You don't have to choose between culturebrand the great outdoors this fall. All acrossbrthe country, you can partake in visuallybrstunning sculptures while enjoyingbrthe season's vibrant colors (or at least comfortablebrtemperatures). Here are a few places to take a strollbrand nd that good art doesn't always live behindbrmuseum walls.br
Laumeier Sculpture Park | SaintbrLouis, Missouri
Just 20 minutes from the hustle and bustle ofbrdowntown Saint Louis, visitors can revel in thebrpeace and tranquility of Laumeier Sculpture Park.brFounded in 1976, it's one of the country's rst andbrlargest sculpture parks, boasting 60 sculptures setbr
along nature trails and grassy knolls. Each year, more than 300,000brvisitors stroll the 105-acre park that features a variety of larger-than-lifebrmasterpieces. Here, guests can contemplate classic sculptures or oglebrmore interesting pieces such as a giant eyeball that's more than 37 feetbrin circumference. Some of the sculptures even include small, touchablebrmodels and braille descriptions for vision-impaired guests.br
When you plan your visit, carve out at least an hour or two to explorebrthe grounds. We suggest packing a picnic and taking the kids on a hikebrthrough the nearby woods. You can explore on your own, or join alongbron a themed tour led by Laumeier docents. If the idea of a traditionalbrnature walk doesn't excite you, embark on the Nature Trail ScavengerbrHunt, a 1.6-mile, 40-minute route that tells a breathtaking tale of thebrpark's ecology, geology, history and art. The park is free and open daily,brso bring the family (dogs are also welcome) and spend an afternoonbrenjoying art al fresco.Laumeier.org
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Sydney and Walda BesthoffbrSculpture Garden | New Orleans,brLouisiana
If you want to venture off the beaten path of thebrtypical New Orleans visit, bypass Bourbon Streetbrand take a meandering stroll through the Sydneybrand Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden adjacent tobrthe New Orleans Museum of Art. This gem of abrdestination features more than 60 works of art nestledbralong footpaths, re ecting lagoons and 200-year-brold live oaks. Even if you're not an art a cionado,bryou'll be captivated by the incredible sculptures thatbreffortlessly blend into the garden. Were the sculpturesbrstrategically placed in the garden or was the gardenbrmanipulated to support the art? You'll want to perchbron a bench or a soft patch of grass and ponder it.br
Spanning ve acres, the garden offers plenty ofbrintimate settings that allow visitors to re ect on eachbrpiece at their own pace. You don't have to worry aboutbrcrowds rushing you along; you can take your time andbrenjoy the mix of contemporary and classic pieces thatbrdelight at every turn. If a piece particularly movesbryou, go ahead and touch it—visitors are just askedbrnot to climb on the sculptures. Kids are welcome,brbut dogs, bicycles, rollerblades and picnickingbraren't allowed. Want to get a different perspectivebron the sculptures? Rent a canoe or paddleboat andbrexperience the gardens from a tranquil pond. Thebrgarden is open daily with free admission. Noma.org, NewOrleansOnline.com
Fran and Ray Stark SculpturebrGarden | Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles isn't all smog and celebrities—the citybris also home to one of the nation's nest sculpturebrparks: the Fran and Ray Stark Sculpture Garden at thebrJ. Paul Getty Museum. Donated by the late Hollywoodbr lm director (Stark produced iconic lms includingbr“Annie” and “Steel Magnolias”) and his wife, thebrgarden encompasses three distinct outdoor spaces,breach one unique in its offerings. Featuring 28 modernbrand contemporary sculptures, you can perch on abrsecluded bench and soak in the sculptures, fountainsbrand breathtaking views of the city skyline. Bring thebrfamily to peruse works of art in terraces as well asbropen spaces and gardens, which were designed withbrspeci c sculptures in mind. The garden is designed tobrinspire contemplation and conversation, so get readybrfor a little of both.br
Can't jet away to L.A.? Take a virtual tour and listenbrto sculptors discuss their work, or hear Getty Museumbrconservators, designers and curators talk about theirbrviews on the sculpture garden. If business or pleasurebrbrings you to L.A., don't miss this incredible open-brair museum. It's open daily with free admission. Getty.edu