The International Waterlily Collection Reviews

Beautiful and compact garden with water lilies. Indeed, there are all kinds of lilies with the names attached. I miss some additional information with the lilies, but nevertheless certainly nicely set up and in a soothing environment. At the time we visited the garden, there was no one else. The light therefore somewhat hidden in San Angelo.

This is definitely worth a quick stop if you are visiting or traveling through San Angelo. In total you are here for about half an hour sweet and the lilies, but also the surroundings are beautiful. In addition, it is a public park, so free to visit.

After reading other reviews that said the water garden was worth seeing even out of season, we stopped to see it in February. Well it was really dead, I could imagine how it could be pretty in spring but not now. We did walk down to the Concho river which was very low and dry. We enjoyed seeing the stone bridges and walked some of the paths even though it was pretty cool weather. I would like to see it in spring if we are driving through west Texas from Dallas again.

A treasure in the midst of San Angelo....free For the public to enjoy anytime day or night. Simply beautiful!

This is a must if your passing through san Angelo! It is so beautiful. The staff are so friendly and willing to answer any questions you may have. They even caught the little baby frogs to show to the kids. It's not very big it takes 20minutes to see everything but its really cool. I have never seen lilies' before it was very cool to see how big they get!

I went with two grandchildren (age 10 and 8), their mother and Grandpa. It was very interesting. I took so many really interesting pictures. It is worth your time to visit and look at the large variety of lilies - some are so rare you can only see them here. I encourage you to slow down, enjoy and take a lot of interesting pictures just by walking around each pond. We got a bonus in that they were cleaning and feeding one of the gardens so we were able to learn a little about what it looks like under the water as well as information about the history of the gardens. The kids seemed to like it too. This is a good short activity to add in to your itinerary and the amount of time depends on how much time you spend looking around. Now to pick out a few pictures to print and frame. This may take a while because of so many choices.

This is a great place for photos both of the gardens and of your kids. Very few lilies were blooming this time of year as August is the best month with Mid May through October the real peak season. Lot of poppies and bluebonnets in bloom. No admission, free parking, lots of pathways that are accessible with a stroller or wheelchair-there are some steps but nothing you cannot acces from the paved pathways. Area also known for birding. Secure fences keep children safe while allowing them clear access to view the ponds without parents having to hold them up. Kids I saw seemed to love all the areas to roam. Huge trees prvde shade from the sun and benches provided for a rest.

Best to see in season. Beautiful and tranquil. A great place for photos. The large lily pads are worth the trip.

The garden was very hard to find. Maps, local people, webb address, even the phone's guidance system was of little help. So here is the final direction. The garden is across the street from San Angelo's First Presbyterian Church! This large white church is a landmark. Also Beauregard is a major street. 1000 West Beauregard and South Park Street intersect which forms the beginning of the park. This is near downtown. With that information it was so easy to find! This is a small water garden but very pleasant. September to October is the best blooming time but there were a lot of beautiful things anyway. I stayed about an hour enjoying the peaceful quiet and ate a sack lunch. I noticed the care that had been given to the garden plan as well as the detail design on the tanks. I think the walkways are slanted and wide enought to accomidate a wheelchair. It is a nice little oasis in dry West Texas.

You have to go visit this garden if you are in san angelo or just passing through. When you arrive it doesnt look like much, but as you get closer to the flowers you won't believe your eyes. The flowers are so beautiful and there is a vast variety. I cant wait to go again!

A nice walk around the tanks of lilies. We went around 1 in the afternoon, it was hot but we were able to see many blooms. The surrounding gardens are very nice as well.

This place really has that "something". Very nice walk and great way to spend your day off or the evening. It is well kept and clean, a must if you swing by good old San Angelo.

Looking at water lilies might not appear to be all that interesting an experience, but when the lilies are numerous and rare and have various kinds of flying creatures showing the human viewers that they find the flowers fascinating, it is definitely worth a stop. The exhibition is free and compact. If you are the kind of photographer who does not need a mountain range or a sunset to arrange a good image, the kind who can find the beauty in relatively small objects, you will have fun here.

Absolutely gorgeous!!!! Great way to spend an afternoon! Great place for photos - well kept and clean. Much more than expected.

Largest display and variety of lilies I have ever seen. Since it was late fall when I visited, some varieties not flowering.

Not knowing before we when the first of May is not the best time to see the water lily gardens. The lilies were being pulled up and new ones were being planted. We did see a few blooms still on the ponds. The garden is in a lovely area with shade trees and plants around the pond area. We found out that the LilyFest is in Sept. Hopefully we can return to San Angelo and see the water lilies in their glory at that time.

Made a quick trip to the lily garden, but unfortunately several ponds were empty and the lilies were just starting to bloom.
So we didn't see much

This park has the most extensive collection of water lilies in the US. There are 7 ponds and more than 150 varieties on display. We arrived before 8 am and there were some lilies that were already opened. We were there for 2 hours and watched as the sun came up higher in the sky and as the sunlight hit the closed lilies, they would begin to open up very slowly right before your eyes. It was spectacular. The collection is located in a small Park downtown, with street parking. Highly recommended for garden lovers. There is also a rose garden nearby.

I have the most wonderful, colorful pictures from my last stop here. It was also a peaceful stop after long hours on the roads.

I was amazed to find this beautiful, peaceful park in the heart of San Angelo. The water lilies are so beautiful. The park exhibits so many different types of lilies from small pads and blossoms to giant lily pads. It is a very peaceful place to walk among the lilies. You will want to visit in the daytime and again in the early evening as different lilies are open only at night. Don't forget your camera! Family friendly or just a nice place to walk by yourself. Thank you Civic League for a beautiful park.

We stopped here on our way out of San Angelo, it was a nice little stop. There were different types of water lilies to see which my kids (10&7) thought were interesting. If you're passing through it's a good little 10 minute (max) stop to stretch your legs and look around.

The water Lilly garden is a nice respite in semi-arid San Angelo. The garden plants are well marked and it is part of a larger park.

This is a nice collection of waterlilies. There are several water collections with various colors of waterlily flowers. It is a peaceful place on the edge of Civic League Park. There is a rose garden nearby.

Still haven't seen the lillys yet, but it's a very nice park in our neighborhood. San Angelo has nice parks.

Beautiful collection of water lilies. Be sure to take your camera! You can just park on the street and walk through at your leisure. We visited in the morning (when it wasn't as hot).

The water lily garden is such a nice and relaxing place to visit. I like going there to take some nice instagram shots!! It's always so peaceful and quiet when I go. This is a great spot for dates and if you just want to get out of the house and relax. Always kept up beautifully and close to other romantic areas you can explore.

This garden is so peaceful. I want to just stay awhile and soak in the loveliness and peaceful feelings. The plants are spectacular. There are rare species and brand new species not found elsewhere in the world. The large lily plates from the amazon hold my attention. They look like you could sit on them and float away. I will visit this place whenever I am in San Angelo. It is free and well worth your time.

On Monday my Lovely Wife and I decided to go out on a Church Outing on Tuesday to the City of San Angelo "International Waterlily Collection". We met up at our Church and boarded the Church Bus. It didn't take very long to get there because you can go just about anywhere in San Angelo in 10 minutes - and that's what we did.

