Very cool and has a neat retro feel to it. Great place to visit when it's cold out, especially the tropic dome. :-) read more

Mitchell Park Domes - Parks Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

There are many options for discounts on admission including: student discount, AAA discount, free times for county residents, senior discounts, etc. There could have been more staff/volunteers on hand to answer questions or explain things to those who are here. They also did not have anyone in the educational room. Snacks and drinks are available, including alcohol. There is also a cute little giftshop. The domes themselves are beautiful and provide an interesting and informative experience. read more

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. read more

Pretty cool for what it is. Seems really unappreciated and forgotten in the Milwaukee landscape. I guess I could put myself among the people that forgot about "the domes". I mean, I'm 22, have lived in Milwaukee my whole life, and have never stepped foot inside the geodesic goodness that is, "the domes" (kind of has the DUH-DUH effect from law and order). Nevertheless, I decided to check it out yesterday. First, "the domes" definitely isn't an all day affair. I was here probably an hour and a half at maximum. The prices aren't awful either. It's $6.50 for adults. I got in for $5.00 with my college ID (school is paying for itself already! yay). There are only 3 domes, but each has something interesting and beautiful to offer. There's a seasonal dome, a desert dome, and probably my favorite, a tropical dome. Each has different plant life centered around the theme. Stepping inside the tropical dome is like entering a lush rainforest. There are fruit-bearing plants, cocoa plants, banana trees, and even wildlife. Yes, there are birds flying around and I even saw some slimy snails. Pretty interesting and the humidity really sets the mood. Next, is the desert dome. For this one I expected it to scorching hot, but I was surprised to find that it was rather cool inside. Like literally 50 or 60 degrees. There are lots of different species of cacti and other desert dwelling plants to admire inside this area. Pretty cool overall. Last is the seasonal dome. No idea what a seasonal dome is, but I guess its a flower garden from the Netherlands with a mix of native Asian trees around the outside? Hmmmm interestingggg..... Well, this dome seemed to be home to every grandma in Milwaukee. Either that or a nursing home is located on the premises. However, I believe my grandmother would have this dome being her favorite as well. Lots of tulips and other spectacular flowers are in bloom line the center of the dome. There were some Asian bushes (no, not women's bushes) of the plant variety around the outside too. The windmill (I guess representing Holland?) was kind of cool as well. Overall, I'd say its a hidden gem that overlooks the Menomonee Valley. I've learned to appreciate it more and being able to have it as one of the rare tourist attractions that our great city has to offer. I'm a fan. Now saddle up grandma and take her here. read more

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. read more

Different from other horticultural places around the country, and that's a good thing! Who wants every botanical garden to be a carbon-copy of every other one? The Domes unique structure allow for upward gazing as well as downward gazing. Love the variety of plants from many different regions, especially the super hot peppers! Beautiful flowers, the show dome was decked out with poinsettias for the holidays, lovely twisted paths, bridge, koi pond, waterfall, a little slice of heaven in the midst of winter. I liked reading about the fruit hanging from the trees and bushes, when the flowers bloom, very informative. Especially love the birds and mice! Doves and finches fly around, tiny cute mice scurry under the bird feeder. I hope they don't use glue traps or any traps on these little guys, they were the highlight of my experience. While this space may not be on par with the gardens of Versailles, I'll be coming back in summertime to make use of the extensive outdoor space, the bandstand area, the flat grass court perfect for playing bocce. Keep the Domes Alive! read more

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. read more

Beautiful place, the jewel of Milwaukee, WI! A must see with three different domes ( show, arid and tropical domes), and beautiful plants and scenery. A great place for a fun, family outing! read more

I used to own a bra that had a netting-type texture on it that reminded me of "The Domes." Now that that's out of the way, let's actually talk about the domes themselves: They are giant glass greenhouses shaped like, well, boobs. They are basically Milwaukee's version of an indoor botanical garden or conservatory. One dome is the rainforest dome, another is a desert dome, and the third is a seasonal dome. This is similar to the set-up I've seen in other major cities. The rainforest dome has all sorts of moisture and humidity-loving exotic plants: banana trees, orchids ("phalaeNOPSIS!" as I like to shout obnoxiously), sphagnum moss, water features, etc. and is climate controlled accordingly. The desert dome is a shocker because it, too, is climate controlled to match the plants' (er, more like cacti and succulents) indigenous environment. . . But the temperature is fairly moderate (not the unbearable, dry desert heat you'd expect if you've seen lots of movies but never actually been to a desert). You could easily make your way through all three domes and see what there is to see within an hour (maybe more if you have kids with you or are one of those types who likes to study everything at length). There is also a gift shop. I haven't been to the domes in years, so I can't speak on the price, though I don't remember ever thinking it was unreasonable. read more

