Herring House, St Louis Travel Guide

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Discover the historic Herring House, a charming stone cottage nestled in St. Louis' Missouri Botanical Garden. A blend of history and architectural charm.

The Herring House, formerly the Cleveland Avenue Gatehouse, is an 1895 stone cottage within the Missouri Botanical Garden. Designed by architect George I. Barnett, it blends English cottage charm with American shingle-style roofing. Once a residence for groundskeepers, it now serves as a venue for small private events and gatherings.

A brief summary to Herring House

2201 Tower Grove Ave, St. Louis, Missouri, 63110, US
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Herring House.

Explore Lauren's Secret Garden behind the house, featuring plantings inspired by Victorian gardener Gertrude Jekyll.
Note that the Herring House itself is not generally open to the public, but can be viewed from the outside during garden hours.
Check the Missouri Botanical Garden's event calendar for potential public events held at the Herring House.

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Explore Herring House on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Herring House, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From the main entrance of the Missouri Botanical Garden, follow the signs towards the Tower Grove House and the Mausoleum. The Herring House is located near the western historic stone wall, adjacent to the Museum Building. The walk is generally flat and well-paved. No additional costs are involved beyond the garden admission fee.
Public Transport

The #80 MetroBus line has stops near the Missouri Botanical Garden along Tower Grove Avenue. From the bus stop, walk west into the Garden. Follow the path towards the Tower Grove House and the Mausoleum. The Herring House will be near the stone wall. A single MetroBus fare is $2.
Driving

Enter the Missouri Botanical Garden through the main entrance at 4344 Shaw Boulevard. Parking is available within the Garden, though it can be limited during peak times. From the parking area, walk towards the Tower Grove House and the Mausoleum. The Herring House is located nearby. Parking fees within the Garden vary, but expect to pay around $15-$20.

Discover more about Herring House

Nestled within the Missouri Botanical Garden, the Herring House offers a glimpse into the Garden's history and architectural evolution. Originally known as the Cleveland Avenue Gatehouse, this charming stone cottage was built in 1895 according to Henry Shaw's will. It was designed by prominent St. Louis architect George I. Barnett, who also designed other structures in the garden.The Herring House served as a residence for various Garden employees, including groundskeepers and administrators. The first residents were Mausoleum groundskeeper Charles Schmidt and his wife. The last residents, retired rosarian and superintendent Alfred Saxdal and his wife Priscilla, lived there until 2001.The cottage's design reflects a blend of architectural styles. Barnett combined the traditional English stone cottage look with the uniquely American shingle style, which was popular at the turn of the 20th century. The house features a traditional English stone cottage design with an American shingle roof.In 2016, the Herring House underwent extensive restoration and preservation, made possible by a generous gift from Laura, Mike, and Lauren Herring, after whom the house is now named. Following the renovation, the cottage transitioned from a residence to a private event space. The surrounding landscape design was inspired by British horticulturist Gertrude Jekyll, with the rear garden known as "Lauren's Secret Garden".