The "International Waterlily Collection" is a pretty nice Park where Waterlily's cover Seven Ponds consisting of 300,000 gallons of water - which also has a bunch of little fish in each pond keeping the mosquitos and bugs away from you. Thank-You-Fishies. We had a guided tour and the information provided was more than enough to fill your head. Ya Gotta See This for Yourself - it's Amazing and Beautiful.

Never knew there were so many varieties of water lilies. The keeper of the collection was very accommodating to our group of ladies.

We stopped by just before Thanksgiving, and, while it was not the best season, it was still quite nice. A lot of the lilies had budded, but not bloomed yet. There were a few blooms, and they were surprisingly vibrant in their color. The layout was very pleasant and peaceful, and I'll bet when it does bloom it's quite beautiful.

Although I'm not a gardener, I do appreciate the work and beauty of a well maintained garden. This exhibit is being expanded and I'm sure it will take it to a whole other level.

The displays are well organized with name labels for all of the varieties. Everything is meticulously maintained and it's a great place to show off when you have visitors.

My wife loves photography and has some awesome pictures from here.

A must see!

Possibly the most diverse water lilies in the world.
The setting is small but captivating.
Every visitor should take the time( 15 to 20') to get a true experience.

I had never seen a lily pad before so these were exceptionally beautiful to me. Awesome day trip for the whole family and its free! Lots of hiking as well.

We happened to visit when the lilies were being re-planted. Ken is a water lily expert and gave us an impromptu lesson on planting and caring for lilies. A very memorable visit.

It's hard to imagine that such a treasure could be found in our relatively small town. This is the lifetime work and love of one man who believed it could be possible. Lilies have been cultivated from all over the world and in some cases they are one of a kind. Most of the cement ponds are high and the viewing is easy. There are rails all around so it is kid safe. I take my Mom who is in her 90's there in her wheelchair. It's a little bumpy, but it's manageable and she so enjoys the view. The water is regularly circulated so there is no stagnate smell and the trees are far enough away to provide some shade with causing damage to the ponds. It's a true treasure for San Angelo, Texas

I highly recommend this. You could spend 5 minutes or an hour walking around looking at lillys of every kind.

A wonderful attraction.

In San Angelo for the weekend and this little park seemed like somewhere to go for an outdoor stroll. Right now most of the waterlilys are dead, they have a few rose bushes above the waterlily ponds, overall a nice outdoor leisurely free activity where you can get a few pretty photos.

This place exceeded my expectations. Such a beautiful area with a lot of lillys. It is beautifully landscaped and there is a rose garden and other stuff to look at. It is right off the road and easy to find. There are stairs but also a ramp for access. Please remember water lilies open a couple hours after sun rise and close at night.

We stopped by to see the water lilies, but there was just not that much to see. The place looked a little neglected to us, but what there was, looked OK. Good for a quick look and leave. I suspect there is a best time of the year to vist - and July is not it.

This is a place that few people know about! Beautiful Lilies from all over the world! The flowers are so perfect and the colors are amazing! I take visitors here and they are amazed! Don't miss seeing this unique and internationally known collection!

I was really suprised to find something like this in San Angelo! Beautiful water lilies from around the world on display at no cost! It's easy to miss so make sure you know where you're going beforehand.

Calming yet spectacular specimens of water lilies in a beautiful setting. Enjoyed the cool visit on a hot day! Gorgeous flowers and picture-perfect opportunities.

We lucked out by visiting while there was a tour guide, Genna, to give us an overview of the operation and it's history. Also we were fortunate to meet the owner and developer, Ken Landen. He is renown as the worlds foremost authority on water lilies and enjoys sharing his love for these awesome plants. He travels the world, so we were lucky to visit on a day he was working at the park. He was kind enough to pose for photos with us and spent 10 or 15 minutes out of his work routine explaining the history of his work and this center, along with information regarding a number of the on site lilies. I hope I spelled his last name correctly and apologize if I did not;

From Spring to late Fall the water lily garden is alive with color. People come from across the globe to enjoy the tranquil beauty of this garden

It was a blistering hot day in San Angelo, so we saved this stop until just before sunset. TAKE A CAMERA!!! You'll want to share pictures of the waterlilies with your crazy Aunt Becky in Louisiana, and post on other social media sites for all you "real" friends to be jelly on your trip to San Angelo. We were truly impressed at the variety and beauty of the various lilies.

No one thinks "water lilies" when visiting West Texad. Certainly to one thinks "table-sized water lilies" but that's what this is. I had to be forced to visit this the first time, but was totally blown away. Realize that it is seasonal and winter is not the time to see them. If you can, see it in the daytime as well as night.

Go here during the spring and early summer to see the beautiful water Lilly's in bloom and sculptures.

Think it would be better during season, pretty unimpressive when not in bloom. Haven't been back to know for sure

What a peaceful and wonderful place to stroll through. The beauty of nature is profoundly displayed here.

It's always a treat to see the water lilies. Especially during LilyFest, it's at its finest! Plus learn about the collection from the 'curator', Ken Landon. Visit anytime the lilies are blooming for a viewing. It is truly one of the biggest and best collection in the US and the world.

Don't miss a visit to the Lily Garden!! It is so peaceful and beautiful!! You won't regret a stroll through the garden!!

This garden is just amazing. There are many different varieties of Lilies to see and the setting is beautiful. Well worth the visit.

If you like flowers, this collection of waterlilies is definitely worth a quick stop. Very easy to access from the main roads of San Angelo. It just takes 15-20 minutes to stroll through the display's "raised beds". Many of the waterlilies were blooming when we stopped at the beginning of July. They have so many varieties on display from small, pink "Indiana" to the enormous "Victoria". Very beautiful!

Was truly amazed at this special garden. A must see if you are in San Angelo. Beautiful flowers and nice small walking area.

Go when in full bloom and even though it’s not very big you’ll still spend an hour just walking through looking at the different flowers and bugs and animals that flock to them.

Beautiful lily ponds! So many gorgeous colors. Some ponds even had beautiful cannas, and other water loving plants that I thought only grew in dirt. Who knew? Not all ponds had lilies but those that did were well worth the visit.

We went after a week of heavy rains in the area and right before spring. I'm not sure if it was because of the timing or the rains but there were not any lilies. There were workers there that were working on cleaning out the ponds. We could still see minnows in the ponds though and they had a good number of bluebonnets and wildflowers. Roses had started to bloom so we saw a few of those. Even without any blooms there was a great trail to walk along the river and it was very relaxing. I can totally see the potential for when the flowers are in full bloom and I'm looking forward to going back.

The flowers were just coming in mid-May--perhaps more lush later in the year. A pleasant stop. Nearby access to the edge of the river walk.

When in San Angelo, don’t miss this! Free admission. Just west of downtown on the corner of Beauregard and Park Streets. Free parallel parking on Park Street. Beautiful water lilies in several pools and many terraced flower gardens. A great place to see bluebonnets in early spring if you cannot make it to the hill country. A real gem for this city. Don’t miss the rose garden up next to the display and the secret park behind the lilies with stone bridge and paths. Highly recommend.

The Water Lily Garden is beautiful an relaxing place to visit. The amazing colorful lilies that you'll ever see.

The pools are filled with many varieties of water lillys. Very well maintained and interesting. A nice departure from the normal tourist attractions. Stop by and take a look.

