American Horticultural Society offers a Reciprocal Admissions Program that provides free admission to over 345 gardens in North America. Overall it is a great program, but there is often a 90-mile exclusion enforced.
The Tulsa Botanic Garden, Lendonwood Gardens, Myriad Botanical Gardens, Philbrook Museum of Art, Will Rogers Gardens, and Tulsa Garden Center (Woodward Park) are all participants in the program.
Final Thoughts On These Gardens in Oklahoma
Oklahoma has some stunning gardens. Whether you want a picturesque place to take nature walks or a garden teeming with flowers, there is a garden here for everyone. Make sure to check out one of these beautiful gardens for yourself!
