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Mitchell Park Conservatory
Category: Active Life Parks Parks [Edit]
524 S Layton BlvdMilwaukee, WI 53215
Neighborhood: Mitchell Park
(414) 649-9800
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
27 reviews for Mitchell Park Conservatory
27 reviews in English
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Review from Jessica O.
Milwaukee, WI
1/8/2012
I've got to agree with fellow Yelper Cassie D. - The Domes are like a mini vacation. I recommend perusing the seasonal dome, then the desert dome - saving the tropical dome for last.
There's something kind of awesome about kicking back in the middle of winter next to a waterfall, listening to birds singing and feeling blissfully warm in an outdoors-like setting.
The Domes is also a host to a slew of spectacular events - food and wine tastings, concerts, and cultural festivals. This local landmark is truly a community gem!Listed in: 100 Reviews in 2012!
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Review from Cassie D.
1/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
So......Why hadn't I been to the Domes in ages??? Their Music Under Glass series is amazing. Heard great local music (The Whiskeybelles), drank beer, saw a light show, and checked out the plants. All on a random Thursday with an entrance fee of $6.50.
For all of you hometown peeps, you need to revisit this whole Domes situation. Another one of those things that we take for granted. Perfect for those, "What the heck should we do?" moments or on a rainy day. Why not support the County Parks? It's like a mini-vacation... -
Review from Bruce C.
11/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
A geodesic dome in the middle of Milwaukee? No, not one, but THREE!
I had no idea what we were in for, I just knew I was going to a pre-wedding reception for out-of-towners at a place called "The Domes". On the way there, I'm informed that I'm going to be taking pictures. "At least it will be inside", they say. Oh, okay, that's not so bad. So we show up at the domes and now I'm freaking out a little. I just brought one shoe-mounted flash. These domes are glass and are lit by the sun. THE SUN. It's 6pm in winter and the sun is rising on my relatives in China right now. This is bad. Not only is there nothing to bounce a flash off of, there's no light period.
So the first dome I go into is the tropical dome. For the nature lovers, it's pretty sweet. For those of you who get frizzy hair in humidity, it's a nightmare. It's like 90% humidity in there, if not more and it's probably a good 85 degrees. It's not hot if you're just standing there, but if you pick your nose, you're gonna start sweating. Please keep the door shut, to keep the birds in the dome!
So I then go across the hall into the desert dome. SO much nicer and it has an artificial moon! Okay, so we've got maybe one more stop of light in here. It's better, but it's not great. Bounce flash and direct flash, if you want anything to come out even relatively blur free.
Lastly the show dome. Sure, they cranked up the lights, but it's poorly lit still. The lights on the photo opportunities are from the wrong angle and arranging the family is difficult. You can manage, but it's far from ideal.
We had all the domes to ourselves, so at least we could take our time.
All-in-all, it was pretty cool. There are a bunch of useless QR codes that take you to descriptions of the plants. I think putting the text there would have been easier, but someone thought adding a bunch of useless/cumbersome technology would schnazz up the place.
So yeah, it probably would have been better had there been some daylight, maybe around dawn. I would have paid the entrance fee, had I gone there on my own, now knowing what was inside.
All-in-all the domes are a sight to see in Milwaukee, even though that was the only thing I saw while I was in town. It's worth seeing once. I might even go again so I can take in the whole thing without worrying about photo taking. -
Review from Mike P.
10/26/2011
I think the Mitchell Park Conservatory, the "Domes", are a Milwaukee gem. For a mere $6.50 you can escape whatever weather Milwaukee is experiencing and "travel" to a desert and tropical climate.
FOODIES: I found it fascinating to see the plants of some of the foods we enjoy eating. There was a quinoa plant that got a few minutes of my attention. I've eaten the seeds from South America but to actually see the plant was really cool to me. There are also fruit, nut, chocolate and pepper plants here!
DOMES: The three domes are 140 feet in diameter at the base and 85 feet high.
QUESTIONABLE FANDOM: There was a guy shopping the "Orchid Sale" wearing a Rodgers Packers jersey on a Sunday while the Packers were playing. C'mon man! How big of a fan are you really if a flower sale trumps watching your team?
LOCK YOUR CAR: I wouldn't discourage visitors by any means but there was a security guard asking patrons if they had any valuables in sight and to be sure to lock their vehicles. -
Review from Lynn G.
Appleton, WI
9/12/2011 4 photos
The domes during the day, are pretty cool. The domes at night, are nothing short of amazing.
Date night in Milwaukee? Here ya go! Stop by for a wine tasting event. Or purchase an orchid plant during one of their exhibits (this weekend! Has a year passed already?). Never have I seen so many orchids at one time. And so many varieties! They just happen to be my favorite flower, so I was impressed.
