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ParkWisconsin, US
Boerner Botanical Gardens
Boerner Botanical Gardens offers a captivating escape into nature's artistry.
About
Boerner Botanical Gardens offers a captivating escape into nature's artistry. This renowned botanical garden in Hales Corners, Wisconsin, showcases thousands of vibrant plants across twelve meticulously designed formal gardens, serving as a living museum, educational resource, and tranquil retreat. It provides a picturesque setting for visitors to connect with nature, appreciate diverse plant life, and enjoy serene outdoor spaces, reflecting its commitment to people, plants, and pollinators.
Visitors can explore diverse and enchanting collections, including the romantic Rose Garden, home to over 5,000 rosebushes of more than 550 varieties, complete with a charming koi pond. The serene Peony Garden bursts with color from over 175 peony varieties, while the unique Rock Garden, built with over 1,000 tons of weathered limestone, features Wisconsin wildflowers, native ferns, Japanese Primrose, and Siberian Iris. Margie's Children's Garden delights younger guests with its "enchanted village," including an Alphabet Garden, sound garden, and friendly bug sculptures. For those interested in horticultural innovation, the Trial Garden showcases over 500 new plant varieties being evaluated for the Great Lakes region, acting as a "test kitchen" for future plant introductions.
From the delicate beauty of early spring tulips and blossoming crabapple trees to the lush vibrancy of summer roses and daylilies, and the rich hues of late fall foliage, Boerner Botanical Gardens presents an ever-changing tapestry of blooms throughout the seasons. Beyond its visual splendor, the gardens offer valuable educational opportunities, peaceful contemplation spots, and a calendar full of seasonal events like the popular "Concerts in the Garden" and the spectacular "China Lights" festival. Its thoughtfully curated spaces and commitment to plant diversity ensure that each visit provides a fresh and memorable experience. Take the ultimate field guide with you: use the Snappit app to identify birds, plants, and animals on your trip.
The Boerner Botanical Gardens are situated within Whitnall Park, a vision brought to life by Charles B. Whitnall, the founder of the Milwaukee County Park System. The land for the park was acquired between 1929 and 1930. However, the onset of the Great Depression left Milwaukee County with insufficient funds for development. This challenge was overcome through federal employment programs such as the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Works Progress Administration (WPA), which provided the essential workforce for constructing the gardens during the 1930s. Landscape architect Alfred Boerner was the designer of the original five formal gardens: the Annual, Perennial, Rock, Rose, and Peony Gardens, which opened to the public in 1939. The gardens were officially named in his honor in 1957, two years after his passing. John Voight, who served as the gardens' director for 38 years, also played a pivotal role in their development, notably establishing the Trial Garden in 1950. Today, the Friends of Boerner Botanical Gardens, a non-profit organization founded in 1984, continues to support the preservation and enhancement of this historic venue.
What to do here
Wander through the themed gardens, observe koi in the Rose Garden pond, discover the interactive elements in Margie's Children's Garden, marvel at Wisconsin wildflowers and native ferns in the Rock Garden, and see cutting-edge horticulture in the Trial Garden. Check the event schedule for summer "Concerts in the Garden" and the autumn "China Lights" festival.
Seasonal info
Spring: Enjoy Wisconsin wildflowers and Asian and European bulbs in the Rock Garden. Peony blooms typically peak from mid-May through late June.
Summer: The Rose Garden experiences its first wave of spectacular blooms in late June, with further waves in mid-August and late September. "Concerts in the Garden" are held on Thursday evenings.
Fall: Experience late-season blooms and vibrant autumn foliage. The "China Lights" festival is a notable event.
Winter: The formal gardens are closed from November 1 through April 30. The Education & Visitor Center remains open year-round. "Winter Wonders" is a holiday lights drive-through experience within Whitnall Park.
Accessibility
Boerner Botanical Gardens is partially wheelchair accessible, with ramps facilitating access to many garden spaces. The Education & Visitor Center features automatic doors, accessible elevators, restrooms, and drinking fountains. While most paths are smooth and stroller-friendly, the inner areas of the Rock Garden may have stepping stones that require closer supervision, though the area can be viewed from surrounding pathways. Aira services are available for visitors who are blind or have low vision.
Don't miss
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Don't miss the Rose Garden, Rock Garden, Peony Garden, Margie's Children's Garden, Trial Garden, Annual Garden, Perennial Garden, Herb Garden, Daylily Path, and Bog Walk.
Wildlife you might spot
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Good to know before you go
Check Bloom Charts
Visit the Education & Visitor Center upon arrival to pick up a map and check what's currently in bloom to best plan your route and see your favorite plants.
Visit Multiple Seasons
The gardens change dramatically throughout the year. Consider visiting in different seasons—spring, summer, and fall—to experience the unique beauty each period offers.
Bring Your Camera
With thousands of vibrant plants, intricate garden designs, and historic architecture, Boerner Botanical Gardens provides countless photographic opportunities.
Explore Margie's Children's Garden
If you're visiting with children, dedicate time to this whimsical garden, which offers interactive play areas and imaginative features designed specifically for kids.
Attend a Summer Concert
Enjoy a free "Concert in the Garden" on Thursday evenings during the summer. You can enjoy live music and explore the gardens at no cost after 6:00 p.m.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The gardens are extensive, with a mix of gravel, asphalt, and brick paths. Comfortable footwear will ensure an enjoyable experience as you explore all the themed spaces.
Frequently asked questions
- No, there is an admission fee to enter Boerner Botanical Gardens. However, free days are offered on the fourth Monday of each month from May through August. Additionally, admission to summer "Concerts in the Garden" is free, and guests may walk the gardens after 6:00 p.m. at no additional cost on concert evenings.
- Yes, most of the paths at Boerner Botanical Gardens are smooth and stroller-friendly, making it accessible for families with young children. However, visitors should be aware that the Rock Garden features stepping stones in some areas which may require closer supervision for strollers or manual wheelchairs.
- The Peony Garden at Boerner Botanical Gardens is a spring highlight, featuring more than 175 varieties. The blooms typically reach their peak from mid-May through late June, offering a spectacular display of color and fragrance.
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Jun 7, 2026
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