Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory in Oklahoma: It Houses 700 Species of Plants

When I first saw the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, its cylindrical shape instantly reminded me of a large rolling pin.

Actually, it's a plant lover's dream, filled with about 700 species of tropical and semitropical plants from all over the world.

When I stepped into the 224-foot-long, 70-foot-wide Crystal Bridge, I immediately found myself at the base of a rushing waterfall, surrounded by plants such as bird's nest anthurium, ponytail palm, bullhorn acacia and silver wattle.

The Crystal Bridge is part of the Myriad Botanical Gardens, located on the corner of Reno Avenue and Robinson Street. From I-40, take the Robinson Street exit if you're coming from the east or the Walker Avenue exit if you're coming from the west. Either way, head north to Reno Avenue, and you'll be able to see the Gardens from there.

The conservatory is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday; closed Christmas, Thanksgiving and New Year's Days. Admission to the botanical gardens is free; a modest admission fee is charged to enter the Crystal Bridge.

For more information, visit www.okc.gov or call 1-405-297-3995.