Nestled on the West side of Green Bay, the Green Bay Botanical Garden is a true testament to the region’s diverse natural beauty. Across its sprawling 47 acres, visitors will find meticulously curated gardens with over 98,000 plants and flowers adorning the pathways.
But it's not just about the pretty flowers (although there are plenty of those). The Green Bay Botanical Garden is a whole experience – beautiful architecture, natural areas, plant research and trials, an awesome gift shop, events, children’s and adult’s programming, and so much more.
With their most colorful season right around the corner, this is the perfect time to explore! Keep reading for a list of ten things you need to know about the Green Bay Botanical Garden.
1. There are 21 different garden areas to explore.
With 21 distinct areas to explore, there is truly something here for everyone. We suggest taking your time and exploring all the areas, but if you’re short on time, here are a few of the major highlights:
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The Bell Children’s Garden, featuring a slide tower, maze, koi pond, and the iconic Hobbit House restrooms
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The South Terraces and Fountain surrounded by ornamental lilies and bold annuals
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The Betty Meyer Bridge, a massive covered bridge entwined with variegated kiwi vines
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The English Cottage, a fan favorite featuring a quaint historical English-style stone cottage and an array of brightly colored perennials and annuals
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The Rose Garden, best seen during its peak flushes during June, July, and August
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The Magnolia Grove, a nationally accredited magnolia garden and a stunning sight to behold when the spring season hits
2. They’re open all year round
Our cold Wisconsin winter months don’t phase the gardens! While spring and summer are, of course, the seasons to visit when you want to see the more vibrant colors, the Botanical Garden is open year-round, and there is plenty to see and do in the fall and winter. When that fall chill comes through, the gardens transform into a kaleidoscope of autumn colors, and when the snow starts to fall, the garden lights up – literally – with its annual Garden of Lights event (more on that later).
You’ll also find programming, events, classes, and exhibits all year, so check their events calendar!
3. They offer lots of affordable admission options
The Green Bay Botanical Garden is a 100% community-supported nonprofit, which means you can feel good about your admission fee going right back into maintaining and preserving the beauty of the gardens. There are discounted admission options, too, including $1 off when you buy your ticket online. You can also receive free or discounted membership if you meet certain other criteria:
Adults (18+): $13
Seniors (62+), AAA Members, AARP, Military: $11
Students (18+ with school ID): $11
Youth (3–17): $5
Children (2 & under): Free
NWTC Students & Faculty: Free with valid NWTC ID
If you visit frequently, consider investing in a membership. Not only will you enjoy unlimited access to the garden year-round, you'll also receive exclusive perks and discounts on events and programming.
The Garden also hosts free days throughout the year. Follow their social media to stay in the know!
4. They offer guided tours for groups
Want the inside scoop on the different areas of the garden? If you’re coming with a group of 15 or more, you can get your own garden guide and learn all about the current blooms, the garden’s history, and their unique features on the Gardener’s Delight tour. Or, on the Herbal Adventure tour, you’ll engage your senses and explore the diverse array of herbs grown in the Garden. Plus, you’ll enjoy a demonstration and create your own herbal scrub to take home!
5. It’s a great place for kids
One of the best additions to the Botanical Garden is the new Bell Children’s Garden, which opened in 2023. This 2.5-acre wonderland is a dynamic outdoor space designed to spark curiosity and encourage play!
Kids can enjoy oversized rubber fungi trampolines, a treehouse, a hedge maze, koi pond, tunnel and cave, splash pad, raindrop garden, and so much more. Even going to the bathroom is fun; restrooms and drinking fountains can be found inside the Hobbit House, which looks like it’s straight out of the Lord of the Rings!
The Green Bay Botanical Garden also offers tons of children's programming throughout the year, from nature walks and garden scavenger hunts to art workshops, camps, and storytime sessions. Be sure to check out their Activities page to learn more!
6. It’s the perfect spot for a wedding or special occasion
Imagine saying "I do" surrounded by the resplendent beauty of nature. Whether you're exchanging vows in the beautiful Kaftan Lusthaus surrounded by roses or under the exquisite Grecian Gazebo in the Oval Garden, your big day will be a thing of beauty.
From intimate gatherings to grand celebrations, the Botanical Garden offers a variety of customizable spaces that suit any event. Whether you dream of a romantic garden ceremony, an elegant reception, or a whimsical cocktail hour, the Garden’s events team will work with you to bring your vision to life.
They even offer a Special Photography permit for those who would like to use the gardens as a backdrop for their special occasion photos. According to the website, “Special Occasion Photography includes photos or videos of weddings, engagements, quinceañeras, proms, family portraits, graduation portraits, maternity shoots … and all other commercial photography or videography.”
7. They conduct trials and research onsite
One of the best things about the Botanical Garden is their dedication not just to the beauty of the landscape, but to horticultural science and innovation as well. In fact, the Garden is one of about 80 trial gardens in the whole United States that test new, never-before-sold varieties of plants.
One of their largest trial initiatives includes the Magnolia Collection. Horticulturalists have been collecting and documenting unique species of magnolia since 2000, and with 146 magnolias and 122 taxa, the Garden’s collection is now recognized as a Magnolia Multisite Collection and the only Plant Collection Network collection in the state of Wisconsin!
Other trialing includes research and experimentation in the Rose Garden to determine the most sustainable species of rose for our unique climate and other ornamental plant trials.
8. They strive for sustainable garden practices
One part of the Botanical Garden's mission is to practice gardening in a sustainable way that will preserve the environment for years to come. Composting, no- and low-mow turf areas, use of organic fertilizer, seeding starting in reusable containers, hand-pulling weeds, and xeriscape gardens are just some of the sustainable gardening methods used. Learn more about the Garden’s sustainability efforts on its website!
9. Accessibility is part of the mission
One key goal of the Botanical Garden is to ensure its accessibility to as many people as possible. The Garden provides wheelchairs and motorized scooters for visitors (on a first-come-first-serve basis), and approximately 20 of the Garden’s 47 acres have paved walkways. The Garden also offers free admission to personal care attendants assisting guests with disabilities.
Additionally, two areas of the Garden are low-sensory areas for guests who may need space to decompress or enjoy the gardens in a less stimulating environment.
10. The biggest event of the year? The Garden of Lights, of course!
If you live in the Green Bay area, you already know about the Green Bay Botanical Garden’s biggest event of the year. But if you’re visiting, it might surprise you to know that the biggest must-see garden display actually takes place in winter!
For over 25 years, the Green Bay Botanical Garden has hosted its annual Garden of Lights from the end of November through New Year’s Day. This event features 40 displays of over 350,000 dazzling lights to view as you stroll through the gardens. You can also grab a hot cocoa (or something a little stronger) to warm you up as you take in the holiday beauty. Or, if you’d rather sit back and relax, consider taking a horse and carriage tour through the Garden! This brilliant holiday experience has become a cherished tradition for thousands of people each year.
What’s your favorite part of the Green Bay Botanical Garden?
With so many acres of natural beauty to enjoy and incredible year-round programming, it’s hard to choose just one thing we love most about the Green Bay Botanical Garden. Do you have a favorite part of the Garden? Let us know over on our Facebook page!
