Located in Denver's Cheesman Park neighborhood, the Denver Botanic Gardens offers a stunning 23-acre escape featuring a conservatory, sunken summer amphitheater, and North America's largest collection of cold temperate climate plants. Explore seven diverse regional gardens highlighting native Colorado flora, alongside globally inspired landscapes. You will encounter the peaceful Shofu-en (Garden of Wind and Pines)—a traditional Japanese Garden designed by Koichi Kawana and Kai Kwahara—as well as Dryland Mesa, established in 1986 as the world's first Xeriscape Demonstration Garden.
Don't miss the Boettcher Memorial Tropical Conservatory, a historic 1973 landmark framed entirely of concrete and custom Plexiglas panes engineered to channel condensation away from guests. Beyond the main York Street location in east-central Denver—which boasts Denver's first publicly accessible green roof—the Gardens encompass Chatfield's natural meadows and historic farm, plus the high-altitude alpine wildflower trails of Mt. Goliath.
Fascinatingly, the grounds sit atop the former Prospect Hill cemetery, where historic graves were uncovered as recently as 2008. Whether taking in a summer concert or viewing pioneering drought-tolerant designs, you will find an inspiring natural retreat.
What to see at Denver Botanic Gardens
- North America's largest collection of cold temperate climate plants
- Shofu-en Japanese Garden designed by Koichi Kawana and Kai Kwahara
- Historic 1973 landmark Boettcher Memorial Tropical Conservatory built from concrete and Plexiglas
- Dryland Mesa, the world's first Xeriscape Demonstration Garden created in 1986
- Denver's first publicly accessible green roof at the main York Street venue
Visiting tips
Be sure to visit during the summer months if you want to catch a live concert in the sunken amphitheater.
How long: 2-3 hours · Best time: Summer
How to get there & what’s nearby
Denver Botanic Gardens is easy to reach on Denver’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Denver Art Museum and Denver Zoo. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Denver travel guide.
See the full Denver travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.