I am going to post some night pics, so you know exactly what I am talking about. Special lighting is set up both inside and out to turn this place into a dreamland. In the winter with snow on the ground, you can get some fantastic shots from the outside as well.
I no longer live in Milwaukee, but will be making a trip back again soon just to visit again. -
Review from Jona W.
Chicago, IL
5/17/2011
If you like nature and shit, or if you just like to hang out in buildings that look like Mariah Carey's titties, this place will tear you a new one.
I unfortunately could not get past all of the plants that look like penises (penii? penasia?), and laughed myself silly all the way through. Which was really impolite in the Show Dome. From the name, you'd think there would be people trotting fancy dogs around in there, but that did not happen. Instead there were some ladies playing flutes and singing and swooshing around in their frilly pink poly-blend dresses before an audience of the elderly, who could not have been more thrilled. There was also a fountain burping up mossy, stinky water, and a whole hell of a lot of flowers you'd see in your grandma's backyard. That was the weird dome.
The other domes were pretty cool, I think they were desert and tropical themed. That's where all the penis plants were.Listed in: We ain't from around here...
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Review from Rachel H.
3/22/2011
A friend of mine got married at the domes, and I got to reap the futuristic benefits. Since I was doing a reading in the wedding, I got to go twice. Score!
I share a few other yelpers' opinions on the front desk and admission issues. I've clearly been spoiled by the free conservatories of Chicago. Also, when our party arrived for the rehearsal which was included in the event, one lady at the admission desk very brusquely tried to charge us anyway. Luckily another gal knew what was up.
Other than that, I had a ball, and enjoyed the Swamp Thing (or Swamp Pug, in my dreams) sounds in the desert dome, the lushness of the sweaty tropical dome, and the funny fairy tale characters in the show dome. As a lover of places like Xanadu, house of the future, the domes were right up my alley and a great place for a wedding. Bonus for the light show which reminded me of that episode of Freaks and Geeks where they ended up at the country light show instead of The Wall.
I'd come back to commune with Swamp Pug anytime. -
Review from Julie M.
Milwaukee, WI
5/5/2011
Gotta love The Domes!
Great place to spend a rainy day with kids! Spring seems to be the best time, with the perfumey hyacinths and tulips in bloom! -
Review from Nessie V.
8/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
A nice big greenhouse of nice plants. There is a tropical room, a desert room, and a flower/grass room for events and stuff. I suggest going in the winter for a nice break from the cold.
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Review from Sona B.
7/30/2011
These dome like structures intrigued me when I had first moved to Milwaukee. It wasn't until winter that I actually toured these 3 domes and I'm pretty sure I spent about 2 hours in the tropical dome cursing myself for ever having left sunny FL. These climate controlled egg shaped gems are worth checking out. It's not expensive, you'll learn about plants from around the world, and if it's cold outside, you can pretend for half an hour that you are far away from this frozen tundra
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Review from Becky H.
8/2/2011
Oh Domes, how could I give you anything less than 5 stars? I got married here last year so the Domes will always have a special place in my heart. It was a fun, beautiful and unique place to get married and have our reception. If you haven't been here in a while (or have never been), you should go. They have the seasonal dome (great during Christmas), the desert dome, and the tropical dome. Despite being humid, the tropical dome is my favorite. There are birds and fish, a waterfall, and a big banana tree. During our cold winters it's nice to hang out in the Domes for an hour or two. During the fall and winter they also have concerts at the Domes, which are fabulous and fun. They serve food and drinks during these concerts. I've gone and seen a 50's band and Reggae band. Monday mornings are free for Milwaukee County residents.
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Review from Justin N.
2/25/2010
I made a comment once and I firmly standby it: If you don't like The Domes, you are not human.
With the daily grind of freeways and high rise buildings, video games and internet, I think all of us blur our connection to nature at times. I don't care how many PS3 games you own or how full your closet is with designer suits, fact is we're children of nature just like all the rest of the critters out there. It's healing to be reminded of this, to "catch some sun", watch the ocean, or just take a walk in the park. These little natural getaways we fit into our city lives are often what can keep us grounded in the reality that the planet is an amazing place, much more than tonight's episode of American Idol or that new pair of shoe from the mall.
When it comes to natural gems in the heart of a city, nothing rocks my mind like The Domes. Nothing. Three enormous domes, each they're own climate, filled with hundreds of plants and flowers. They're everywhere, it's breathtaking, the smell is just amazing.
