Boerner Botanical Gardens

I haven’t been here since I was a kid, so I was surprised by what I did and did not remember about this place (it was a lot).
The rock garden/​waterfall/​hosta/​fern/​very lush area in the back… well, it WOULD be if it wasn’t in such a sad state of disrepair. This is the only area I remember from my childhood: hopping from stone to stone, trying to avoid landing in the water, listening to the waterfall, looking for tadpoles. This area is the sole reason for 4, not 5 stars.
I seriously do not remember any other part of the gardens, but what I saw, I liked.
There is an area along the main drive/​roadway that has a smaller waterfall with lots of natives like purple coneflower and black eyed Susans and was as pretty as it was simple.
The annual gardens were pretty too, with lots of coleus and elephant ears, begonias and impatiens providing a pretty contrast to the concrete.
The herb garden was very full and fragrant. It was nice to see the varieties of sage and scented geranium, as well as one of my favorites, the curry plant (NOT where actual curry comes from!). At the end of the herb garden were more favorites of mine: cacti, aloes and balloon flowers. This area was also set up to house a fairy garden. Now, normally, I don’t go for that kind of «cutesy» stuff, but even I had to admit that having individual hens and chicks planted as a cabbage patch was pretty sweet. I chuckled a bit at that.
The rose garden was lovely. I walked up to one rose that I happened to think was really pretty and inhaled it’s scent deeply. It was wonderful! Then I looked at the name… Paul McCartney! I’m a huge Beatles fan, so this struck me as more than coincidental… perhaps the garden fairies steered me here? Part of the rose garden has a stone arbor bordering it, creating a transition from one area to another. In the middle of the garden is a decent sized koi pond with some pretty big fish in it. One was definitely two feet long, at least! There is also a nice fountain.
Near the rose garden is the perennial garden. I had hoped for a bit more variety here, but I was happy with what I saw: shasta daisies, false indigo, lillies…
Also near the roses is a shady path that takes one past a collection of hostas and into a peony garden. Unfortunately, the peonies had all bloomed a few weeks earlier, so all that was left were some really large green plants.
To the side of, and behind, the main building, in what looks like rolling landscape with trees, is exactly that: the garden’s collection of trees. There were a few out there that were oddly beautiful in that they produced white or pink fuzzy bits… the flowers?
Across from, and slightly kitty-​corner to the main building are the trial gardens, where they test bunches of new varieties of plants, herbs and vegetables. The public is allowed to go in here and you don’t have to stay on the paths once you get to the back of the area. There are several bee hives tucked back by the veggies as well as laminated sheets (in a little house) that describe the different types of gardens planted there.
There are shaded and somewhat secluded places to simply sit and enjoy a good book, and others to soak up some sunshine and enjoy nature. Because it is on the edge of Whitnall Park, there is plenty of wildlife to be seen, including birds, squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits and maybe even a deer or two!
All in all, this is a nice place to visit and, literally, «smell the roses».
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A beautiful botanical garden, complete with coi pond! A great place to wind down with a relaxing walk at the end of the day. They also offer a summer concert series held at the garden!

I recently had my graduation party here and it was absolutely amazing! We rented the smaller room that faces out to the gardens and it was way more than enough space for 60+ guests. They set up a bunch of round tables for people to sit at, based on the count I gave them, and a dance floor.
Guests went outside (there’s even a patio-​style dining area right outside the room) and got to take a walk through the gardens. It’s really beautiful in spring and summer.
They provide catering through Zilli Hospitality Service and they were pretty good. We had a buffet style dinner and later a nacho bar. They also served the cakes and extra desserts I brought. The staff was really accommodating and there was always someone there if we needed something.
I couldn’t think of a better place I could’ve had my party. If you have an event, rent this place out! Also side note it’s a lot cheaper to rent on a Sunday because they don’t allow you to come till afternoon after their brunch, so that’s when we rented it out. We still had enough daylight to enjoy the outdoors and they let us stay till 12 am so we had ample time to party.
Also they have wifi just ask for the password.