You can easily pass by this garden while driving on one of the major streets in San Angelo. Find the address, slow down, and stop here! You will be drawn in to the beauty of this garden that is rare to West Texas. Quiet place, with many different kinds of water Lilly blooming at different times.

What month would you suggest visiting for most blooming??
I plan to visit once I get an answer to this question

A definite stop off. Great for a moment to regain your creative side while taking in a breath of pure beauty. Walk, stop and gather your thoughts....and then...reach for your camera and take some amazing photos. Close to restaurants and the downtown area of San Angelo. Other places nearby to check out also. Wear a hat and have some water...West Texas heat can be stifling at times. If outdoors--stay hydrated.

I never realized there were so many kinds of water lilies. We really enjoyed this place. From what we were told by a local this may be among the best water lily collections in the country or even the world. It is in a relaxing park setting and was definitely worth the stop. Beautiful, peaceful, relaxing.

Great place for lovely floral views. Interesting find in little San Angelo, Texas. Worth a stop, make sure you bring you camera!

Amazing, not to be missed. Park on the street and walk the ponds in 30 minutes or stay several hours to enjoy this unique collection. Ken Landon displays a small fraction of his personal collection here in the civic park year round. Open to the public, no charge and available 24 hours a day. Thank you Ken and the great folks at San Angelo that make this happen. Love the pictures on Facebook showing not only the flowers but the original construction and much more.

You will be enchanted with the beauty of the lilies and the way they are displayed. Bring a camera.

We visited the gardens out of season but it was still beautiful. Can't wIt to go back when the lilies are in full bloom. It is a must see.

Everyone should check out this beautiful garden !! So many lilies to see and some that r very rare !! A delight for all ages !!

After driving the long roads of West Texas this is a great stop. It's free, dog and kid friendly and pretty cool if you like lily pads, which I do. The trail around the park are not well tended or I would give it a five. There are many pretty lilies here. Go see!

Thoroughly enjoyed our visit to this garden, and the water lillies were beautiful. It is open to the public and free, and a great place to get away to for a little while. It was also fun to take some pictures of the pretty flowers. Would recommend a visit if you are in the area.

It was a nice place to stop and walk around for a few minutes. We might have stayed a while if the weather hadn't been so hot. Good photo opportunities. It looked like there was a dried-up pond in the back of the place. Would like to return sometime and see it filled up.

The International Water Lily Garden is immaculately maintained on the edge of Santa Fe Park surrounded by mesquite trees and other native plants. The lilies are an artist's dream. You can have your choice of color schemes from the numerous varieties, or focus on the giant lily pads. If you want dynamics and serenity in the same setting, this is a perfect destination. There is an excellent restaurant across the street.

If you like the outdoors and don't have all day to drive somewhere, the International Water Lily Garden at Civic League Park is a neat place to visit--and being integrated into one end of the river walk area (winding around the banks of the Concho River as it flows through the city), it is very easy to get to and spend time relaxing and enjoying the site.

The water lily / lily pad garden is beautiful, nestled in the sunken garden area. It's neat to walk around it or just sit and observe. Of course, you cannot get little children to sit still for long, but ours loved running around it and seeing it from different angles (and asking tons of questions about the lily pads, etc.). It was a fun time. We enjoyed it and next time we are in San Angelo, we will make sure to visit the garden, riverwalk, and the visitors center.

We can pass by the city again on our way back during spring break, so we purposely set to visit. I'm not sure what happened but this time it's even worse. No notification was posted so not sure if it's a seasonal thing but the pond was in a very bad condition :(. I hope they fixed it soon

If you've never been to a water Lilly garden, You should go! San Angelo's is one of the best in the world, apparently. They have won many Lilly awards over the years. It's a very relaxing and interesting outing. You can hang out and really slow down for a bit. I love stopping by there.

This public park has an incredible showcase of privately owned water lilies. They are beautiful to see, the surrounding park is expansive and gorgeous. There is also a large rose garden, and some quiet paths to enjoy along a pond. Loved it. I'd brought my dog and she was very patient while I took a million photos.

I found this beautiful hidden gem of a garden under a recommendation from my hotel's front desk agent Kim at the Econo Lodge San Angelo, that was newly renovated in November. It was a nice little walk from the hotel (about 8 to 10 minutes) on a crisp sunny morning. I had my hot breakfast sandwich and fresh coffee on the go from the hotel with me and ended up eating my breakfast at the bench in front of the garden. So peaceful and calming. Breakfast and coffee there was such a nice experience. This garden is free to the public so I didn't have to spend anything, and my hotel was one of the most affordable hotels with hot breakfast and coffee in San Angelo so I had a very affordable trip that made my pre-Thanksgiving trip a great experience.

I am from S. Indiana. My daughter and I greatly enjoyed the water lilies! I loved that it was not only free but very easy to maneuver my daughters stroller throughout the exhibit! Two things I wish they had was a public restroom and more information on the different types of lilies. Other than that, it was a wonderful well kept exhibit that made for a fun afternoon!

What a hidden treasure! While killing time we stumbled across this beautiful, educational park area.

This garden gives you a chance to see world class water lillies some of which are unique to this particular garden. Grounds are well maintained and the varied lily blooms are spectacular!

This was an unexpected surprise. It was a lovely short walk around the collection of amazing water lilies. We were there late in the afternoon and the sun and shadows provided an amazing display. I had never seen lily pads as large as the ones in one display. The colors were vibrant on all the flowers. Spend a little time or a lot. It does not take much time to walk around the perimeter.

Visit this beautiful water garden every time I'm in San Angelo! They have some water lilies that are over three feet in diameter and I have never seen a better display of water lilies than in San Angelo!

It's a really small place and you can't see it easily because the lily ponds are about 15 lower than the street, but once you find it and stroll down to it the lilies are just beautiful! I wish the city would build a palapa with public restrooms and put a map of the city with one of those "you are here" markers on it. If you love plants just take a minute to see this place. It is serene and amazing!

Loved seeing the water lilies in full bloom. The African water lily pads are huge. Amazing! Lovely any time of day!

This would not be worthwhile as a destination by itself, but if one's on the way past it, it's worth a stop (what else could one find in San Angelo?).

There're plenty of free street parking nearby. The place is small, and I wish there were more plaques/descriptions of what you're looking at.

Plenty of lilies, dragonflies, and fishes though. It's pretty and worth a few pictures.

This is an unexpected little oasis from the normally dry West Texas landscape. There are some very rare water lilies here and are showcased in a nice little botanical garden. This garden is right next to a rose garden, which is quite colorful in April and October.

It's really hard to believe this place is why out here in Texas. The crazy amount of different species is mind blowing. This id definitely a labor of love because this takes A LOT of man hours to keep this garden growing. My hats off to them.

We went there,not sure what to expect. There were not nany blooms left but the few we could see,were beautiful. And especially the big 'pizza pan leaves were wonderful to see. Maybe it is already late in the year end the low temperatures during the night and early morning take their toll ,but it is still worthwile to visit the exhibition

We went to the Lilly Garden and they were preparing for the International Lilly Festival occurring the next weekend. We were fortunate enough to speak with the owner/curator of the garden and he is a world of knowledge and things you never even thought about to ask. The garden itself is spectacular, but having a person explanation of the garden was what made this site even more exceptional. The lilies are a thing of beauty and very rare species can be found there.

