Things to do / Travel Guide
The botanical gardens in Chicago and southern Wisconsin present both the historical flora of the region, such as the prairie lands, along with exotic ecosystems of far-way places like South American and Asian rainforests.
Chicago Botanic Gardens
The Chicago Botanic Gardens is a short drive north of the city of Chicago in Glencoe, Illinois. With over 385 acres and 26 separate gardens, housing 2.2 million plants - you cannot leave this spot un-refreshed. The smallish lakes, eight lagoons, and nine islands add to the serenity of the area.
Two of the best gardens are the Japanese Gardens and the English Walled Garden. In the former, three separate islands connected by Japanese-style bridges provide the scene for a closely manicured but curiously untamed garden scene. The English Walled Garden is another great garden the premises have to offer. Its secluded enclosure houses six rooms, each reflecting various English gardening styles.
Boerner Botanical Gardens in Milwaukee
Near Milwaukee is Whitnall Park, where you'll find the secluded Boerner Botanical Gardens. The 1000-acre arboretum is spread across Hale's Corner, Wisconsin, with 12 different types of trees, is a dedication to the land from which the city sprouted. The Rose Garden features prized Romantica Fragrance Roses, as well as roses of “old garden” variety, and miniatures. Take a look at the koi fish that swim in the garden's central pond during the summer. The John and Hildegarde Voight Trail Garden devotes itself to the performance of newly developed plant varieties.
Also in Milwaukee, just off South Layton Boulevard and west of downtown, is the Mitchell Park Conservatory, also known as “the Domes” because of the fantastic seven-story glass-encased buildings. The Arid Dome's ecosystem is reminiscent of the desert. It has one of America's finest collections of cacti outside of the desert. Be on the lookout for Madagascar Periwinkle, Golden Barrel Cacti, African Aloe, and the Dragon Tree, all truly magnificent to the eye. If you want to cover five continents-worth of tropical rainforests, look no further than the Tropical Dome. It's home to 1200 tropical plants, plus exotic birds and iguana's. You can smell the turmeric and cardamom in the air as you pass by the star fruit trees. The Floral Dome is where the big shows happen, based on either a cultural, historical, or literary theme. Check with the conservatory events page to see what's in store for the Floral Dome during the year. Whenever you go, there are experts on hand to give demonstrations advice to all you aspiring green thumbs.
Botanical Gardens in Madison
The Olbrich Botanical Gardens is on the east side of Madison, Wisconsin, in Olbrich Park. The gardens cover over 15 acres, and includes a Thai-style pavilion that was donated by the royal family of Thailand. In the conservatory, you'll find a tropical forest including over 750 plants, and a peaceful waterfall.
Across town, on the south side of Madison, is the University of Wisconsin Arboretum. The arboretum is not just a teaching facility; students go there to unwind after a hard day of classes. With over 300 types of native plants on the prairies, lily stands for flower enthusiasts, within a 1,260-acre mix of wetlands and prairie grass, this arboretum is like a day in the country.
Chicago, Illinois, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Dells, Madison
Botanical-Gardens
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