Missouri Botanical Garden, Shaw Nature Reserve, and Butterfly House: A Guide
The Missouri Botanical Garden, along with its affiliated attractions – the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House and Shaw Nature Reserve – offers a diverse range of experiences for nature enthusiasts, families, and researchers alike. Located in St. Louis, Missouri, these institutions are dedicated to plant conservation, education, and public enjoyment of the natural world.
Missouri Botanical Garden: A Historic Landmark
Established in 1859, the Missouri Botanical Garden is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the United States. Founded by Henry Shaw, a British immigrant, the garden spans 79 acres and features a variety of themed gardens, including Japanese, Chinese, and Victorian gardens. Its herbarium houses over 7.5 million specimens, making it the second largest in North America, surpassed only by the New York Botanical Garden. The Peter H. Raven Library boasts extensive coverage of botanical literature, with approximately 85% of all published works on systematic botany and plant taxonomy. The Missouri Botanical Garden is a U.S. National Historic Landmark.
Shaw Nature Reserve: Exploring Missouri’s Ozark Border
The Shaw Nature Reserve, a 2,440-acre division of the Missouri Botanical Garden, provides a naturalistic landscape representing Missouri’s Ozark Border region. Established in 1925, it originally served as a remote location for plant storage, away from the pollution of St. Louis. Today, it welcomes over 70,000 visitors annually, offering opportunities for hiking, nature study, and educational programs. The reserve includes the Dana Brown Overnight Center, hosting over 20,000 schoolchildren, families, and adults each year for immersive learning experiences.
Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House: A Tropical Escape
Located within Faust Park in St. Louis County, the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House offers a tropical environment filled with hundreds of free-flying butterflies. It provides a unique opportunity to observe these fascinating insects up close and learn about their life cycles, and conservation. The Butterfly House hosts various events throughout the year, making it a popular destination for families and individuals.
Visitor Information
Collectively, the Missouri Botanical Garden, Shaw Nature Reserve, and Butterfly House attract over one million visitors each year. Events are frequently scheduled across all three locations, encompassing DIY crafts, fine arts, culinary experiences, gardening workshops, and more. Visit the Missouri Botanical Garden website for the most up-to-date information on events, admission, and membership opportunities.