A mainstay to visit in my hometown! I went there to do a model shoot, as do many of the local photographers. Absolutely breathtaking! Not only for pictures, but plant lovers as well. December thru March are adverse plans months not to visit, September is the prime month to visit. People travel to San Angelo just to see some of the exotic lillies that are displayed.

At the right time of year this might be awesome. Very few flowers were in bloom, but the very large lily pads were impressive.

Great little spot before heading back home. Walk around to view the different sections of park . The waterfall fountain great relaxing area to hang out. Parking on the side of the park.

There were no water lilies, and all the flowers were dead but I was expecting that being winter. I'm sure in the spring and summer it's a beautiful place

You have got to visit this lily garden if you go to San Angelo. The lilies are gorgeous and so many varieties! Tiny ones, to huge ones! It's a must see!

I liked the fact that they do year round upkeep on this garden.

This was a stop on a drive to Austin and it didn't disappoint! The lilies are beautiful and it was free to see them all! We were only here about 10 minutes took some great photos and back on the road! Thanks for sharing these with the public for free!

Lovely unexpected gem in West Texas. Stopped here on the way to Big Bend. Beautiful little garden with many species of lillies and native Texas plants. Highly recommended for garden lovers.

The International Water Lily Garden is a beautiful, quiet place to enjoy the beautiful lilies and to just sit and meditate. It lends inspiration to those who paint; it is a photographers delight; and it offers comfort to those who need a quiet place to get straight with their own thoughts. I can not think of any individual who would not find "something" amazing happening because of their visit to the gardens. Don't miss this opportunity while in the /San Angelo area.

This is one of the best thinhs thst San Angelo has going for it
This water garden is spectacular. There are all colors and many different varietys of water lillys. It is a great place to go calm down from the day. No bathrooms though!

My first visit here was the weekend of the Riverfest and LilyFest and what a wonderful experience. I walked around for hours and I got to listen to Ken Landon talk about all the different lilies in each pool. I learned so much and took so many pictures of course. There are so many beautiful Water Lilies. This is definitely a must see when you're in San Angelo.

September is the Lily Fest! We planned our visit at the perfect time. Almost all of the Lily's were bloomed. It is really beautiful. It takes a short time to walk around this out door garden. If you have time follow the walking paths away from the lily area. It will take you to the river. I recommend parking just down from Pheasant Village Restaurant. (Grab lunch there if you have time.)

Go in September when the lilies are in bloom. You'll be treated to an explosion of color -- pinks, white, yellow, purple flowers sit on top of the water. Some of the pads are eight feet across. There are several Olympic sized ponds full of specimin water lilies. If you have a chance to visit, this is a must. Eat at Miss Hattie's or The Angry
Cactus on Chadbourne

Very nice. Small area to walk around and relax. Nice and peaceful. Rose garden is right there too. It’s on a hill so be careful if walking. You have to park on the street. No restrooms are available.

Extraordinary water garden with plants from all over. Five foot lily pads and cantaloupe size flowers were in bloom when we stopped. It is all free and a nice 30-45in diversion.

I’ve lost count of the number of visits I’ve made to the International Lily Collection; it’s always on my list as a “must share” with visitors. We’re so very fortunate to have Ken Landon, the San Angeloan who started the collection & continues to hybridize lilies to create exquisite new varieties, often named after someone. I dare you to visit without taking lots of photos; I don’t think that’s possible!

Having heard the history of the Garden from locals, I find this amazing! My understanding is that a gentleman built the Lily Gardens. He has many more Lily's than are on display, many which are not growing wild. When the gardens were finished being built, an international conference of other growers was held on the grounds. The gardens are so pretty! Please don't miss seeing them!

I had lived here for about 6 months before I had my timing right to see all of them open. Between 10 and 11 seemed to be the time I caught most of them open. Beautiful display well marked so you know what they all are, serene place to just go and reflect. Rose Garden next door is also amazing. Only problem if you go at lunch time Central student are everywhere because it is their lunch. Great place also if you are a photographer. Many great opportunities. Oh and if you have lily questions, Tommy at olives nursery is wonderful.

This is one of the most beautiful Lily Gardens in the World. We have many many people come from other parts of the US and many from around globe to see this beautiful garden .The Lily's are so different and something to see. Worth the trip plus there are many other attractions in San Angelo to see, wonderful restaurants, etc.

This attraction was not what I was expecting; it's more an industrial plant than a garden with lots of concrete and many empty tanks when we visited. That plus the fact that few blooms were to be seen and that we've seen far better gardens of this type in other locations provides an average rating for us. Having said that, all respect to the people involved for producing such an unusual facility for San Angelo.

We really enjoyed the walk.
Kids had a great time. It’s a wonderful oasis. So many different varieties.

It is unexpected to see one of the worlds if not the worlds best waterlily collection displayed in San Angelo Texas. It is truly amazing and beautiful. It is easy to get to and it is free what more could you ask for.
The waterlilies boom from April to October don't know when would be the best time to see the greatest number of blooms. There is a great variety and they are all stunning!

the lily poads r larger than i am tall! only 5'3 1/2' tall - a bit
vertically challenged! :))) blooms r huge!!!!!!:))))))))))))))))

This has always been a place to go for the beautiful water lilies but also the peace and tranquility of the entire gardens. Don't forget to go up the stairs and see the beautiful roses.

What an amazing find. One pond had a number of lilies that were open. The grounds are terraced and beautiful with everything in bloom.

Recent rains had affected water ph and not as many blooms as normal per a very knowledgeable worker, but well worth seeing. Visit later in morning as they need sun to fully open.

This is first time to visit the collection & it was well worth the time to check it out. The collection is extremely pretty with the lily pads & blooms. We were amazed at the size & variety of the plants. It's nice that they are labeled as to their name too. The park is very well maintained & the surrounding landscaping is very pretty.

I have lived in San Angelo 8 years and did not realize this area was here. Someone has put a lot of work into the Lily Garden and everyone should see it at least once.

This is one place that is truly unique. There are so many varieties of water lilies here.
Best of all there is no fee. It is a beautiful peaceful place. I have been here on several occasions and have seen a new variety blooming at each visit. If you love nature photography, this is a must!

I love this park! I like going there alone and sitting quietly, with friends, with my husband for a simple quiet date, or with kids to explore the wonders of creation. It truly is one of San Angelo's treasures. We are fortunate to have such a place.

When I was growing up in San Angelo, I lived across the street from the Lily Garden. Then, it was a magical place for a little girl. Now, it has expanded by leaps and bounds and is a magical place for a forty-nine year old woman, her children, and her grandchildren. San Angelo is fortunate to have this little piece of magic nestled in this West Texas city.

This is the most spectacular water lily garden I've ever seen. There were just so many huge ones with feeders, all so different and with beautiful blossoms and full, huge, cupped pads. I never knew water lilies could be so captivating!

Largest collection of water lilies in the u.s. Free of charge in public city park. Annual Lily Fest celebration each September.

Over 27 years ago, Ken Landon started his vision of reclamating an old reflection pond into a water lily haven. In the fall of 2014, a new pool, pavilion and misting system was completed.

Fast forward to June, there is a shade spot and stone bench that lets you look down onto the 7 ponds, but it didn't stop me from going down to get a better look. I was worried that I wouldn't find much in bloom, so I was happily surprised to find almost each if not all varieties were blooming,

The colors are amazing, as only nature can create. Each one was unique.

