Discover Green Bay Botanical Garden!
Manitowoc, Wisconsin Photo | Lake Michigan Destinations
Visit the Green Bay Botanical Garden in Wisconsin
The four seasons of Wisconsin come alive in colorful splendor at the Green Bay Botanical Garden. Opened since 1996, the Botanical Garden spreads over 47 acres and is a haven for a variety of fruit trees, shrubs, perennials, ornamental grasses, wildflowers, and herbs. Throughout the year, the Botanical Garden offers educational programs to the community, featuring family activities and gardening tips.
History
Once owned by the William Larsen family, the Northeast Wisconsin Technical College bought the property and 151 adjoining acres in 1969. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers established cross-country ski trails and it became a place to walk, hike, and ski. In 1978, a local group that called themselves Plants in the Urban Environment wanted the public to learn more about plants in the area. Various sites were considered for a Botanical Garden, but without proper funds and membership, nothing was developed. Finally in 1982, the Green Bay Botanical Garden, Inc. was formed, and the NWTC approved the lease in the fall of 1987, paving the way for what is now the Green Bay Botanical Garden.
Plants & Flowers Within The Garden
Some of the the beautiful highlights in the Botanical Garden include:
- Upper Rose Garden
- Kaftan Lusthaus, a Scandinavian summerhouse
- Agnes Schneider Terrace, filled with perennials and ornamental grasses
- Gertrude B. Nielsen Children’s Garden, with sundial, maze and tree house
- Larsen Orchard Remnant, filled with apple trees
- Mabel Thome Fountain & Garden, a lovely fountain surrounded by annuals and crabapples
- Stumpf Belvedere, a Greek style gazebo
- Vanderperren English Cottage Garden
- John and Janet Van Den Wymelenberg Color and Foliage Garden, containing perennials, trees, grasses, shrubs and vines
Tours
Different tours are available–Self guided tours in groups of 1-25, and over 26 people. Or choose a guided tour, where a knowledgeable guide will lead you through the most popular gardens. You’ll also learn a bit of history about the gardens. This tour is approximately 1-1.5 hours in length and is on paved paths and handicap accessible. The Gardener’s Delight Tour is for the true garden lover. In addition to the most popular gardens, you’ll also explore the quieter side with tours of Memorial Grove, Jenquine pavilion & overlook Garden and the New Baer Perennial Garden. This tour lasts 2 hours and is on both paved and wood chipped paths. If you’re a regular visitor to the Botanical Garden, you may want to do the “What’s New” tour. Here you’ll get a first hand look at the Garden’s newest developments.
For more information, open hours, and admission fees, please contact the Green Bay Botanical Garden at:
Green Bay Botanical Garden
2600 Larsen Road
Green Bay, WI 54303
(920) 490-9457
Northeast Wisconsin Activities & Attractions
Manitowoc Wisconsin Car Ferry
Manitowoc is the Wisconsin port for the S.S. Badger Car Ferry which sails across Lake Michigan to Ludington.
Highway US-10
The Highway US-10 continuance crosses Lake Michigan between Manitowoc, Wisconsin and Ludington, Michigan via the SS Badger car ferry.
Traverse City to Green Bay
Do you want to travel between Traverse City, Michigan and Green Bay, Wisconsin? Take a short cut across Lake Michigan on the car ferry.
Port of Manitowoc, Wisconsin
The Port of Manitowoc is a deep water draft commercial harbor on Lake Michigan, and the Wisconsin port for the SS Badger car ferry.
Manitowoc Breakwater Light
Built in 1918, the Manitowoc Breakwater Light has undergone multiple upgrades. The lighthouse is still operational today.
Kewaunee Pierhead Lighthouse
The Kewaunee Pierhead Lighthouse is one of only 6 in Wisconsin where a fifth-order Fresnel lens is still in use.
