The Botanic Garden at Oklahoma State University

Discover a world of natural harmony in Stillwater, home to The Botanic Garden at Oklahoma State University. Spanning approximately 100 acres in the USA, this site is often called "Stillwater’s best-kept secret." It represents a unique symbiosis of an open-air research laboratory and a serene destination for family relaxation.

The garden’s grounds are conveniently located between Cow Creek and Stillwater Creek, offering visitors diverse landscapes—from dense oak groves to meticulously designed display areas. As part of the university’s Division of Agricultural Sciences, the garden serves as a living classroom for studying ecology and botany.

The garden is especially well-known for the television program "Oklahoma Gardening." It houses the active studio for this popular show, making a walk along the paths even more exciting: you literally step onto the set of the longest-running gardening program on American television.

For those planning a visit to The Botanic Garden at Oklahoma State University, it is helpful to have current contact information on hand. You can always check for updates on current events or special educational programs through the institution's official resources.

Visitors can begin their exploration with a stroll along the winding walking trails that connect two majestic oak groves. This is the perfect spot to observe local flora and fauna in their natural habitat. The vast territory is home to more than 3,970 trees representing 122 different species, making every walk a true botanical adventure.

Be sure to visit the specialized areas: the exquisite Japanese garden sets a meditative mood, while the lotus garden impresses with its delicate beauty during the blooming season. For those seeking ideas for their own yards, the Patio Garden and the sunny perennial garden showcase best landscape design practices often featured on television.

In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the garden offers a unique opportunity to learn about sustainability practices. Here, you can explore projects dedicated to water conservation, energy efficiency, and drought-tolerant planting. This turns a simple walk into an informative open-air workshop.

The Botanic Garden at Oklahoma State University is located in the western part of the city, nestled between the scenic Cow Creek and Stillwater Creek. Thanks to its proximity to the main university campus, the site is an easily accessible landmark for most residents and visitors.

The most convenient way to reach the entrance, located at 3300 W. 6th Street, is by private car or taxi from the central districts. This ensures maximum comfort and independence from transport schedules.

Public transportation in this part of the city can be limited, so tourists are advised to plan their route in advance. If you prefer walking, keep in mind that the path from the campus may take some time, though it is quite pleasant thanks to the local scenery.

The history of this wonderful place is inextricably linked to the development of horticultural culture in the region. It all began in 1975, when the television program "Oklahoma Gardening" first aired. This show, which later became the longest-running gardening program on television, was originally filmed in Oklahoma City but soon found its home right here.

In 1980, host Ray Campbell began filming on his property in Stillwater, and by 1986, the university had allocated a dedicated plot of land west of the main campus. This moment served as the starting point for creating the full-fledged garden seen today. Over time, the area evolved from a simple film set into a large-scale research center.

Significant expansion occurred in the early 2000s. Starting in 2001, under the leadership of Steve Owens, unique specialized zones were added, such as the Japanese garden and the lotus garden. Oklahoma State University, founded in 1890, continues to maintain this space as a living monument to agricultural science and education.

To leisurely explore all the themed zones and soak in the atmosphere, it is recommended that the average visitor set aside 1.5 to 3 hours. This is usually enough time to walk the main trails and take beautiful photos in the display gardens.

If you are a passionate botany enthusiast or plan to study the information boards about drought-tolerant plants and sustainable gardening methods in detail, your stay could last half a day. The grounds invite long contemplation, so it is best not to plan a rushed visit.

The Botanic Garden at Oklahoma State University is hospitably open to visitors daily. Standard hours are from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Sunday, including weekends. This allows you to enjoy the morning cool or the soft pre-sunset light.

However, before planning your trip, it is recommended to check the garden's official website, as operating hours may change depending on the season or special university events.

Exploring the university’s surroundings can significantly enrich your trip. After a peaceful walk among rare plants, it is worth checking out other interesting locations in the city, which are just a few minutes' drive away.

Stillwater offers visitors a variety of experiences: from historical landmarks to popular dining spots that have long been legendary among locals and students.