The damselflies were having a field day, so it was fun trying to get one to pose on a lily to give a photo an added dimension.

I also enjoyed following the stone-lined canal to a retaining pond near the Concho River.

Our visit in mid-March gave us a wonderful look at the lilypads, bluebonnets, Texas mountain laurel, rosemary, and mint.

One of a kind. You don't expect to see water lilies in this part of Texas, so you will be facinated by the beauty. This is a place the Monarch butterflies stop on their migration.

We visited this garden after eating lunch at the Peasant Village Restaurant which is just across the street. We ended up spending several hours there taking pictures and admiring the beautiful collection of water lilies and other flowers. It is such a beautiful place. Next time we hope to visit the park at night so we can see the night blooming.

A beautiful place with ponds full of water lilies. Some are nightbloomers. Some shade, resting places, sloaping walkways, and great for photographers and artists. A fabulous lunch place in the same block. Just beautiful!

The stunning beauty of the lilies belies description! Peaceful venue, amazing color and beauty. Centrally located....free to visit.

Decided to pay an ole visit on our trip to San Angelo to visit some friends who had bought their dream ranch. This was west of downtown on the corner of Park St and Beauregard. It was free to the public and offered free parallel parking. The beautiful pools of so many varieties of water lilies and lovely terraced flower beds were a visual delight. The bluebonnets provide photo opportunities similar to Texas’ hill country. It was not crowded and had spots to buy snacks and refreshments. Highly recommend if you’re in the San Angelo area

A must if you have time while visiting San Angelo.
Most people would never know about its history.
Only takes a few minutes to tour.

Pretty little garden in a public park. Worth the stop, esp when lilies are in bloom. Open to public with no charge

Beautiful garden with lots of water lilies. A great place for quiet reflection. Not much information about the water Lillie’s.

This is a beautiful place. You can find species of the lily here that you can't see anywhere else in the world.

When I want to go for a quite walk and look at some spectacular plants I stop by The International Water Lilly Garden.. Always changing with the seasons this sunken garden has roots back to the the 1930's. It was one persons dream and hard work that transformed this naturally beautiful area into an International Rated Lily Garden. Bring your camera.

I never thought I would find a water lily garden in San Angelo! Water lilies are so pretty. I have to go back again, as I didn't have time to really look. But hey! San Angelo has a water lily garden!

There were SO many beautiful waterlilies! My kids and I thoroughly enjoyed the walk around the park and were fascinated at all the varieties we saw. Bring your camera!

It’s so sad that this is the number one thing to do in San Angelo. There’s just not much to do here.

At first my husband did not want to go but luckily I won out!! This was an amazing place to see. The lily garden was really beautiful and well work the find.

It was very beautiful! We went at dusk and not many Lily's were blooming however it was still really neat.

This water lily collection is said to be one of the best in the country.
It is a wonderful collection of many rare hybrids. You must go during daylight or before dusk; when the flowers are open..
There are stairs, and 1 ramp for access.

Thisbis relaxing and a hidden gem it sits rightnext to the rose garden and a lovely little walkingtrail. It was great to go to for a few hours and it felt like it was a tiny vacation

Beautiful water lilies from all over the world. I love to come back every year and see what new species has bloomed.

One of our main reasons to travel to San Angelo was to see the beautiful Water Lily Garden we have heard and read so much about. Word to the wise; DON'T GO BEFORE APRIL 1st. Or 2nd. Or call ahead to the Visitor Center to see if it is operation. They take up all the water lilies and store them for the winter. Duh, they do not want them to freeze. Will hopefully try again later.

It's so nice to have a quiet serene place to go to in San Angelo. The lily pads are so beautiful; so many varieties! A must see while in San Angelo!

you don't need to travel the world to see the lilies. come to san angelo. in the fall there is a field tour of the exhibit narrated by creator ken landon. see exotic plants and hybrids developed by ken and his staff. and, it is all free and open all the time.

Ken Landon displays some of the world's most beautiful and often rarest water lilies. In bloom, this display is a must-see. If you need a few hours to chill, this tranquil collection is the place to visit.

A very relaxing walk. It is hard not to try to photograph each bloom. A true treasure in the desert.

First, be aware there isn't a parking lot (not that I saw), so you park on the street. Not a big deal since there was only one other family there when we went on Saturday afternoon. There is no attendant and no fee to get in, you just walk right up to the garden. It is very pretty and very peaceful. There are some small fountains running that add to the ambiance. There are a ton of different kinds of water lilies here and I had a good time taking pictures. It was our 6th wedding anniversary so I took the opportunity to set up the tri-pod and get some photos of the hubby and I in a couple different shaded locations. I highly recommend stopping here if you are in San Angelo for any length of time. It took us no more than an hour to look around and take our pictures. Very cool place.

My wife loved it biggest lily pond display in USA. Great walk with views of the river and birds to watch.

I was surprised how beautiful the water lilies would be. Some needed some up-keep, but overall, very relaxing and beautiful. A great place to relax and read a book!

I love wayerlilies and was so surprised to see so many different varieties. I took over 200 pictures and plan to go back for more tomorrow.

Thoroughly enjoyed visiting the gardens and was fortunate to talk to one of the caretakers and ask questions. Didn't know there were night bloomers!! Peak season is September!!

The gardens are stunning. This is a great place if you like to photograph nature settings. I attended a wedding here, and it was a perfect setting.

Such an unexpected treat in this part of the world. This water lily garden rivals that of the one in Kew Gardens, London. The abundant variety of specimens range in colors from the palest of pinks to the deepest of raspberries. Larger blooms were not open on the day we visited but that must be a sight to see. We visited in the evening just after dusk as well as mid-morning and both times offered a tranquil break. Parking is limited, however it is possible to park along the Concho River and walk a trail to reach the gardens. The rose garden nearby hadn't been mowed or tended for a bit, probably due to recent rains. The lilies were well tended.

This place is amazing for taking pictures. The different lighting is perfect. If you enjoy flowers and taking photos this is a must see.

While sitting on the edge of the greater Chihuahuan Desert you find a collection of water lilies that is not found any where else on earth. Lived in San Angelo for nearly 30 years and this was one of the "must see" places for all who visited us. Go near sunset. It is cooler and some of the lilies open their blooms at night. Best I remember there is over 150 different varieties. Give at least an hour

Stunning ponds with a collection of international waterlilies you will not find anywhere else in the world. The collection is open to the public at no charge and has active flowering displays from April to October every year. Paved sidewalks make viewing the ponds easily accessible. After viewing the waterlilies enjoy a stroll through the park trail and view the areas natural habitat. This stop can take 45 minutes and up to 2 hours depending if you decide to walk the trail. Spring and early fall are ideal visiting times. Summer can be tough if you are not use to Texas weather. As with any outdoor activity, remember to carry water to stay hydrated. I look forward to returning for Lily Fest on September 24, 2016!

The Water Lily collection is world renowned. This is truly a treasure hidden inside this little city. Anytime you arrive, there seem to be blooms, some are night bloomers, some early morning, others mid-day....what a beautiful, relaxing stroll.

Go early in the morning to get the best views. Easy parking and very beautiful and relaxing. Going at high noon will not result in all of the flowers being in bloom so early morning or late evening is the best.

