Denver Botanic Gardens

Overview

The Denver Botanic Gardens is a 24-acre oasis in the York Street neighborhood featuring one of the top collections of plants from arid and semi-arid regions in the world. The Fuqua Conservatory houses tropical and subtropical species.

Highlights

• Mordecai Children's Garden: An acre of interactive outdoor exploration designed for kids.
• Japanese Garden: A serene traditional garden with a tea house and koi pond.
• Summer Concert Series: Evening concerts in the amphitheater surrounded by gardens.

History

Founded in 1951, the gardens moved to their current York Street location in 1959. The Science Pyramid conservatory opened in 1966, and the Fuqua Conservatory was added in 2014 to house orchids and bromeliads.

Visitor Tips

• Summer concerts sell out quickly — book tickets well in advance.
• Visit in June–July for peak bloom in the perennial and alpine gardens.
• Duration: 1.5–2.5 hours.