International Waterlily Collection

Imagine an oasis of tranquility where hundreds of exquisite flowers in every conceivable shade bloom upon the glassy surface of the water. The International Waterlily Collection is an outstanding botanical garden located in the city of San Angelo, USA. This site is recognized as one of the largest and most significant displays of aquatic plants on the planet, attracting thousands of nature lovers every year.

Spanning the grounds of Kirkham City Park, the collection showcases incredible diversity: here you'll find rare hybrids, lotuses, and exotic aquatic plants. Visitors are amazed by the palette of colors—from classic white and delicate pink lilies to striking bright reds and even deep blue flowers, which are rarely found in the wild.

This is not just an exhibition, but a living open-air museum where day-blooming and night-blooming species coexist. Well-maintained paths meander between the ponds, creating perfect conditions for meditative relaxation and contemplation. High ratings and glowing traveler reviews confirm that this garden is a must-visit for anyone seeking harmony and inspiration.

To clarify visiting details or organize group tours, you can use the official communication channels. Information is regularly updated on the project website.

The main pleasure here is taking a leisurely stroll along the picturesque paths surrounding the ponds. Watching the buds open becomes a true hunt for special moments: day-blooming varieties delight the eye in the rays of the morning sun, while the mysterious night-blooming lilies begin their show as twilight falls. This creates a special, almost magical atmosphere that changes throughout the day.

For photography enthusiasts, the collection is a true paradise. Vibrant petals against the backdrop of still water and the reflecting sky allow for stunning shots, especially during the "golden hours" at dawn or sunset. Informational plaques are placed by each plant, turning a walk into a fascinating study of botany where you can learn about exotic hybrids developed by famous breeders.

If you feel like relaxing, you can have a small picnic in the shade of the trees or meditate by the water to the sounds of nature. Families often spend time watching the fish and ducks that inhabit these ponds. During the peak blooming season in spring and summer, the garden sometimes hosts free tours and themed workshops dedicated to the secrets of growing water lilies.

When preparing for your trip, don't forget to wear comfortable shoes and bring insect repellent, as the proximity to water attracts insects. In the summer, the nearby water provides a pleasant coolness, and in the autumn, the park is transformed as the golden foliage of the trees reflects in the calm water of the ponds along with the season's last flowers.

The unique water garden is located in the heart of San Angelo at 2 S Park St, within Kirkham City Park. If you are arriving from San Angelo Regional Airport (SJT), the drive will take about 15–20 minutes via US-87. Free parking is provided for visitors right at the entrance to the park area.

For those who prefer public transportation, city buses run from the downtown area to the park, although it is advisable to check the current schedule on the municipal website beforehand. A taxi ride via Uber or Lyft from the center will cost approximately $5–10 and takes no more than 10 minutes.

If your accommodation is nearby, the collection is easily accessible by foot or bicycle, enjoying the views along the Concho River. During the summer, it's best to plan your visit for early morning to avoid the midday heat and enjoy a comfortable stroll through the park's scenic paths.

The history of this amazing place began in the early 2000s as a private initiative by a group of enthusiasts and breeders. Their primary goal was to create a living laboratory for the preservation of the genetic diversity of water lilies. Over time, the project grew beyond its local roots and evolved into an international platform thanks to an active exchange of expertise with experts from Europe and Asia.

By 2010, the exposition already included more than 300 different varieties, making it one of the largest open-air collections in the world. An important role in the garden's development was played by the International Waterlily & Water Gardening Society (IWGS). Members of this organization not only added rare specimens to the collection but also conducted significant research in the field of plant hybridization here.

The collection received its official "international" status in 2015, when unique species donated by leading botanists from around the world were included. Today, you can see the results of fifty years of work by breeders, including varieties that have been honored with prestigious global awards.

Interestingly, the collection is harmoniously integrated into the landscape of Kirkham City Park, the development of which began back in the 1980s. The garden's modern appearance is maintained largely through the work of volunteers and voluntary donations from nature lovers, making this place a true community treasure.

To leisurely walk around all the ponds, study the informational plaques, and take beautiful photos, most visitors need between 1 and 2 hours. This amount of time is quite sufficient to see the main part of the exposition as part of a regular tourist walk.

If you are a passionate botany lover or plan to visit with a professional guide during the peak blooming season, you should budget about 3 hours for your visit. Experienced travelers recommend stopping by twice—once in the morning and again in the late afternoon—to see how different water lily varieties behave depending on the light.

One of the main advantages of this attraction is its accessibility. The water lily collection is open to the public 24 hours a day, daily. You can come here at dawn to see the flowers awaken, or late in the evening when the night-blooming species open up.

The operating schedule is the same for all days of the week, including weekends and holidays: Monday — Sunday: 24 hours. This makes it easy to fit a visit into even the busiest travel itinerary.

A stroll through the water garden is just one part of what this area has to offer visitors. The surrounding neighborhood is home to many historic buildings and cultural sites that allow you to dive deeper into the Texas atmosphere.

Exploring the architecture of the old town and visiting local theaters will be an excellent complement to the natural beauty. Below is a list of interesting places located within a two-kilometer radius of the collection.