Discover Oklahoma City’s Beautiful Will Rogers Gardens

Oklahoma City’s Will Rogers Gardens

I’m surprised at the number of people I talk to who live in OKC who have never been to the Will Rogers Gardens. I’m quick to enlighten them, because it really is such an under-rated serene place to go and connect with nature.  It’s the perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon with your family or significant other and actually stop to “smell the roses.”

A Brief History of the Gardens & Park

In the 1880s, one way for Oklahoma City to become grander was to establish a large-scale park system. The creation of a park system that would surround the city miles away from the city center, with major parks built at each of the four corners, would be known as “Grand Boulevard.” In 1912, the city finally bought a 160-acre dairy farm that became Will Rogers Park. The park is open all year and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

What to See at the Gardens

Margaret Annis Boys Arboretum

The Margaret Annis Boys Arboretum is a 10-acre site home to hundreds of different tree species, many of which are native to Oklahoma. During the 1930’s, Horticulturist Henry Walter planted the arboretum’s oldest trees. It was in 2009 that the name was changed to Margaret Annis Boys in honor of her.

She was a philanthropist and avid gardener, and dedicated much of her time to beautifying much of the Oklahoma City landscape. The site now has a trail that is handicap accessible, as well as new entries on the both sides (North and South).

Charles E. Sparks Color Garden

The Charles E. Sparks Rose Garden is a beautiful 1.63-acre garden located in the horticultural section featuring two small lakes, numerous rose bushes, and a variety of other flowers and plants. Some of the flowers are daylilies, iris, azaleas, herbs, and peonies.

The Oklahoma Rose Society planted and maintained this garden. In honor of the former park’s department supervisor, Charles E. Sparks, they changed the garden’s name after him.

Ed Lycan Conservatory

The Ed Lycan Conservatory is among the top greenhouses in Oklahoma. It contains a Victorian style building set on top of a short sandstone rock wall. The Conservatory was moved to the park in 1936 and renamed after the first employee of OKC’s Parks department.

Today, with its continually expanding greenhouses, the Conservatory can grow up to 80,000 plants each year, which are planted through Oklahoma City’s parks and different locations.

Will Rogers Garden Exhibition Center

The Will Rogers Garden Exhibition Center is the perfect venue for your next event, with meeting rooms accommodating over 100 people and free horticulture programs and garden tours available upon request.

Culberson Fountain

The Culberson Fountain is a beautiful 6-foot-tall bronze fountain in the heart of the park. It depicts a mother and daughter struggling to keep the daughter from crossing the threshold into adulthood. This fantastic feature is a must-see for all visitors!

The Gardens

There are also several different gardens, including The Living Legacy Garden, The Xeriscape Garden, The Shepherd Garden, and The Rock Garden.

Gnome Houses

Be sure to check out the cute little gnome houses made from the fallen timber, scattered all throughout the pathways!

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When is the best time to visit the garden?

No matter what time of year, there will always be something blooming and plenty of activities to keep you busy. However, the best time to visit Will Rogers Gardens is in the Spring, when the flowers open and the sweet smells bloom. You won’t be disappointed with everything this park has to offer!

Can you picnic at Will Rogers Park?

Yes! In fact, it’s the perfect place for a picnic.  You may even see other couples or families enjoying lunch somewhere on the lawn.  Just respect any areas that may have signs prohibiting you from entering.  But most areas are free game, and you can enjoy your packed lunch with the flowers and the trees.

How crowded is this place on weekends?

Like any public park, expect it to have more people during the weekends. You might also spot a few photographers taking advantage of the lovely scenery for some photo shoots.

Why is it called Will Rogers Garden?

In 1936, the Park Board renamed Northwest Park to Will Rogers Park to honor a great American and Oklahoma’s native, Will Rogers.  You can read all about Will Rogers on his Wiki Page here

What Type of Events Does Will Rogers Garden Host?

The Will Rogers Garden hosts flower shows, sales, clubs, and festivals dedicated to horticulture and promoting flower conservation. Hosted by experienced horticulturalists, garden classes are available for youth and families with a focus on gardening and home landscape maintenance.

 

Open Daily: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
3400 Northwest of 36th St, Portland Avenue
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
(405) 297-1392
https://www.okc.gov/recreation/will-rogers-gardens