Why Denver’s Top Destination isn’t as Stiff as it Sounds
The Denver Botanic Gardens keeps raking in recognition.
This year alone:
- Tripadvisor ranked the Denver Botanic Gardens No. 6 among the 10 best botanic gardens in the nation for 2024.
- Vogue named it one of the top 10 in no apparent order o.
- US News called the botanic gardens the No. 1 thing to do in Denver.
The Denver Botanic Gardens offers a global view while celebrating local across its 50 gardens on 24 acres in Colorado’s capital city.
Here’s why we love the Colorado attraction and believe it deserves to top any national list of the best places to visit.
6 reasons why the Denver Botanic Gardens is a must-visit Colorado attraction
The globe comes to life. Visitors can find their zen in a Japanese Garden and among bonsai in the tea garden, and transport to the tropics in the landmark Boettcher Memorial Tropical Conservatory, which is fashioned after the Crystal Palace built for the Great Exhibition of 1851 in London.
Local love imbues all the venue does. While the global exhibitions transport you beyond Denver, the local flora found throughout the grounds provides education on native plants. The Denver Botanic Gardens is committed to water stewardship in all that it does, especially through educating about local plants.
Art stands among nature. The Denver Botanic Gardens celebrates sculpture among the plants permanently and through its impressive traveling exhibits, including one of my faves, glass artist Dale Chihuly. This year’s Creatures from the Workshops of Jacobo and Maria Angeles, I’m sure, will stand out among my favorites and will please patrons of all ages with the colorful hybrid animals and guides inspired by the Zapotec calendar.
Music plays for people and plants. You know what they say about singing to your plants? Well, the Denver Botanic Gardens brings in top-notch singers to do that. Technically, the musicians perform community concerts, but I’m sure the plants benefit. The 2024 Summer Concert Series already has some prime sold-out shows: Emmylou Harris, Trombone Shorty, and Graham Nash. But there’s plenty on the lineup. Highlights include DeVotchKa, Arlo Parks and Gregory Porter.
It’s magical during the holidays. The Blossoms of Light exhibit gains national acclaim with its mile-long immersive light display. It is an LED wonderland that just brightens an already beautiful landscape in a mystical glow. Here’s a promotional peek from last year.
The city gardens has the coolest sister. The Denver Botanic Gardens – Chatfield Farms in Littleton covers 700 acres and provides a farm feel with its fun events such as a corn maze, and lavender, hop and pumpkin festivals.
CHECK IT OUT: Antiques Roadshow coming in May to Denver Botanic Gardens – Chatfield Farms
Count With Us: How Many of These Famous Colorado Attractions Have You Visited?
Gallery Credit: Emily Mashak
