Gardens

Garden

Boerner Botanical Gardens

The formal gardens span more than 40 acres at Milwaukee’s “Living” Museum. From the Arboretum to the Rock Garden, you can easily spend hours exploring the plants and gardens. Gardening enthusiasts will especially love a peek at the cutting edge of horticulture in the Trial Gardens; Boerner is one of only 23 All America Rose Selections trial sites, and well over 400 varieties of roses and flowers are undergoing trial and available to view.

Sculpture Garden

Lynden Sculpture Garden

Visitors enjoy a unique experience of art in nature at this sculpture garden. There are no paths, so feel free to observe the collection of 50 monumental sculptures from every vantage point. The collection is sited over 40 acres of park, lake, and woodland and includes pieces by Alexander Archipenko, Henry Moore, Mark di Suvero, and more. Docent-led walking tours are available year-round.

Historic Places of Interest

Mitchell Park Domes

This unique conservatory is a must-see for any plant lover. Each of the three beehive-shaped glass domes contains its own distinct ecosystem, featuring a tropical rainforest, a desert, and a changing show dome.

Farm

Trimborn Farm

This historic farm offers a unique look at 19th century farming and industry in Wisconsin in a rustic yet elegant setting. Nine original buildings remain, including a 75-foot lime kiln, a Greek-revival farmhouse built with Milwaukee’s iconic Cream City brick, threshing barn, and one of the largest stone barns in the state. Special events and activities show what life was like during the late 19th century.

Garden

Villa Terrace

Built as a private home in 1923, this stunning Italian Renaissance-style villa now features fine and decorative arts, wrought-iron masterpieces by Cyril Colnik, and an unforgettable garden. The tiered Renaissance Garden overlooks Lake Michigan and recreates the traditional elements of a 16th century Tuscan landscape.