Madison Road Trip

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Gardens

Windmill Island Gardens

The Windmill Island Gardens do not disappoint. It’s an island, there are extensive gardens, and a massive functioning windmill. Like much of Holland, MI, the high-point of the year is during May for their tulip festival. Like other parts of… Continue Reading →

Tulip Fest in Holland, Michigan

There are two main areas at the Tulip Fest. The major draw is, obviously, tulips. With a number of tulip growers in the area, the town hosts a festival with tulips everywhere. There are mass plantings in parks, down the… Continue Reading →

Linmar Garden

This was one of our holy grails of locations. Not because it is hard to get to, but because the garden is only open 1 hour a day, 5 days a week. Miss the 11am tour Tue-Saturday and you’re out… Continue Reading →

Isle of Ferns

The Isle of Ferns lives up to its name in every way. It’s an island, it’s covered in ferns. This small island in the Wisconsin River has a series of windy trails the encircle the island. Pleasant and shady, it… Continue Reading →

Monk Botanical Gardens

Billed as “Wausau’s Happy Place”, this 30 acre garden is a lovely new(ish) location to visit. Donated in 2003, the 30-acre gardens are clearly still a work in progress. What is there and growing in is quite attractive. Wander through… Continue Reading →

Chicago Botanic Garden

The Chicago Botanic Garden is amazing! There’s something for every plant lover here – Japanese gardens, English cottage gardens, experimental plants, natives, edible, tropical and even artwork made of plants. With nearly 400 acres, wear comfy shoes and plan to… Continue Reading →

The Garden Door – Peninsular Research Station

Tucked behind a collection of utilitarian buildings off Highway 42 is a lovely garden maintained by the Door County Master Gardeners. Wander through arches covered with vines, down winding paths, past a busy pond and through waves to sedges. The… Continue Reading →

Lyndale Park Rose & Peace Gardens

Lyndale Park Rose and Peace Gardens are a lovely, public haven on the edge of Lake Harriet. Wander the gardens, admiring the experimental plants, topiary and roses. You will share the park with couples taking wedding photos, quinceañera, parties, Hmong… Continue Reading →

Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden

Despite small signs of human encroachment, the native plants are left to flower and spread.

Como Park Zoo and Japanese Garden

The Japanese Gardens of Como Park are stunning. Serene, sculpted, controlled and incredibly lush, they are the perfect place to find a bit of quiet after the zoo and conservatories.

Normandale Japanese Garden

The students at Normandale are extremely lucky to have such a beautiful and unique garden on their campus.

James Tellen Woodland Sculpture Garden

Tellen, like many fellow Wisconsinites, was bitten by the cement bug and the desire to create large, lumpen pieces of art on his property. “Naive” is the kindest term for his work. Some pieces, like the one of Abraham Lincoln,… Continue Reading →

Como Park Conservatory

The Como Park Conservatory is a tropical paradise on the frozen Minnesota prairie. Substantially larger than most midwest conservatories, it houses a Fern Room, Palm House, Sunken Garden, Orchid and Tropical houses, along with many outdoor gardens. The venerable collection… Continue Reading →

Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory

Despite being closed for awhile in 2016 due to falling concrete, the Domes are once again open. The egg-shaped conservatories contain three ecosystems –  tropical, desert and “show” dome. The collections at the domes are vast, large, healthy and very… Continue Reading →

West of the Lake Gardens

The West of the Lake Gardens are a private garden located just south of Two Rivers. They were created by Ruth and John West. After purchasing the property, Ruth got the gardening bug and spent her first few years hand… Continue Reading →

The Paine Art Center and Gardens

The Paine Art Center is amazing both inside and out. The European-inspired mansion is architecturally awesome on its own. The ever-changing gallery of shows is eclectic and unique – Gee’s Bend Quilts, Craig Blietz’s paintings, Kirsty Mitchell’s Wonderland photos, Chihuly… Continue Reading →