This story originally ran on VeloCityOKC.com.
Oklahoma City’s Myriad Botanical Gardens has achieved national recognition, securing the 99th spot in a recent survey of America’s most breathtaking views. Conducted by Mixbook, a top-rated photobook company, the survey polled 3,000 Americans to rank the nation’s most scenic locations, shining a spotlight on this urban oasis as a top destination for photography enthusiasts.
In discussing this honor, the Myriad Botanical Gardens noted, “The Myriad Botanical Gardens in downtown Oklahoma City is a photographer’s paradise, offering breathtaking seasonal displays of plants and flowers that transform the outdoor gardens into a vibrant, colorful canvas. Inside the Inasmuch Foundation Crystal Bridge Conservatory, lush tropical settings provide a stunning backdrop, making it the perfect location for both amateur and professional photographers to capture nature’s beauty year-round.”
This central feature of downtown Oklahoma City was born out of a visionary urban renewal project known as the Pei Plan, dreamed up by city leaders and legendary architect I.M. Pei in the late 1960s. Dean A. McGee, an oil pioneer and CEO of Kerr-McGee Oil Corporation, was an advocate for the creation of this centrally located garden. The gardens were named after ‘the Myriad,’ formerly the Cox Convention Center, which currently serves as the temporary home for Prairie Surf Media and will be demolished to make way for the new arena for the OKC Thunder.
Inspired by Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens, Oklahoma City leaders traveled to Denmark to study its design. After a nationwide search, the New York architectural firm Conklin + Rossant was selected in 1971 to bring the vision to life. Ground was broken on the 17-acre plot on November 17, 1977, with the garden taking shape as funding became available.
To support the construction of the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory, the Myriad Gardens Foundation was formed in 1981. The Inasmuch Foundation Crystal Bridge Conservatory, built between 1983 and 1985, opened to the public on March 25, 1988.
Over the years, the Myriad Botanical Gardens and its Crystal Bridge have undergone significant enhancements. Thanks to Project 180, the park received new landscaping, a children’s garden, a restaurant space and upgraded acrylic panels for the Conservatory. Most recently, the Conservatory underwent a nearly two-year, $11 million renovation from April 2021 to November 2022, further elevating its appeal.
The iconic view from the gardens, especially at sunset when the city lights reflect off the central lake, has become a favorite among photographers and visitors seeking that perfect shot of a pretty sight.
Adding to Oklahoma’s scenic recognition, Turner Falls in the Arbuckle Mountains also earned a spot on the list, coming in at 62nd. Known for its dramatic waterfall cascading into a crystal-clear pool, Turner Falls showcases the state’s rugged natural beauty.
With two spots on the list, Oklahoma proves to be a destination rich in photo-worthy experiences. Whether exploring the urban oasis of the Myriad Botanical Gardens or the natural sight of Turner Falls, these locations offer must-see sights that captivate both locals and visitors.
To see the full list of America’s most breathtaking views, visit the Mixbook rankings here.
