OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – Omaha is home to the one of the best botanical gardens in the country, according to USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice awards.
Lauritzen Gardens was No. 3 on the list.
“In its second year as a nominee, the garden improved to a third-place finish after ranking fifth in 2025,” according to a release from Lauritzen Gardens.
Initial nominees for the category — from all over the country — were submitted by a panel of experts, which was then narrowed down to 20 finalists, the release states.
From Feb. 9-March 9, the public was then allowed to weigh in, pushing Lauritzen Gardens into the top 10.
Only the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden in Ohio and the Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania fared better, earning the first and second spots on list, respectively.
“Our heartfelt thanks go to the Omaha community and the many supporters of Lauritzen Gardens whose votes made this possible,” said Ennis Anderson, CEO of Lauritzen Gardens. “It was an honor to be recognized on a national stage alongside a host of other outstanding botanical gardens and to highlight the work we all do in the communities we serve. Our team is thankful for the recognition and remains dedicated to becoming a world-class public garden — fostering environmental education, continuing vital plant conservation efforts, and creating an inviting space for guests of all ages to explore and enjoy nature.”
Lauritzen Gardens’ recognition comes a day after Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium and the Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park in Ashland were named to the top of two other USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards lists.
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