Art Galleries Artisan Studios Door County, Wisconsin
Browsing for art is a don’t-miss activity when you visit Door County! Dotted amongst cities and countryside are dozens of art destinations.
Eat Play Stay Algoma
Restaurants, activities, and accommodations in and near Algoma. The inside scoop on a small town that is too good to miss.
Rahr West Art Museum Manitowoc
Built by Joseph and Mary Vilas between 1891 and 1893, this Queen Anne style Victorian mansion is the location of an historical art museum.
West of the Lake Gardens Manitowoc, Wisconsin
Six acres of peaceful botanical gardens that sit on the former estate of John and Ruth West with beautiful views of Lake Michigan.
Wisconsin Maritime Museum
Founded in 1970, the Wisconsin Maritime Museum offers visitors interactive exhibits, artifacts, and insight on World War II submarines.
Door County Mushroom House Wisconsin
The Door County Mushroom House is an intriguing, fascinating, whimsical structure and is located near Fish Creek in Door County.
Cave Point County Park
Located just north of Whitefish Dunes State Park on the eastern coast of Door County, Cave Point County Park should not be missed.
Algoma Pierhead Lighthouse
The Algoma Light, is a red, steel structure overlooking Lake Michigan. In 1932, the lighthouse that is in place today was relocated to Algoma.
SS Badger Car Ferry
Cross Lake Michigan between Manitowoc, Wisconsin and Ludington, Michigan on the SS Badger car ferry. Save the driving and enjoy a cruise!
Whitefish Dunes State Park in Door County, Wisconsin
Whitefish Dunes State Park, on the eastern shore of Door Peninsula, in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, is set upon 865 acres along Lake Michigan.
Mariners Trail – Manitowoc & Two Rivers, Wisconsin
The Mariners Trail is a seven mile trail running along Lake Michigan, connecting the cities of Manitowoc and Two Rivers in Wisconsin.
Green Bay Botanical Gardens, Wisconsin
The four seasons of Wisconsin come alive in colorful splendor at the Green Bay Botanical Garden which opened in 1996.
Children’s Museum Green Bay, Wisconsin
Children love to explore, and there’s no better place to combine curiosity and learning than at The Children’s Museum of Green Bay.
Green Bay Packers Lambeau Field, Wisconsin
The Green Bay Packers are one of the league’s oldest franchises, and the green and yellow uniforms have thousands of fans around the country.
Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary Green Bay, Wisconsin
Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary is the largest park in Green Bay and is the second largest wildlife rehabilitation program
National Railroad Museum Green Bay, Wisconsin
Learn about train travel at the National Railroad Museum in Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin, just outside Green Bay.
New Zoo Green Bay, Wisconsin
A popular place to visit in Green Bay, Wisconsin is the NEW Zoo, located ten miles north of downtown in the Brown County Reforestation Camp.
Fox River Trail Green Bay, Wisconsin
The Fox River Trail starts in downtown Green Bay. It is part of the Wisconsin state park system and is overseen by the Wisconsin DNR.
More Northeast Wisconsin Destinations
Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
Sturgeon Bay is a charming historical community that embraces its world famous shipbuilding hub and honors their boat and water heritage.
Wisconsin Dells
No other has more waterparks than Wisconsin Dells, large and small, indoor and outdoor. It has recreation, festivals, theaters, and museums,
Two Rivers, Wisconsin
Two Rivers’ slogan is “catch our friendly waves” since it is located along Lake Michigan and has plenty of beaches to explore.
Ephraim, Wisconsin
Nestled in the harbor, Ephraim of Door County, Wisconsin has a picturesque view of Peninsula State Park’s Eagle Bluff and Horseshoe Island.
Door County, Wisconsin
The small towns, quaint surroundings, and nautical feel of Door County, Wisconsin have earned it the name “Cape Cod of the Midwest.”
Peshtigo, Wisconsin
One attraction of importance to Peshtigo is the Peshtigo Fire Museum, which reflects the city during the time period after a devastating fire.