Breathtaking sceneries and mesmerizing art works characterize sculpture parks and gardens, and there are quite a number of them in this country. Here are some of the most recommended places to visit.
1. Brookgreen Gardens - Murrells Inlet, South Carolina
It features about 1,500 pieces of American figurative sculpture scattered over 300 acres. Built on a former rice plantation, it is also home to a wildlife and nature sanctuary.
2. Coral Castle Museum - Miami, Florida
The garden showcases the unique carved coral rock sculptures built by artist Edward Leedskalnin from 1923 to 1951. The site has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
3. The Garden of Eden - Lucas, Kansas
It is one of the "Eight Wonders of Kansas Art," a home and sculpture park built by civil war veteran Samuel Dinsmore. Dinsmore showcased his free thinking by constructing a concrete barn, concrete house, concrete pyramid, and a concrete spring.
4. The Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Roof Garden - 5th Avenue, New York
It offers a great view of the Central Park and New York City Skyline. Each spring, the place exhibits a new installation of a contemporary artist.
5. Olympic Sculpture Park - Seattle, Washington
The park was built over nine acres and was formerly a home to an industrial site. Unique contemporary works, such as Louise Bourgeois' giant eye sculptures which also double as benches, and Alexander Calder's famous red eagle statue can be found here.
6. Porter Sculpture Park - Montrose, South Dakota
In this park can be found a collection of over-sized iron creations along the roadside.
7. Romano Gabriel Wooden Sculpture Garden - Eureka, California
This garden features folk art crafted from discarded vegetable crates.
8. Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park - Chicago, Illinois
You can find here the "Donor Tree" or "Giving Tree," a painted steel sculpture that represents the devotion of the park in finding art in nature. It also features more than 60 sculptures by artists from around the world.
9. Storm King Art Center - Mountainville, New York
Spanning 500 acres of lovely green space, it features the art works of Alexander Calder, plus bike rentals for those who wish to tour the grounds in an active manner.
10. Turtle Playground - St. Louis, Missouri
Sculptured by the local artist Bob Cassilly, the monstrous stone creatures were built as climbing structures for children to enjoy.
