Miriam C. Schmidt Botanical Garden
A living tribute to the Caribbean Netherlands' native flora on the flanks of a dormant volcano.
Why Go
Tucked onto the southern slopes of The Quill, this quiet 5.3-hectare garden is where Statia's rarest plants, migratory birds, and volcanic views come together in one of the youngest botanical gardens in the Dutch Caribbean.
The Experience
Founded in 1998 by local conservationist Miriam Schmidt, the garden was born from a simple ambition: protect the island's biodiversity and give visitors a peaceful place to encounter it. Trails wind through themed sections including a palm garden, a kitchen garden, a sensory 'touch and taste' area, and a greenhouse sheltering endemic species. Sculptures by local artists appear unexpectedly along the paths, and a bird observation trail rewards patient walkers with sightings of species that thrive on the slopes of the dormant volcano. Because the garden sits above Gallows Bay with the Quill rising behind it, the sea views on a clear day stretch all the way to Saba and St. Kitts. It is rarely crowded, often you'll have the place almost to yourself, and the effect is more meditative retreat than tourist attraction.
What to Try
Walk the full bird and nature trail before the midday heat, then loop back through the palm garden. Pause at the sensory beds to crush a leaf of lemongrass or bay rum between your fingers, and don't skip the greenhouse where the most delicate endemics are protected. If you're a photographer, the sculptures scattered along the paths make for great foreground against The Quill.
Insider Tip
There's no reliable public transport to the garden and it's a hot uphill walk from town, so either rent a car in Oranjestad or plan to hitch a ride toward Rosemary Laan and The Quill (a very common and safe practice on Statia). Bring water, sturdy shoes, and mosquito repellent, and check ahead with St. Eustatius National Parks (STENAPA) since staffing and gate hours can be informal.
The Practical Stuff
Location: southern slopes of The Quill, above Oranjestad, Sint Eustatius (managed by STENAPA, the St. Eustatius National Parks Foundation). Size: about 5.3 hectares with marked trails, a greenhouse, palm garden, kitchen garden, and observation trail. Access: easiest with a rental car or by hitching; not walkable in a straight shot from Lower Town. Cost: modest donation or entry fee supporting STENAPA. Time needed: 1 to 2 hours. Best visited in the cooler morning hours.
Pair It With
- The Quill National Park — The garden sits on the volcano's lower slopes, so it pairs naturally with a hike up to the crater rim for the fuller Statia nature experience.
- Oranjestad historic Upper Town — After the garden, drop back into town to wander Fort Oranje and the 18th-century ruins for a contrast of nature and colonial history.
- Gallows Bay waterfront — An easy post-garden stop for a cold drink or a swim to cool off before heading back to your lodging.
