Ian Bronson
Looking for your next weekend adventure? Skip the usual tourist spots and predictable hiking trails. Some of America’s coolest hangouts combine next-level scenery with mind-bending art installations. Even your Instagram-obsessed friend hasn’t discovered half of these 20 gems yet.
Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden
Spanish moss sways from ancient oaks as peaceful lagoons guide your path through this 11-acre retreat—one of New Orleans’ best-kept secrets. Over 90 contemporary sculptures are scattered throughout, with Pablo Casals’ Obelisk standing out as a must-see.
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
You’ll find nearly three hundred sculptures spread across Grand Rapids Park, across 150 acres packed with works from Rodin and Degas. Take the tram through different themed spaces, including this gorgeous Japanese garden everyone talks about.
Grounds For Sculpture
This forty-two-acre park near Philadelphia makes art feel accessible. Walk among two hundred seventy sculptures set in perfectly planned gardens. The whole place feels like a discovery with installations you can get close to, peaceful corners, and spots that’ll make you stop walking.
Brookgreen Gardens
A historic South Carolina rice plantation spanning three hundred acres, it has America’s largest collection of figurative sculptures. Its butterfly-shaped gardens feature art and nature, while walking trails share powerful stories about the enslaved workers who shaped this land.
Laumeier Sculpture Park
Laumeier Park spreads over one hundred-five acres with seventy outdoor sculptures, a 1.5-mile walking trail, and an indoor art gallery. You’ve got to see Liberman’s “The Way” towering above the trees and Tasset’s giant “Eye” that everyone talks about.
Lynden Sculpture Garden
Seasonal changes add a dynamic touch to this 40-acre estate, where lakes and woodlands frame sculptures by artists like Barbara Hepworth. This Milwaukee gem offers an escape from city life, perfect for quiet afternoons. Time well, the gardens change with every season.
Dr. Evermor’s Sculpture Park
As Wisconsin’s weirdest art park, it is home to the world’s biggest scrap metal sculpture—the Forevertron. The whole place is packed with art from old factory parts and salvaged metal. It’s like someone’s wild imagination exploded across the grounds in a way that mesmerizes you.
Storm King Art Center
This massive 500-acre outdoor gallery in the Hudson Valley is where art and nature meet in the best way. Sculptures by legends like Maya Lin and Richard Serra feel right at home among meadows and trees. Visit in the fall for immersive colors, and bring comfy shoes.
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
A giant spoon with a cherry on top steals the show in this downtown gem, but there’s more to explore. Beyond the classics, over 40 modern sculptures are set amidst thoughtfully designed native gardens. It’s a vibrant space where art lovers and casual visitors feel welcome.
Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center
Winding forest paths lead to over 30 sculptures from the Smithsonian and National Gallery of Art, making this Maryland destination a treat for art enthusiasts. Family-friendly touches, like a kid’s natural play area and native gardens, add to the charm of this creative retreat.
Gilgal Sculpture Garden
Hidden deep in Salt Lake City, the park features twelve unique sculptures and seventy engraved stones mixing religious themes with artistic vision. A sphinx featuring Joseph Smith’s face is just one of the unexpected sights. Despite its small size, it’s packed with fascinating details.
Lake Nona Sculpture Garden
Palm-lined paths guide you through a modern collection featuring iconic works like the Wall Street Bull. Morning visits reveal the magic of sunlight bouncing off these sculptures while easy trails let you dodge Floria’s heat, making this hangout spot a refreshing break from the crowds.
Galleta Meadows Estate
The desert outside San Diego doubles as a massive art gallery, with huge metal creatures scattered across the sand. A local millionaire filled this spot with pre-historic-themed dinosaurs, mammoths, and wild horses. Drive around at sunset when shadows make the sculptures look alive.
Philbrook Gardens
A 1920s mansion-turned-museum is peak Tulsa flex. Italian-inspired gardens cascade down the hillside with fountains and winding paths that make you feel way fancier than you are. Locals know to bring lunch and camp out on the lawn before hitting the art collection inside.
Josephine Sculpture Park
Situated in Frankfort, Josephine Park spans over 30 acres and presents more than 80 artworks. The park offers both art and nature, with mowed trails that meander through native meadows, fields, and forests. Open year-round, it allows visitors to explore and interact with art.
North Carolina Botanical Garden
Native plants and rotating art exhibits make every visit feel fresh at this Chapel Hill favorite. Local artists have the spotlight here, their work harmonizing with the garden’s lush backdrop. It’s an inspiring spot for those who love both art and the environment while supporting local artists.
Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park
Eye-catching sculptures like giant shuttlecocks make this Kansas City park a fun and approachable art destination for families. Set in a 22-acre space, it’s ideal for picnics or simply soaking up contemporary creativity. Best part? No entry fee. Bring a picnic and make a day of it.
Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park
Hamilton turned their rolling hills into something special here. Cruise past huge sculptures in an art cart or hoof it if you’re feeling energetic – either way, those lake views don’t quit. Duck into the underground museum when the weather acts up. It’s seriously worth the trip.
Desert Botanical Garden
They turned their cactus collection into something next-level by adding amazing artwork. The rotating exhibits keep locals coming back, while those massive saguaros make every piece look dramatic. Skip the midday heat; early morning or sunset is when this place really shines.
deCordova Sculpture Park
Just outside Boston, this spot lets art and nature do their thing across some seriously pretty hillsides. Every turn brings another “whoa” moment, with contemporary sculptures popping up when you least expect them. It’s great for solo wandering or letting kids run wild.