We're talking Wisconsin here, frigid Midwest territory. In the middle of a 10 degree day I can jump right into a paradise, sites and scents slowing me down to relax mode like only the beauty of nature can do. I've sat on benches for an hour, just breathing deep and looking up. I've seen the preparation of weddings, couples who love it here so much they chose this very spot for their vows. I've watched little kids switch between standing in shock from all that's around them to running around with delight.
The Arid, The Tropical, and The Flower Show. Each their own dome, connected in the middle so you can literally step through one world into the next.
I wouldn't trade The Domes for anything. I would live in here if I could, I absolutely love it. I loved it as a little kid, I love it today, and I can't wait to show my kids around some day. Without places like this I just wouldn't know what to do.Listed in: Milwaukee: Back at home
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Review from Kyle H.
1/24/2010
There's no better way to spend a cold gray day in January or February than in the confines of a desert in the City! And since I live in Chicago I became a Member of the Garfield Park Conservatory to do just that as often as I can.
Since I'm a Member there I brought my Membership card to the Mitchell Park "Domes" and expected free entry, as my Membership materials stated there are reciprocal deals at conservatories in all 50 States. I brought the welcome materials which stated free entry to the Mitchell Park Conservatory. I was very disappointed to have to explain this twice to the unhelpful cashier (imagine a beauracrat who hates to answer more than "Yes/No", and actually interact with people) upon entry, who seemed very confused and unyielding at this information. She refused to honor the reciprocal membership.
With son in tow, of course I paid the entry and groused my way inside. I liked that there was a place to hang our coats, as Garfield Park could really use this. The Domes are three habitats, and when you exit one dome, you walk right into the next! Very nice layout. My favorite was the Desert Room, which was decidedly cold. The signage is okay, and I actually saw several plants for the first time.
In the Show Room there were several model trains running around floral displays and little model towns. It was cute, and my son enjoyed it. We also liked seeing grapefruit and calabasas growing in the Tropical Room.
Overall, it only took us about an hour and a half to leisurely get through all three Domes. Of course I'll be back since I'm in Milwaukee often. I just wish the sour lady at the entry won't be there when I return!Listed in: Milwaukee, the Good Land
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Review from Dave S.
Milwaukee, WI
12/7/2007
Come on Milwaukee, show the Domes some love!
I love the Domes, and I visit regularly, especially in the depths of winter. So many of my fellow Milwaukeeans that I talk to haven't been to the Domes since they were kids. This is a shame, because the Domes is always a pleasent, even theraputic experience. I make a point to go several times over the long Milwaukee winter, just to take off the coat, hat and gloves and walk around a little while in the fresh, green foliage. Listen to the birds chirp in the trees. It's wonderful.
I'm no botanist (I can't even keep a house plant alive) but I've actually learned quite a bit about ecosystems and plants at the Domes. They have nice interpretive displays and a great variety of plants from tropical and arid climates. The show dome is always fun for the kids.Listed in: Wisconsin Beyond the Cheese
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Review from Bruce S.
Novi, MI
8/9/2007
The other reviewer already nailed it with her review of this place.
It was cheap to get in, I think around $5 if I remember right.
It is a simple place. It is three relatively small (less than 100 ft diameter) greenhouse domes that each have a different theme to them. One shows an arid environment, one a tropical environment, and another that they change depending on the season. All three are attached by a building in the middle. Bring your camera if you like still life, as you can get some great photos in here. They also have butterflies and various things to that nature in each dome, so you'll see some basic wildlife too. Nothing too fancy.
5 stars. -
Review from Eddie L.
Manhattan, KS
12/7/2007 4 photos
Funny thing about this place; it was a lot bigger and odoriferous when I visited as a child...
A Milwaukee landmark that gets taken for granted, the Mitchell Park Conservatory is a nicely maintained indoor botanical garden open year-round. Each glorified greenhouse (or dome) has its own theme with a 'Show Dome' that changes with the season. It's a nice place to see flora not indigenous to this part of the country.
I uploaded a few pictures that capture only a fraction of the beauty. See for yourself. Take your girlfriend, take your grandmother, take yourself and do some thinking. I don't care, just do your part to keep this Milwaukee institution alive. -
Review from Kay J.
Schererville, IN
2/6/2009
Nice place to visit on a cold February day. The tropical garden was my favorite.
There was a garden train exhibit which was pretty cool. Lots of tots, moms and grandparents.
The $5.50 per person entry fee was reasonable and we took about an hour to visit all three domes. -
Review from Josie I.
Beloit, WI
7/7/2009
The domes bring families together. I was worried that a 3+ hour car ride from O'Hare would put a damper on the parental reunion (mine and my husbands). I mean they haven't been all together since wedding 1.0 in December 2007; what would they talk about? even if they did talk--would they understand each other? My parents are originally from the Philippines and the husband's parents are from England. I was a bit anxious by the reunification of these couples.
