Denver Botanic Gardens has earned the distinction of being the most visited public garden in North America with 1,411,116 visitors in 2014. The major increase in attendance is attributed in large part to the hugely successful Chihuly exhibition that attracted visitors from around the globe, but the addition of two new structures (the Science Pyramid and the outdoor Hive Garden Bistro) as well as the opening of the Ellipse garden contributed as significant draws. The popular Summer Concert Series, Blossoms of Light, Trail of Lights, Pumpkin Festival, Corn Maze and Plant Sales also spurred attendance.
In addition to the attendance record, the Gardens is included in the North American Garden Tourism Conference’s “Top 10 North American Gardens Worth Traveling For” 2015 Awards. The Garden Tourism Awards are presented to gardens that have distinguished themselves in the development and promotion of the garden experience as a tourism attraction.
Full recipient list (in alphabetical order):
The Butchart Gardens, Brentwood Bay, British Columbia; Chanticleer Garden, Wayne, Pa.; Denver Botanic Gardens; Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix, Ariz.; Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Miami, Fla.; Huntington Botanical Gardens, San Marino, Calif.; Jardín Botánico de Culiacan, Culiacan, Mexico.; Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, Pa.; Montréal Botanical Garden, Montréal, Quebec; Vallarta Botanical Gardens, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
Part of the Chihuly glass exhibit. (Denver Botanic Gardens photos)
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