This place is beautiful. It was so peaceful and relaxing I spent 3 and half hours here alone and enjoyed it so much. There are plenty of places to sit and view with scenery that reminds you of Italy/​Greece. The price was so low only 5 dollars I felt obligated to donate more. This is definitely going to be a favorite spot of mine to go and get away from the busy hectic world. The fountains with the water trickling was enjoyable to listen to along with mother nature in the background. The walkways are so perfectly manicured from cement stairs to a winding wooded bridge and pebble paths. I loved it here! Can’t wait to come back to this therapeutic environment.

I haven’t been here in years, but living so close and having a membership to the Domes gives us free admission via reciprocity. That being said It would be foolish for us not to go. Admission is $ 5.50.
The grounds are huge and for the most part are very well kept thanks to volunteers. BBG is very popular for weddings for good reason. It’s beautiful and smells great. Lot’s of flowers! Beautiful sculptures! Water fountains, and Koi ponds.
There are a few walking paths with a wide diversity of plants, flowers, and herbs. It took us 2 – 3 hours to leisurely see just about everything. There were about 4 fountains that were functioning, but the really cool one farther into the park was not working. That’s the big one with the waterfall. I don’t know what the deal with that one is, but if it was working I would have easily given BBG 5 stars! Oh well, don’t let that keep you from going it’s still pretty cool!
Maybe next time we’ll stop in for brunch. There’s plenty to offer and a lot more for us to see.

What a hidden gem! I only noticed this place by driving by a sign. It’s really tucked back in Whitnall park, but it’s worth the adventure.
The cost to get in is around $ 5 a person. It really is a bargain for the lovely experience. Even on a cool and cloudy day, we were able to enjoy blooming peonies, an herb garden, beautifully manicured green lawns, and a walk amongst scented lilac trees and ginkgoes.
You could easily spend two hours here taking a long and leisurely walk. I’ll be heading back in a few weeks to see the rose garden and all of the peonies in bloom!

I love visiting these gardens and feel that to really appreciate all areas to their fullest extent it helps to visit from the spring through the end of fall.
It’s a little piece of tranquility so close to my home and it’s right in the middle of Whitnall Park — a place I frequent already. I have my favorite spots to sit and read or watch people enjoy the garden. When no one is looking I pluck Japanese beetles off the rose bushes and squash them. You aren’t supposed to mess with the plants but I can’t stand to see them suffer from infestations.
There are many events and classes that take place at BBG throughout the summer. Some are free, some have to be paid for, and others can be enjoyed for the cost of admission. I know many people look for free events, but think about throwing a few bucks toward the garden. They use the funds to help improve and maintain the grounds.

I came to Boerner Botanical Gardens for a wedding last month, and it was a wonderful venue. The grounds were beautiful, full of deep green trees and countless varieties of flowers. Bride and groom Chris and Josie got married in a lovely outdoor space, before an arch and a stone fountain, with blooming garden and open sky as their backdrop.
The reception took place in a large room with full window walls and a dance floor. I’m not sure whether catering and DJ were provided by Boerner, but in any case, it seemed like it was meant to be a wedding venue. When night fell, my husband and I took a turn in the garden like a couple of Jane Austen lovebirds, and we found ourselves surrounded by tiny flickering lights – the garden was full of fireflies. I’d never seen more than one firefly in one place before, so this was a remarkable experience.
I can’t claim any expertise on botanical gardens, but I’d endorse Boerner as a wedding venue at the very least. It’s a nice place with everything you need to get married – space, beauty, and a bit of romance.

I recently attended an event that was hosted by Zilli’s Hospitality Group at this location. Before heading over I made sure to map it on Google and was amazed at the size of the park. It was a bit of a maze getting to the gardens but once there I realized it was well worth the drive. Besides being a beautiful garden it also double as a phenomenal venue to hold a wedding or corporate event.
The facility is intimate because of the many rooms it has for different functions but if required the whole facility is available as it was to guests of the private event. This is a must see venue.

A Gem. Great venue for events and weddings! All the beautiful flowers and gardens. It’s worth it to check out the botanical gardens one day this summer!

This is a great place for weeding. Also great for a family picnic. Zillis caters the Mother’s Day brunch which was different. But just as good.

