A view of the Main Basin from LilyFest 2017
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International Waterlily Collection

4.6
·889 reviews·San Angelo, United States

Discover one of the world's premier waterlily collections, featuring rare hybrids and giant Amazonian lilies in a serene, free-access garden.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Mid-June mornings

Peak bloom for lilies

CrowdLow
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A view of the Main Basin from LilyFest 2017

International Waterlily Collection

Best Time

Mid-June mornings

Peak bloom for lilies

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover one of the world's premier waterlily collections, featuring rare hybrids and giant Amazonian lilies in a serene, free-access garden.

4.6
(889 reviews)

"Absolutely beautiful collection, surprised to find this in the middle of San Angelo, and free to boot!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Free Entry & Hours

Enjoy this beautiful collection anytime, it's a free city park open 24/7! 🆓

📸 Capture the Blooms

Visit mid-June for peak waterlily blooms. Bring your camera for stunning shots! :camerawithflash:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 905 reviews

Type

Park

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Victoria Amazonica Waterlilies

Victoria Amazonica Waterlilies

Main Ponds

Marvel at the giant Amazonian waterlilies, a truly unique and cartoon-like spectacle.

Reddit
Hybridized Waterlily Varieties

Hybridized Waterlily Varieties

Collection Ponds

Explore a world of colors and shapes with lilies hybridized by the renowned Kenneth Landon.

Instagram
Peaceful Garden Ambiance

Peaceful Garden Ambiance

Throughout the Collection

Wander through a serene garden filled with blooming lilies, butterflies, and roses.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Free Entry, 24/7 Access

Enjoy the stunning International Waterlily Collection anytime, as it's a free city park open 24/7. Perfect for a spontaneous visit or a peaceful morning stroll. Reddit

Best Viewing & Events

While beautiful year-round, peak bloom is mid-June. Don't miss Lily Fest in September for a family-friendly celebration with arts and crafts! TikTokInstagram

Best Times

When
Mid-June mornings
Why
Peak bloom for lilies
Crowd
Low
When
September mornings
Why
Lily Fest celebration
Crowd
Medium
When
Anytime
Why
Free 24/7 access
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Don’t miss this year’s Lily Fest held September 18th from 9:00 am. to noon at the International Water Lily Collection in San Angelo! . . #sharingsanangelo #sanangelo #sanangelotx #internationalwaterlilycollection #thingstodoinsanangelo #sanangeloparks #sanangelofun #funthingstodointexas #waterlily #waterlilycollection #itsbeautifulhere
sharingsanangelo
150 likes • 2.8K views

🎯 Free Entry & Hours

Enjoy this beautiful collection anytime, it's a free city park open 24/7! Reddit 🆓

📸 Capture the Blooms

Visit mid-June for peak waterlily blooms. Bring your camera for stunning shots! Reddit :camerawithflash:

International Waterlily Collection in San Angelo, Texas. This started as a labor of love for one man, Kenneth Landon, also known as the Indiana Jones of the waterlily world for his work in recovering thought to be extinct waterlilies. He specialized in hybridizing and his plants are in gardens all over the world.
karonf
5 likes • 82 views
I’m painting at The International Waterlily Collection for @pleinairtexas.
carlaboschart
150 likes • 6.5K views

📅 Don't Miss Lily Fest

September 21st is Lily Fest! Family fun with arts, crafts, and global lilies. Instagram 📅

💧 Bathroom Break

No restrooms on-site, so plan accordingly before your visit. 🚽

Made a stop at the International Waterlily Collection of San Angelo, Texas to view their hidden gem collection of waterlily❤️ #waterlilyflower #waterlilycollection #internationalcollection #weekendgetaway #naturelovers
desmangaoang
2 likes • 126 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Free Entry & Hours

Enjoy this beautiful collection anytime, it's a free city park open 24/7! Reddit 🆓

📸 Capture the Blooms

Visit mid-June for peak waterlily blooms. Bring your camera for stunning shots! Reddit :camerawithflash:

📅 Don't Miss Lily Fest

September 21st is Lily Fest! Family fun with arts, crafts, and global lilies. Instagram 📅

💧 Bathroom Break

No restrooms on-site, so plan accordingly before your visit. 🚽

👟 Comfortable Shoes

Trails can be overgrown; wear comfortable shoes for exploring. :athletic_shoe:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(889 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the International Waterlily Collection's stunning beauty, diverse lily varieties, and peaceful atmosphere. Many are surprised by the quality and scale of this free, 24/7 city park. Some note the lack of restrooms and occasionally overgrown trails, but these minor points don't detract from the overall positive experience.

"The lillies were all blooming and gorgeous. Tons of guppies in the water. Wished to see frogs, but no.🥲 Easy walk in and free entry."

Kari Prescott

"I loved experiencing this beautiful and unique garden of water lilies.
I highly recommend coming to experience them in person. I did not notice a bathroom nearby so I would recommend going before you visit."

Jacqueline Salter

"A beautifully curated collection of water lilies! This is an easy stop in San Angelo. We parked at the edge of the garden and walked down. The fenced ponds made it easy to see the lilies up close, as well as the minnows, dragonflies and honey bees enjoying the scene. Trails here were pretty, but overgrown, and echoes of another time are felt everywhere. A great part of our morning all in all!"

Jessica Green

What People Like

Gorgeous blooming lilies
Unique Victoria Amazonica
Peaceful garden setting

What People Dislike

No on-site restrooms
Overgrown trails

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The International Waterlily Collection is a city park located in San Angelo, Texas. It's easily accessible by car and parking is available at the edge of the garden. Reddit

Yes, parking is available, and visitors can park at the edge of the garden and walk down to access the collection. Reddit

It's a well-known city park in San Angelo, making it relatively easy to locate. Many visitors mention it as a pleasant stop during their visit. Instagram

The park is open 24/7, so you can visit at any time, though daytime offers the best viewing conditions for the lilies. Reddit

Visitors often park at the edge of the garden and walk down, which provides a nice introduction to the collection. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, admission to the International Waterlily Collection is completely free! It's a city park open to everyone. Reddit

The collection is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, offering flexibility for visitors. Reddit

Since entry is free and it's a public park, no advance booking or tickets are required. Reddit

Yes, the annual Lily Fest is held in September, typically on the 18th, featuring family-friendly activities like arts and crafts. TikTokInstagram

While the trails are generally easy to walk, some can be overgrown. The fenced ponds allow for close viewing. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography & Experience

The blooming waterlilies, especially the giant Victoria Amazonica, offer stunning photographic subjects. The entire garden provides a beautiful backdrop. InstagramReddit

Visitors have spotted guppies in the water, dragonflies, and honey bees. While some hope for frogs, they aren't always present. Reddit

Absolutely! Many reviewers describe the collection as beautiful, peaceful, and a great place to relax and enjoy nature. Reddit

Besides the waterlilies, the collection also features a butterfly garden and a rose garden, adding to its diverse beauty. Reddit

The collection began as a passion project by Kenneth Landon, who specialized in hybridizing waterlilies and recovering rare species. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no dining facilities directly within the International Waterlily Collection itself. It's a garden space. Reddit

While not explicitly stated, it's generally advisable to be mindful of park etiquette. Picnics might be possible in designated areas if available, but check local guidelines. Reddit

San Angelo offers various dining options. You'll find restaurants and cafes a short drive away from the park. Reddit

Given the lack of on-site food options and no nearby restrooms, it's a good idea to eat and use facilities before your visit. Reddit

San Angelo has a range of eateries, from local diners to more established chains. Exploring local recommendations online can help you find a great spot. Reddit

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