This is truly a world-class exhibit. It is free, located in a public park. It is accessible. It is peaceful. It was visited by Kings and high government officials. It has something for the entire family. It is a photographer's wonderland.

it was so quiet and so peaceful a great place to just sit and think, or pray etc. alot of work has been done to make this such a great attraction for san angelo! it shows.

Do I need to say it again? International Water Lily Garden. This isn't just a local exhibit of beauty, it's famed Internationally. Water Lillies thriving in the dry heat of Central Texas. Who would have thought? And so modest that people zip past it every day in the little park across the street from my son's high school.

We loved the gardens. It was a nice place to stretch your legs and enjoy the sights and smells. It wasn't congested as far a parking or the walking trails. Easy in and out!

Didn't realize that the water lilies were put up every winter. We went by last week and I spoke with a couple of workers who were planting the lilies. They said the best time to see the flowers was in Sept. They did have a gorgeous garden of bluebonnets! VERY important note; there really is not a parking lot. The men told me to park on the street.

I really enjoyed visiting the Lily Gardens. Beautiful, peaceful and a very enjoyable stop while visiting San Angelo. If you love the beauty of the outdoors I would suggest stopping by and seeing them.

What a beautiful place to visit! The lilies look different depending on the time of day. Absolutely stunning lilies. In a week's time I visited three times with my grand children. This wonderful display is interesting to all ages and is free.

One of the best events in San Angelo. The lilies are so beautiful they take your breath away. Everyone was so friendly, and we even got to meet the Mayor.

Great place to find beauty, peace and quite. The lilies are well cared for and very pretty. A must for picture takers.

The Lilly Garden is an oasis in West Texas. It’s World renowned, peaceful, and very relaxing. Take the whole family out for a stroll.

The lillies are beautiful and the park is quiet and relaxing, the grounds are interesting to walk around and see, there is a small rose park also that is nice st the right times.definitely worth checking out.

This is truly an international water lily collection you don't find many places, especially in West Texas. Many items were designed and named for famous people like First Lady Laura Bush. They are designed to bloom at different times of the day and evening, so that no matter when you go, you will see some of them blooming. Obviously, some times of the year, you won't see many boom, but when they are blooming, you can see them any time of day. A must see for any visitor to San Angelo. Also handicap accessible.

This display of water lilies is well maintained & an asset to San Angelo. In the 7 concrete ponds are many varieties of lillies, some common, some rare, some hybrids. Only after my visit here did I learn to appreciate the beauty of these beautiful & delicate blossoms.

The International Water Lily Garden is a number of concrete ponds behind fences. The area is very small. There were a few ponds with Lilies, other empty. The garden does not have staff on site. The park is near a high school and when we were there students in groups were walking around the paths and accompanying Civic League Park. We were the only 2 people visiting the garden, thus we did not feel comfortable. The lilies that were in bloom were wonderful and colorful. When all the ponds are in operation the colors must be amazing.

Beautiful garden and easy to walk, wish we had been able to see it in full bloom. The rose garden on the upper level is very nice also.

Easily located, this spot is perfect is you are wanting to view a little nature. Not time consuming to visit, this place is always a beautiful treat with a variety of lilies that you won't find anywhere in west Texas.

Imagine the beauty (& the crowd) when in season. You need to really walk down as the few from above (not in season) is far from amazing. Look through appreciatively though & you will find several diamonds in the rough, the beauty of each flower.

Free park with varieties of lily pads
Monet could have hung out here for a while --- but not in July
Needs frogs

If you are a fan of unusual natural finds, and you happen to be in the middle of nowhere West Texas, this is something you do not want to miss during the spring, summer or fall. There is nothing to see late fall to early spring due to the gardens being outside and the weather is not suitable. But once the plants begin to bloom, there is nothing like it!
There are plants here that are not found anywhere else, and the collection itself is like no other. The setting is nice, efforts have been made to allow you to get clear views of the plants and flowers and they are well labeled for those that want to really learn about the plants. Well worth the effort!

We enjoyed our walk around the lily ponds. I wish that they gave more information about them. We were glad we stopped. It takes about 15 minutes to see it all.

We visit the garden almost every time we come to San Angelo even if for just a few minutes. There will be a variety of florals blooming all year long. In March the Texas bluebonnets were in bloom and just beautiful.

In the fall the lilies bloom and there is a celebration that is interesting and fun. The blossoms are simple but beautiful.

How fortunate San Angelo, Texas is to have this beautiful hidden gem in their town. I have been visiting relatives there for almost 30 years and have never been to the International Lily Garden. On display are water lilies (and the beautiful accompanying pads) from all over the world. Additionally, there are rare and new hybrids on display. The colors are bold and the atmosphere serene. It is a wonderful place to relax and visit. There are also lilies that only bloom at night. I was not able to get there in the evening, but I am told there are lights and the night bloomers are as incredible as the ones in the day.

I was fortunate enough to run into a young women who knew about the lilies and about the man who takes care of the garden. She explained there is an International Lily Festival every year where new lilies are premiered. She said the garden has been there for sometime and the city of San Angelo helps support it with limited parks and recreation funding.

The lilies are not on display in the winter months so plan on visiting in the Spring - Fall months. I can say that in October it was truly beautiful. There are not seats right on the paths to to the lilies - that would have been nice to be able to sit and take in the beauty, but the walking path is very nice and I believe is wheelchair accessible.

Enjoyed our visit to the ponds and the flowers and surrounding vegetation was beautiful. A.nice way to spend a few hours.

If you are not aware of its existence beforehand, you might be surprised to discover a waterlily garden in hot, semiarid San Angelo. We had seen it once before, in 1999, and were pleased to find it still in operation and still beautiful. You just park along the street, anywhere you can find a space, and walk up. No fee, no gates to go through, no "hours of operation". Just a wonderful selection of waterlilies. My only small complaint is that a few of them did not have any labels. There is one amazing selection with very large (about 4 feet in diameter) leaves that look like upside-down trash can lids, and which just dwarfs everything around it. There is also a modest rose garden in the same park. Most of the roses also lacked labels. It appeared that there were markers, but the writing had faded away. I am something of a rosarian, and could identify some of them anyway. I noticed with some satisfaction that while many of the modern Hybrid Teas were struggling in the heat and drought, the antique selections (Cramoisi Superieur was labeled and I was able to recognize Mutabilis) were thriving. If you are spending any time in San Angelo, or even just passing through and can spare an hour, by all means visit this park!

I love the Water Lily Garden. I have never seen anything like it and truly enjoyed it. I went this summer when it was blossoming with numerous blooms. I got wonderful shots and it was so peaceful since it was first thing in the morning. I came again in November there weren't too many blogs maybe 6 in total, but you could see them under water or about to blossom. Beautiful sight that locals and visitors should see, especially in the spring or summer.

The Water Lily Garden has several ponds with a wife variety of water lilies. It has a covered area that the high school classes are known to visit to have outdoor class time. There is an adjactent picnic area on the river adjacent to the Water Lily Garden. Overlooking the Water Lily Garden is the Rose Garden with some sculptures. An excellent quiet place to spend some time.

My wife and I visited this attraction early in the morning while the weather was nice and cool. It is located in a neat park that has some walking trails along with a Rose Garden, too. We really enjoyed coming here and worthwhile seeing if you're interested in flowers and water lilies. The landscaping around the water lilies is gorgeous and there are lots of butterflies and hummingbirds. We included some of our pictures, some of which, were already shared by others that came here.

