My friend Sharon was visiting, and we decided to see one of the local attractions: The Tyler Rose Garden and Museum.
Tyler, Texas is the “Rose Capital of America.”
We first visited the museum on the grounds of the Tyler Rose Garden. Its purpose is to showcase Tyler’s rich history and tradition, the rose industry, and the Rose Festival.
The museum tells the story of the rose-growing industry’s hardships and successes and the elegance and tradition of the Rose Festival.
The festival is represented in a collection of photographs, videos, rose memorabilia, and jeweled festival costumes, which are changed quarterly.
We walked through the extensive museum, taking in the beauty and creativity of the gowns, the crowns and tiaras sparkling, and other items from past festivals.
The 91st Texas Rose Festival’s 2024 theme is “Fanfare of Festivals.” Miss Frances “Franny” Olivia Faulconer is this year’s Rose Festival Queen. The festival will be held from October 17 through 20.
Next, we stepped outside to take in the view of the 14-acre Rose Garden. Thirty-eight thousand rose bushes, 600 flower beds, and more than 300 varieties spread across the horizon.
In addition, particular areas include the Idea Garden, Heritage Garden, Camellia, and Day Lily collections. The garden has the most extensive collection of roses in the United States. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its role in regional and state tourism.
Sharon and I walked along, taking in the beauty and scent of the beautiful roses. We visited in March before the best viewing time in April, but there were many colorful blossoms. The other peak time for blooming is October.
The Rose Garden Center was a 1938 Works Progress Administration (WPA) park project primarily completed in 1941. Because of WII, the center was not open to the public until 1952.
Although the museum has a nominal admission fee, the gardens are free. Visitors are encouraged to pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic on the lawn or at one of the many picnic tables in the garden or on the patio.
The gift shop adjacent to the museum offers many gifts and collectibles.
Go, have a great time. The facility is open all year.
For more information, click here.
