Best Places To See Flowers This Spring In Pittsburgh
(photo credit: Oli Scarff/Getty Images)
Although the official first day of spring is still two weeks away, there's little doubt that warmer weather is just around the corner. Perhaps the most prominent indicator that spring has finally "sprung" is in the wondrous array of flowers that contrast the bright green lawns and woodlots. Before long, Saturday mornings will be filled with the sound of lawnmowers humming. Whether it's wildflowers growing in the city's parks or the dazzling varieties of flowers that fill the area's botanical gardens, if it's the best places to see flowers this spring in Pittsburgh that interest you, then look no further.
Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
One Schenley Park
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
(412) 622-6914
www.phipps.conservatory.org
Price: Click here for prices.
The only thing more breathtaking than the architectural design of the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens are the flowers housed inside. A visit to the Conservatory includes both indoor and outdoor gardens filled some of the most dazzling plant life anywhere in Allegheny County. Tours of the botanical gardens usually last about 90 minutes, and are filled with beautiful vistas and botanical education. Also, there are gift shops and an on-site café.
National Aviary
Allegheny Commons West
700 Arch St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
(412) 323-7235
www.aviary.org
Price: Click here to view prices.
The National Aviary is a spectacular wildlife sanctuary that houses more than 600 birds located right in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh. Although it is most known for its wildlife, the plant life inside is comprised of species native to the parrots, penguins, condors and eagles that call the Aviary home. Some of the replicated ecosystems on display include wetlands, grasslands and tropical rainforests. For information on all of the exhibits on display this spring, including the Positive Parroting Workshop click on the previous link.
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Raccoon Creek State Park
3000 State Route 18
Hookstown, PA 15050
(724) 899-2200
www.dcnr.state.pa.us
There are 715 different flower species growing on the more than 300 of raccoon Creek State Park. In the middle of the park there's the Raccoon Creek Lake. It covers more than 100 acres of the park and its banks are lined with some of the most breath-taking wildflowers anywhere around. In early April, a favorite of visitors to the park is it's 4.5 mile Wildflower Preserve Trail. Pets are prohibited and hikers must not veer from the trails. For more information on all of the available trails at Raccoon Creek State Park, Click Here.
Frick Park And Environmental Center
Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy
6750 Forbes Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15221
(412) 682-7275
www.pittsburghparks.org
Frick Park and the Environmental Center are housed on the surrounding 561 acres. In the spring, flowers line the hillsides of the park and are on exhibit inside the environmental center. One of the primary purposes of the environmental center is education. Partnered with the City of Pittsburgh Frick Park educates visitors about how to blend the natural world with the man-made. Learn about living in harmony with your natural surroundings this spring while enjoying all the beautiful plants and flowers that fill Frick Park.
Cedar Creek Park
Westmoreland County Parks And Recreation
194 Donohoe Road
Greensburg, PA 15601
(724) 830-3950
www.co.westmoreland.pa.us
Located in Westmoreland County, Cedar Creek Park is the "premiere" access point to the Allegheny River Trail. The scenic trail winds its way along the banks of the Monongahela River and is filled with native wildflowers, especially in late March and April. There are picnic pavilions, athletic fields, and even an outdoor amphitheater that can accommodate as many as 2,500 people. Surrounding all of the things to do and see at Cedar Creek Park is its wild and vibrant plant life. Wildflowers alive and in bloom this spring will make for the perfect backdrop to your visit to Cedar Creek Park.
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Marcel Tourdot is a freelance writer from Pittsburgh. His work can be found at Examiner.com.
