Mitchell Park Conservatory

Visit this incredible botanical garden in Milwaukee.

The Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory is located in Milwaukee. It encompasses 60 acres and features three domes, each measuring 140 feet in diameter at the base and 85 feet in height. Over 250,000 visitors from over 100 countries visit the park annually. The domes were designed by Donald L. Grieb, a Milwaukee architect that won a design competition in 1959. Each of these iconic conoidal glasshouses is seven stories high. The domes have concrete frames, aluminum guttering, plus 2,200 triangular panes of 1/4 inch thick wire-embedded glass. 

Beneficial insects are strategically introduced to control pest populations, and the plants are watered by hand on a daily basis. Guests can view the desert dome (with plants from Africa, Madagascar, South America, and North America), floral show dome (featuring springtime flowers year-round), and tropical dome (with bananas, cocoa plants, and over 1,000 other plant varieties). Inside the desert dome, visitors can meet Steve, the resident bearded dragon. The tropical dome uses an extensive misting system to maintain the proper humid environment. 

The conservatory has five full-time horticulturists and a support staff that care for the plants. Before you leave, explore the Gifts Under Glass gift shop and purchase a souvenir. All purchases support the Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory and its mission. If you enjoy plants and gardens, stop by this stunning conservatory in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.