Poorly kept exhibit. It was holiday no one visiting. Didn't like the area or location. Seemed like it was abandoned. Looked more intriguing online than it looked in person. A few cars were parked along side road with people were just sitting in cars.

You will not be sorry!!! this is the most beautiful display of water lilies. It is such a surprise to see these beautiful flowers in west Texas. Do not miss!

We ended up in San Angelo unexpectedly at the end of our summer trip and found this "thing-to-do" on TripAdvisor. The park is quite old (I believe a sign there said it was built in the 20s), although I don't know when the water lily garden was installed. There are three rows of concrete ponds full of various types of water lilies, most with labels. We walked around the ponds twice taking pictures of the water lilies, dragon files, and a bee or two. One other review said it was hard not to take a picture of every single water lily, and I agree. We took almost 100 pictures! If you are in San Angelo, this is definitely worth a stop; in fact, it is probably worth a side-trip if you are anywhere in the area.

Very serene and beautiful the water lily's are very nice. I would recommend this place to anyone that enjoys nature.

The Visitor Center is beautiful with lovely signage do we were disappointed that the walk over to the garden had no signs and we missed it the first time and had to retrace our steps.

We had no idea this world-class lily garden was here, but our family told us about it. It's dynamite! Worth spending quite a bit of time viewing these gorgeous lillies. Such beauty and variety. Can't say enough about how much we loved it! All ages will love it -- a "must" to see in San Angelo.

I visited the Water Lily Garden for the first time about four years ago and was amazed at what I saw. Water lilies from around the world IN BLOOM. This was in the spring, the best time of year to go. I learned that there are water lily plant species from around the world, some very rare, and this collection is world renowned. When a fungus in the Nile River in Egypt killed all the water lily plants in the Nile, the Egyptians came to San Angelo to the Water Liliy Garden to get some of the native species that grow in the Nile. Those plants were reintroduced into the Nile, and now flourish all up and down the river, thanks to the International Garden. The garden is also a photographer's paradise, early morning and late afternoon, when the lilies are in bloom. A wonderfully beautiful, quiet and tranquil place to spend some time.

We must have timed our visit perfect - June 2, Morning - very humid, previous rain in area. This is a small park in the city with free easy parking. Every pond had many varieties of water lilies on full bloom. MUST SEE. The adjoining rose garden was not ready for guests - lots of weeds.

For anyone who is a flower lover this is a great place to get photographs of various species of water lily

Wow.. so pretty and easily accessible. It was recommended by our hotel desk clerk and we were quite happy with it.

My wife and I with our 9 year old boy had a great time there my wife made it a learning experience for both my son and I and there is a lot to learn

Maybe it’s just time of year (at least, I hope that’s the reason) but we went by yesterday and there was nothing to see but some mostly empty water ponds. There were some folks in waders working in one of them but that was about it. We were there all of 15 minutes.

Beautiful if you time it right and get there in time to watch them open up. Serene and peaceful place to meditate or talk to the Lord. There is also a rose garden to walk through. At lunch time though a lot of the kids from Central High go there to have lunch. Great place to take pictures of nature, senior pictures or wedding photos. A must see. You can also visit Olives Nursery as they sell these beautiful lilies. Tommie and Debbie are very knowledgeable. Check out their store and say hello to lil Olive.

My boyfriend was just humoring me when he agreed to go see the Lily Exhibit. But when we got there, he was very impressed! There were hundreds of lilies, all with gorgeous flowers. They are a fraction of the collection that the owner has, and they are transported to the site in large pots that are submerged in the water. In one section, the lily pads are as big as a table. And the flowers are fantastic... as beautiful as the lilies that I saw when I visited the Bahamas. The water reflects the clouds from the sky. This is the best place in Texas to take a leisurely stroll. Very romantic! And the best part… It’s free!

The Lillypad's are always gorgeous. And, It is a wonderful place to stop and take pictures with your family or friends.

Beautiful place for a morning walk. A little sad that the fences are high, which makes it hard to take great pictures. Compliments to the people who love this place and take care of it. It was very beautiful :)

We took our prom pictures here this past May - well maintained grounds - perfect backdrop for beautiful pictures

We found this beautiful little park with Lily Ponds and so many varieties of water lilies! A photographer's dream! I took about 400 pictures!

While it definitely sits a top the list of things to do in San Angelo, it still isn't much to see. The inhospitable weather of West Texas lends very little to this venue. Rather than have ALL the flowers and plants in bloom at the same time its more like only a quarter. Half of the plants are completely dead and the other quarter of the population is perhaps still in germination.

While I largely consider it a waste of time, I still recommend it because if you're in this part of the country, you're probably looking for any excuse to forget where you are.

The water lily collection is world renowned and the care taker has taken excellent care of the lilies and takes great pride in their beauty and uniqueness. People travel from all over the world to see this large and unusual collection. This is truly a work of art1

Well there is and it's beautiful. It's free. It's open 24/7, in fact some water lillies are best viewed in the dark when the the flowers open. We were told the best viewing is in August and September, the hottest time of the year. But even in May it was very nice. The staff were very friendly and helpful.

Bought the kids out to view the water lilies and received a great education from the gentleman, who these beauties belong to, and his team who were maintaining the ponds. Incredible to know how far and wide he's travelled just to bring them to San Angelo. Really beautiful escape downtown!

That’s the honest truth. San Angelo has amassed the largest water lily collection in the world. This is a must see for tourists and locals alike.

It is amazing how many and how beautiful the water lilies are. The lilies come in beautiful colors and different shapes and it is fascinating how and why they are given their names.

I decided to check the International Water Lily Garden in San Angelo as I was in town for other reasons, and had a little extra time. Easy to find, and I was able to park right across the street. It's a small attraction, you can walk through the garden in 15 or 20 minutes. There are many unusual varieties of exotic water lilies in colors I haven't seen elsewhere (purple, blue). Great opportunities for photos, and it's also a relaxing change of pace on a hot summer day.

This little hidden park was such a treat on this hot afternoon. We were looking for something to do while in town for a family event. We just needed to kill some time after lunch and this little gem was nice side trip. It takes only about 10 minutes to enjoy the sunken garden, but it was filled with really pretty flowers that I would never have thought existed. Definitely worth the time!

This small yet interesting gem is worth checking out if you're in the San Angelo area and looking for something to do. Go when it's not too hot out

Beautiful we'll maintained garden has a zen like quality. It's an inspiring place to sit, take photos or paint.

The lily garden is spectacular. Be sure to take the trail down to the river as well. I love the cypress trees and the rock work.

San Angelo is so amazing, stuck out in the middle of nowhere, but the very civic-minded residents have made it "somewhere". The Water Lily Garden is such a delight. You have to know about it or you'll miss it. It's close to downtown, but a block off the main street of Beauregard, and set below street level. It is astonishingly gorgeous, once you get over the shock and surprise of something so amazingly beautiful and important in this small town. All the water lilies are lovely, but some are outstandingly so, and some are now very rare, endangered or nearly extinct. Other water lily ponds may be larger, but none have the diversity. Best times to visit are April to October. Please don't miss it.

This place is beautiful. The Parks Department has created a beautiful setting for some amazing lilies.

