Blooming Together

The Wausau Botanic Gardens will greatly enrich the communities of central Wisconsin. With your help we are creating a one-of-a-kind environment where all will have the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of unique gardens, take advantage of educational opportunities designed to enhance the mind and the body, and spend time with family, friends and neighbors. The thoughtfully designed Garden plan will allow visitors to enjoy the grounds from the earliest stages of their creation.

Visitor and Education Center Three-Phase Plan

For 20 flourishing years, Wausau Botanic Gardens has grown, with your love and support, from one man’s vision, Robert W. Monk, into Wausau’s 30-acre gem. Yet, we’re just a petal away from our full potential—because a cozy garden home awaits its time to bloom! 

We’re thrilled to share our vision for a Visitor & Education Center, a cozy garden home where our community can huddle, learn, and celebrate the wonders of nature, rain or shine. Think of it as our dream from 2005’s Master Plan coming to life—a green sanctuary designed for education and eco-friendliness and to honor the legacy of Mr. Monk and every single one of you who’s been part of our journey. 

As the heart of Wausau, we’re not just talking about a building; we’re imagining a vibrant, welcoming space where the magic of our outdoor splendors meets the warmth of an indoor hug from Mother Nature. 

Now, to sprinkle a little fairy dust on our plans, we’ve mapped out our growth in three exciting phases. First up, we’re setting the stage with key infrastructure goals like increasing our ability to welcome even more friends, enhancing our beautiful site, and gearing up for Phase II, building the Visitor & Education Center. Then, in a whirl of wonder, Phase III will unfold with additional space for learning and laughter, including classrooms for our little Sprouts Garden Preschool.

Since rolling out our Master Plan in 2005, we’ve been planting the seeds for this moment, enriched by heartfelt community feedback, meticulous planning, and some serious garden grit. With the genius minds at J.H. Findorff & Son Inc and The Kubala Washatko Architects on board and the generous support from individuals and foundations, our dreams are ready to take root starting Spring 2024.

We are still seeking financial support for Phase I and have a naming opportunity for the pond.  To donate, click here or call 715-261-6309 to set up a time to meet with Darcie Howard, Executive Director.  

For more information on Phase I Garden Enhancements, click here.

For more information on the full three-phased plan, click here.