I need not fret. Moms had brought snacks to save us from starvation on the I-94 and exotic plants and foliage brought the 3 (including me and husband) couples together. I was the driver for the stay and I was not a happy camper in all that traffic.
The moms oooh'ed and aw'ed their way through the 3 domes and the dads had picture taking duels.
The entrance fees have increased; adults are now $6.50 but still a cheap date and free parking to boot and it won't take you very long to go through it (an hour TOPS).
Thank you domes for kicking off our family reunion! -
Review from Ryan D.
Milwaukee, WI
4/20/2010 2 photos
Three mini worlds in three big domes, what's not to love?
Check out their light show on youtube or in person if you're lucky enough. -
Review from Katy G.
11/21/2009
The Domes are a wonderful way to spend an hour or so on a cool Milwaukee afternoon. There tropical and desert domes have some amazing specimens, and there's so much to see that you really need to take your time to appreciate it all. The show dome just opened their holiday show, and it was a beautiful start to the holiday season to wander around in there.
They also host events throughout the year, such as an orchid show, so even if you've already seen what there is to see in the domes, there's still opportunity to experience something new there.Listed in: My Milwaukee Top Ten
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Review from Lily R.
4/3/2009
i was a sad little californian enduring the "freezing" cold wisco weather on a march day.
for the price of a mc d's value meal, i was back in my element.
we were able to walk through the desert and tropical domes. i am a plant fanatic. i love everything and anything green. every flower, every tree, every leaf exudes life, reproduction.. sex.
they should make the domes a hotel.
i would pay top dollar for that. -
Review from Jessica G.
Villa Park, IL
9/4/2010
How fun! We spent some time wandering in the domes this afternoon - well worth the $6.50 per adult admission charge. Lots of plants and trees that I'd never seen before, especially in the Tropical dome. Banana ice cream plants and chocolate pudding plants - really? The Arid dome was interesting with all the cactus species and the Show Dome had a pretty regular array of flowers and plants but they seemed well-kept and in bloom, which makes it an obvious choice for weddings. There's a tiny gift shop and nice, clean rest rooms. There are also a couple of vending machines but unless you bring a picnic to eat outside, there's no food available.
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Review from Christopher K.
San Diego, CA
7/26/2010 1 Check-in Here
The Domes are pretty fun, especially the Tropical Dome. It is a bit too much money to get in, but you can easily spend 30 minutes to an hour exploring the domes. I wish they sold or allowed you to pick the fruits in the tropical dome.
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Review from Sarah F.
Madison, WI
12/27/2006
This park has three domes that are full of beautiful plants and trees. There is one for arid climates, another for the tropics and the last one is changes with the season. I went there just before Christmas, so the third dome was all decked out with a winter theme. It was fabulous. The domes aren't huge, but they are well arranged.
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Review from Alex G.
Tallahassee, FL
12/18/2010 1 Check-in Here
I have to admit, I am a bit spoiled when it comes to Botanical Gardens, coming from south Florida and all. That is probably why the Mitchell conservatory seemed a little small to me and I'd have to agree with some of the other yelpers that found it it be a tad overpriced. I got in for free because I am a member of Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens (a must-see if you are ever in South Florida) and they are both a part of the American Horticultural Society's Reciprocal Program. They have a beautiful collection of plants divided into three domes: tropical, arid, and show plants. I especially enjoyed the very extensive arid collection as there were so many strange and beautiful plants I had never seen before while the tropical dome contained a lot of plants I was already familiar with. All domes were beautifully cared for nonetheless. If you know plants are your thing, and you're in Milwaukee, this is something you have to see. If you live in Milwaukee, or close by, I would definitely look into the option of becoming a member. After only going a few times it will have paid for itself, and The Domes seem to have a very lively calendar of events including lots of musical shows, which I assume would be free or greatly reduced with a membership. Not to mention, as a part of the American Horticultural Society's Reciprocal Program you can get into other gardens around the country for free or a reduced price. All in all, The Domes are a great way to spend an afternoon, and in the winter a great way get out of the Milwaukee cold for a while! If I lived close to The Domes I would definitely be there every weekend.
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Review from Mariah M.
Green Bay, WI
7/23/2010
Beautiful place, horrible location.
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Review from Nicole L.
Glendale Heights, IL
3/29/2010 2 photos
I'm surprised by the admission price seeing how both of Chicago's conservatories are free. Plus the one in Garfield Park is much larger than this one. That being said, $6.50 isn't too terribly expensive and the layout is done very nicely. The Show House in particular is very pretty with the gazebo.
