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
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