Amazing, and beautiful! Water Lilly's blooming all over the place. I never knew there were so many varieties! Gorgeous!

My husband and I first went there 20yrs. ago before we married and it is still a wonderful experience for us. We reminisce, make new memories and love the beauty of the outdoors. You can make it as romantic and magical as you want. WE DID and STILL DO!! Definitely a place to visit and experience all it has to offer!!

I had no idea there were so many different kinds of water lilies. All of these were collected and donated to the City. It's a beautiful display and you can walk at your own pace to appreciate the colors and sizes of the leaves and flowers. Amazing.

This is a beautiful display of water lilies from around the world and some that have been bred right here in San Angelo that you will not find anywhere else. Easy access, sidewalks and open viewing area.

I go here often with both of my nephew and it is always so beautiful
They also have room for picnics or just for the kids to run around.

Tranquility and beauty for free! I could have spent all day here! A hidden gem for San Angelo visitors. A must see if you love nature and relaxing to the sound of water, birds, and sunshine on your face.

Managed to visit and photograph the lilies before the weather turned cold. So many varieties of lilies, beautiful, nice to visit.

Call it what you want a secret, a hidden treasure, or a International Collection. The Waterlily collection is a must see in San Angelo the dedication to the old municipal pool site is remarkable. Take your time explore the area around it too, for a surprise awaits around every corner of this gem.

Very disappointed we were unable to see only a few waterlilies. Sad, am sure this was due to the article February blast. 😔

This is a remarkable garden in the middle of West Texas. We went in the morning and it was beautiful. Many of the lilys were in bloom. The garden is very clean and well kept and offers a nice place for reflection.

This is the largest collection of hardy and tropical waterlilies in North America.
Many hybrids and species are displayed in 7 huge pools. It is recommended to go during the day and enjoy day blooming lilies and than go back in the evening when the night bloomers open. The fragrance of Victoria Amazonica is intoxicating in the early evenings when the flowers emit this fragrance to attract pollinators. The first day flower color is pure white and the next day is beautiful pink. Why travel to Amazon to see this giant when you have it right here at home. BTW this plant is annual and is grown from seed every year. This collection of waterlilies is managed by a small group of volunteers under leadership of "plantoholic" Ken London.

Beautiful and educational. There are benches placed thought out the gardens for those would need to stop and rest from time to time. A beautiful place for photos. Water lillies from around the world.

FREE! What a wonderful, quiet, romantic & beautiful escape in the heart of San Angelo! Carefully cultivated, the sunken gardens offer a variety of lilies for the public to enjoy, photograph & paint, including some varieties that were developed at the gardens, along with beautiful landscaping & walkways. Recommended as a place to visit several times during Spring, Summer & Fall, but especially during the Fall Lilyfest celebration when the gardens are at their best and vendors are there offering photographs, original paintings, greeting cards & more of the water lilies.

One of the best kept secrets of San Angelo. The water lilies are the most beautiful I have seen anywhere and there are many more of them than in any other places I have been.

Attended with members of Western Hills Garden Club. Heard report of future plans for the Civic League Park. Excellent place for picnics, strolling, or just enjoying being outdoors.

An extensive collection of water lilies in a nice little park that is easy to find. Make time to stop if you're in San Angelo.

The best in the world - but a bit dull in the winter! :)

It was neat to see these gardens in the middle of the hot West Texas landscape. The gardens are in "cement ponds" but the blooms are spectacular.

This is one of San Angelo's hidden secrets. It well worth a visit if you have time. The gardens are considered one of the best in the world, always well maintained and a pride of the city.

Be sure to go in September to see the water lilies. They are beautiful. Not real big park but worth it to see the lilies. Some of them are huge.

This park is a little hard to find but well worth it. Be sure to look it up on the maps in San Angelo. You can get help finding it by going to the chamber commerce which is also a visitor's center just south of the river between the two main roads that make Highway 87. You can also find signs saying where to go to get there. Look on 87 coming into town and directions to tell you. It is near the river so you will find it. Just may take a while.
You park on the road and walk down into a sunken garden that holds the cement ponds for the Lillie's. there seems to be hundreds of the flowers. In the morning they maybe closed but as the day gets warm and the sun comes out the flowers start to open up more. I have gone there to paint the flowers a few times. It's one of my favorites spots to paint plain air.
The Lilies are all kinds of colors and sizes. There are also all kinds of native flowers as well as perennials planted along with herbs. So it not only looks beautiful but smells good too!
The lilies are just beautiful and the dark water contrasts so well with the intense colors that its a great place to take photos or do art. I'll see if I can get 1-2 photos from a recent visit there to down load onto this site for you to look at.
So go with a camera and enjoy!

This is an award-winning Water Lily Garden. Beautiful place for weddings or just to visit. In the past, a local man cared for this park, which makes it even more special. I'm not sure if he still does but it should be on your list to see when visiting San Angelo.

It was interesting to walk around and take pictures of so many variety of species of water lilies. I never realized how many were around. It's very pretty and the maintenance is kept up very well.

Read about this place and thought it would be a unique place to see and take photos. From what I understand the time to visit is June to October with September being the prime time to visit. We were there in July. It was pleasant with some surrounding landscaping of flowers and plants. It only takes about five to ten minutes to see it all and I did get some great pictures. The two little ones did enjoy seeing it, but really wanted to see some frogs on the lily pads. I think there were tadpoles in the water.

We sort of stumbled on this park and were very pleasantly surprised at the breadth and beauty of the plants there. It is internationally famous and is definitely worth finding.

Four huge ponds of beautiful water lilies from all over the world. The best of the certified International Water Lily collections. One of my personal best places to photograph water lilies. A must see.

Very nice display of water lilies from around the world; however, they only can display less than 1% of their collection at a time.. Worth the visit and its free. We went at night and again in the morning as some do bloom at night.

Pretty cool, there's trails to walk down and a rose garden at the top of the hill. The lily garden is really well kept and is a enjoyable walk.

[Must do] The park is easy to get to with street side parking on next to the water lily ponds. Multiple ponds with a variety of waterlilies ... a photographer’s haven. Many flowers throughout the park with great flower and landscape photo opportunities ... Enjoy :)

Smaller area than I thought but still a very nice place to see while in San Angelo. Not a good area for pets. Fast food nearby and parking on the street.

I instantly felt the charm that this place offers. Once in the garden level there are signs stating what some of the lillies are. What a great serene place to stroll through!

This is a must see for the nature lovers or photographers. I really enjoyed this place. I would revisit next time I'm in San Angelo. Everyone enjoyed taking a moment and really enjoying the beauty of nature.

Such a beautiful garden to go to. Enjoyed seeing all the watter lilies. I had never seen them and they are beautiful! A must see! It is such a beautiful scenery! You will not be disappointed. So many beautiful and vibrant colors too.

As with any floral display timing is everything. Winter and Spring are not the seasons to be visiting as they are working on the gardens and there are very few plants there. We did see a few flowers and i would bet this place is spectacular when during September when they have the Waterlily Festival.

I would recommend visiting any time of year, just remember that waterlilies are out of season in the winter and spring.

This exhibit is a one of a kind in the world!! It is beautiful as well as being the premier exhibit of its kind! Many different types of plants as well as a beautiful, calming & pleasant environment. Definitely a "must see" display!

We went to the garden to see what they had. To our dismay there were no labels for what was on display.