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 digging out the gardens. The Wests built one of the very first modern houses in the area, highly reminiscent of Miami Art Deco. Over the years, the gardens expanded with Ruth’s whims.

That the gardens weren’t built as a typical botanical style garden is evident by the layout. Beds are laid out by colors or patterns groupings. When a whimsy strikes, a bed or area is added – succulents, roses, bush collection, water feature. All wrap around a breathtaking view of Lake Michigan.

After the deaths of the Wests, the house became their foundation headquarters and the gardens were opened to the public. Entrance is free and open to anyone (except tour buses and wedding parties).
 West of the Lake Gardens
915 Memorial Drive
Manitowoc, WI  54220