I want to give the gardens a better star rating, but I am holding off until I see some improvements. I have been visiting the Boerner Botanical Gardens at least once a year since the mid-1990’s. I realize when you visit, that you are subject to the growing season of plants and you may or may not see the gardens at full-​bloom. Here are my positive and negative takes on my last visit this past Sunday:
Positive:
1. The new welcome center is beautiful. The fieldstone work is a nice honor to the original building and all the work the CCC and WPA did to provide Milwaukee with such an amazing garden and surrounding Whitnall Park.
2. The Trial Gardens are spectacular — these should actually be the highlight of anyone’s visit to the gardens. They need to be showcased more.
3. Happy to see the Koi Pond back and working. Love to see the Koi swimming around and begging for food. Some are over 10 years old and they are huge and beautiful.
4. The setting is as always so pretty and we are very lucky in Milwaukee that our forefathers set aside so much acreage for recreation and parks.
5. Love the rose garden and they do a nice job labeling all the varieties.
Negative:
1. Some areas look a bit neglected. I realize with the budget cuts in the Milwaukee County Parks that some things might take longer to fix, etc. but it is sad that a couple of the fountains are inoperable.
2. This kind of goes along with #1. Weeds, dried plants and looks like an insect problem. Not as impressive as it should be. People are paying $ 5 to see this?
3. Wish the Gift Shop was open the same hours as the gardens. I believe it is run by the Friends of the Gardens, but it is unfortunate when I bring a group of people to the gardens that they see a locked gate with all kinds of stuff they’d like to buy (and contribute to the gardens) behind it.
I will continue to visit the garden and will really sell the Trial Gardens and the history of the park as the main focal point when bringing out of town groups.

Woah– Where did this place come from?
I grew up just north of Milwaukee and I did not even realize that such a beautiful botanical garden existed in the city. I think we hit our timing just perfectly this past weekend, because the plants were all absolutely gorgeous and in bloom! When we were planning our trip there, I expected it would be like other botanical gardens I’ve seen in the past– kind of small, but densely packed with variety. Instead, this place is *huge* and incredibly full of variety! It reminded me a little bit of the gardens of Versailles– pruned to perfection, organized and well-​planned.
Its a little bit pricier than I’d expect considering its part of the Milwaukee County Parks ($ 5 per adult), but I can understand that it can’t be cheap to maintain a property as large as that with expensive flowers, plants and trees. We’ll still pay up– We’re already planning to bring my mother-​in-​law and my parents here next time they visit!

Took my mother, the master gardner, to get her gardening fix while visiting MKE. $ 5 entrance fee, rather large grounds, beautiful fragrant rose and herb gardens. I saw a couple taking wedding photos here. charming…Also an area for plant sales. My mother loved this place. I think it’s one of those «atleast visit once while you live here» kinda place.

It literally breaks my heart to give BBG 2 stars. This garden used to be a showplace but sadly, most of it is terribly neglected.
The perennial beds were scraggly, unpruned and unweeded. The promenade to the rock garden was mostly unplanted, overgrown and the beds were literally choked with weeds. The only areas that looked «decent» are the annual gardens at the entrance and the rose gardens. I think that’s where most of the weddings & events take place so it makes sense. Yet, even here the paths were full of grass and weeds and most badly need regraveling.
Clearly, the Parks system has taken some massive budget cuts thanks to our Dear Leader Scott Walker, and it shows in a big way here. BBG is definitely in need of more staff to get the gardens back in shape. I’d happily pay an extra dollar or two for admission if it would help. So sad, it is such a shame to see this place go to seed (gardening pun intended).

Not just flowers here — also the most amazing brunch I’ve ever had. I come here every year on Mother’s Day and/​or Easter… though they do serve brunch every Sunday — Reservations are a must, especially on holidays.
There are two dining halls. The buffet tables are in the four corners of the room + one in the center.
There is an enormous appetizer/​salad/​fruit table with countless fruits, cheeses, meats, shrimp, pastries, breads, etc. But don’t fill up on that!
Because at the other tables…
Pancakes, waffles, french toast, sausage, bacon, ham, beef, lamb, salad, made to order omelets and eggs, several kinds of potatoes (see picture for the au gratin potatoes!) — basically anything you could imagine for breakfast/​brunch, they have it!
But again… don’t fill up ;-) because the dessert table is amazing as well! Mini-​cheesecakes, tons of chocolates, fruity desserts, crème brûlée, brownies, cookies, chocolate covered marshmallows, chocolate covered strawberries, and the list goes on…
Interesting to note is that they serve the same food on Holidays vs. regular Sundays, yet the Holiday price is approximately $ 35/​person, compared to $ 17 – 20 on regular Sundays. The price also comes with mimosas.
If you’re looking for a classy brunch, this is my absolute most favorite brunch restaurant in the WORLDDDDDDDDDD!!!

