You probably don’t associate Milwaukee, Wisconsin with cactus any time of year, but especially not in January when the average high temperature is 30°F (or -1°C). But there is a place in town where you can experience a warmer climate in the middle of winter. That place is the Milwaukee Domes at Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory.
Desert Dome, Mitchell Park Conservatory
Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory
Desert Dome, Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory
The beehive-shaped glass domes at Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory (“The Domes”) are a great escape when you’ve just about had it with winter weather. For a couple of hours, you can almost imagine that you’re on vacation as you shed the winter coat and walk through the Desert Dome and the Tropical Dome.
Tropical Dome, Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory
Tropical Dome
A third dome features changing thematic exhibits related to holidays, history and culture. When I visited a few years ago, the Floral Show Dome exhibit included Christmas holiday flora and decorated evergreens.
Floral Show Dome
If you’re in the Milwaukee area, visit the The Domes at Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory — any time of year.
You’re absolutely right — when I think of Milwaukee, the first thing I think of is snow, since the only time I went there was in the winter. This reminds me of the biodome in Arizona. I went some years after the experiment had stopped, so it was no longer sealed, but it sure was neat! And what a fab idea to go there to escape the cold. Great idea!
The biodome in Arizona must have very cool. I’ve only seen pics.
That first cactus is insane! It’s nice that you are able to see cactus in Milwaukee, even in the winter.
I love weird cacti!
Beautiful floral shots and yes, I never associated Milwaukee with cacti !
Thanks, Mike. Exactly what makes the Domes a fun place to visit in the winter.
WOW! I’ve never been to Milwaukee, and I would have never in a million years guessed that it offered a place to see cactus from my part of the country!
I’m a big fan of cacti — love visiting your part of the country! 😉
Botanical gardens and hothouses are an overlooked attraction in all parts of the world, and this one looks really nice.
I think you’re right about that. Hope that this post will drive some interest in The Domes in Milwaukee and other cities.
I thought it was beer that made Milwaukee famous. 😉 But these cacti are no losers either.
Milwaukee — beer, brats, bowling and …… botany! I lived in Milwaukee for a few years (met hubby there). It’s a highly underrated city, in my opinion. 🙂
How beautiful, Cathy. I’d never expect to see this in Milwaukee.
I was surprised when I first found out about The Domes. When I lived in Milwaukee, it was a nice break from the bitter cold to visit there in the winter.
I’m heading to Arizona in a few days and am really looking forward to seeing the real thing – but if you can’t get that, it’s nice to know it’s possible in Milwaukee. Nice set of photos Cathy.
Thanks, Leigh. Have fun in Arizona — I have a fascination with the desert and hope to get back that way soon.
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