Monk Botanical Gardens

Monk Botanical Gardens operates a public botanical garden and provides associated educational, recreational, and social activities for the region. The Gardens cultivates well-being in people, communities, and the environment with experiences that engage, educate, and inspire. In just a few short years, the Monk Botanical Gardens has grown into an exciting community attraction. “I can remember going to a planning meeting there with a guest garden design consultant in 2010, ” says a former board member. “We sat on the grass; there was literally nothing there.” Not so today. Visitors to the Gardens can relax in the contemplative environment of the Memory Garden and Memorial Plaza, climb the magnificent Treehouse, bring lunch and enjoy it under the roof at the “Potager” pavilion in the Kitchen Garden, view unusual plantings in the Meditation Garden, and explore the foot trails that wind through the fields and woods, and border the pond. These features are just the start of what, in time, will be one of the most picturesque botanical gardens in the region, if not the state. And it’s all because of volunteers and donors—who have pitched in with expertise and funds to grow the Gardens to its present state. Located at 1901 N. Fourth Ave. on Wausau’s west side, on 29 acres (19 acres first generously donated by the Robert W. Monk family), the Gardens has become an urban sanctuary for education, appreciation of our environment, relaxation and recreation. “What an absolutely awesome place…a magical escape into nature…” wrote one visitor on Facebook recently. See our classes and programs for adults and children at our programs page Learn more about the specific Gardens and special features by going to the Visit section. Find out how to volunteer, become a member, or donate at the Get Involved section. Most of all…come out for a pleasant adventure through Monk Botanical Gardens!