What a treat. This place is heaven on earth. Seriously. I am embarrassed to say that I have lived in Milwaukee almost 10 years and have not been to this place yet. I know, right?
It is off the beaten path, at least for me and where I live, but once in awhile it is so good to explore things in your own city.
So, the family and I went last Thursday, where the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra was playing Star Wars and ET! What, what? So cool. We arrived somewhat late 7:45, but that was actually fine because we missed the crowds all rushing to get a seat, we were just browsing the gardens not sitting. The MSO started playing at 7:00pm and the event went until 8:30. Completely free event. There were a lot people taking advantage of this fine opportunity so that was good to see.
Picture this: Perfect weather at sunset, MSO playing loud enough to hear as you strolled the grounds, throwing a penny in the fountain for good luck with dear husband, browsing through garden after garden of some of the most amazing foliage I have ever seen.
My hat goes off to the Milwaukee County Park System who manages these gardens as well as the countless volunteers. Simply. Beautiful.
Check their website for the music schedule. I know it is every Thursday evening. Kind of like a jazz in the park vibe but with a much older crowd, which is not necessarily a bad thing! Free after 6:30 on Thursdays in the summer otherwise I believe the fee is $ 5, which is well worth the money, IMHO. You may want to bring a pen and paper and write down all the wonderful new flowers you will want to plant in your garden next year :)

The Boerner Botanical Gardens is nestled away in lovely Whitnall Park, and while being somewhat difficult to find, being hidden from plain view also makes it more of a secluded treat.
Throngs of crowds with brats in tow do not grace these Gardens, like they seem to at the Mitchell Park Domes. There is a small entrance fee, so enter through the main building to pay. Grabbing a map is useful, but not necessary.
My son and I visited on a rainy October day, and it was just us and a couple nature lovers, braving the cold temps and intermittent rains. I like how the grounds are divided up. You just want to see roses? Go to the rose garden. (But I’m not promising you one). Interested in Gingkos? There’s a whole orchard! I loved the clear signage here, with the occasional placard talking about what herbs might be used for or how immigrants brought certain varieties to Wisconsin.
We liked the serenity of the rock garden, which isn’t like a Zen Rock Garden, it’s a peaceful area of small firs, vine mosses and plants among huge rocks and a gentle waterfall and pools. Serenity Now!
This place definitely favors repeated visits across the seasons. And don’t forget the classroom rental space for your next community meetings! How could the peacefulness of Boerner’s not promote openness and goodwill? A visit here is well worth it.

Writing about Angel Island in San Francisco made me think of all the times I went here as a child. It was always so pretty, and I remember going there on half-​days from school when I was really young and my mom wanted to make an afternoon of getting McD’s and heading out to Whitnall and gardens.
Now as an adult, I loved taking my wife here in the fall when the leaves change and a brisk walk through the woods near the Root River takes you up the hill to the garden. A romantic spot for sure, and a true example of Wisconsin’s often overlooked beauty.

This was one of my happy places when I was a child.
When I was 6, and banged my head above my eyebrow (a scar I wear to this day) on a small stepstool and needed stitches, afterwards I wanted to go here and look at the flowers to begin the healing process.
When I was REALLY little — age 3−4−5 + and beyond, my mom and dad taught a class here — watercolor painting and drawing. I’d go with them and create masterworks, up to my elbows in pastel dust. My parents still have so many pictures of me in the zone, worki’n away.
My brother and I would explore all over this park while my parents classes were going on. Waterfalls, rocks — all kinds of cool stuff for kids. My parents have had art shows here.
And when I was in high school? The secluded parkway was a great place to make out. Just sayin’.