This is the perfect place to take young children on a cold day. We have traveled to Milwaukee to celebrate our anniversary weekend in October for each of the three years of marriage. We made a stop at the Mitchell Park Conservatory the first year (with our 2-month-old) and this year (with our two-year-old and 2-month-old). It was the perfect activity for a day when the weather was a little too cold to spend much time outside with the little ones. Instead, we were able to let our toddler stretch his legs and mind as he wandered around the three domes exploring the wide variety of vegetation. The show dome changes up periodically which gives you something new to see at each visit. Also, when we were last there they were having a dinosaur exhibit. It wasn't anything special, really- just some dinosaur statues within the tropical dome. However, it was enough to be pretty exciting for our lil' tot! read more

Very enjoyable to be able to purchase all local products handmade organic not to mention the beautiful domes themselves had a great time I would highly recommend anyone to check it out read more

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. read more

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 read more

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! read more

Great time spent in the conservatory away from the nasty weather of the day. A day in the tropics when it's snowing out just felt good. The coolest JELLY BELLY machine in the lobby too! It lets you pick the flavors you want in your cup - awesome. Never saw anything like it before! read more

This is a great place to visit with a date or with inquisitive kids. Its like having a mini vacation from the reality of the the concrete jungle right in the middle if the city. The park is also beautiful. I've read some reviews stating its in the ghetto which is a ridiculous assessment. Maybe if your scared of people with brown skin you should stay in the suburbs. This place is great! It's too bad there's not another dome. read more

The Mitchell Park Conservatory was such a wonderful experience to say the least! Entering each of the three domes is like stepping into an entirely different world, especially during the colder winter months here in Milwaukee. We absolutely loved the Desert dome and the Tropical dome since a lot of the plants were in bloom or fruiting. One of the highlights was being able to see a banana tree with little bananas growing on it! The staff do a really great job at maintaining each dome from the tiny plants near the ground to the larger trees rising up towards the ceiling. Very informative signs allow you to learn about various plants throughout the entire place, so not only do you get to look at pretty plants and flowers, you also get to learn about them too. read more

I've been visiting Milwaukee my whole life and every time I would drive there or through it, I would see these domes off the highway. I FINALLY went to them before I moved out of state. A friend and I went towards the end of their open hours and the place was pretty much empty of people, which was nice for us. With so few people there, we were able to take our time going through the 3 domes and enjoy the botanical displays in each. It was a quick stop, no longer than 45 minutes but still, worth a stop. read more

People kept telling me about this place. I can see why it would be a treat to come during the winter. I took tons of pictures of all the orchids just with my phone and they turned out great. Thanks for placing them so we can take pictures. found a child's gift in the gift store. read more

Beautiful flowers, cheap prices and a relaxing experience. My husband and I went here last week as this was his first time and my third or fourth. Each room was so relaxing. If you take your time through all three domes it takes a little under two hours. Maybe an hour. We had to use a wheelchair and so we borrowed one from the service desk and because I was handicapped I got in for $5 instead of $7. All of the flowers are beautiful and I was taking photos like crazy. Definitely coming back again, even if the gift shop kind of disappointing. . read more

We had a great morning here and really enjoyed each dome. The desert dome has so many plants with creative, imaginative names that correspond with the type of plant. Look for the "Living Stones." In the tropical dome, all is lush and green. The show dome has charming fairy gardens tucked into it. This is a great place to visit if you are getting to know the city of Milwaukee. read more

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. read more

I have fond memories of this place from when I was a child. Took my husband there this past winter. One dome was closed :( Fortunately, they charged us a dollar less admission, which I appreciated. The desert dome was great. The seasonal dome was disappointing. It was shortly before christmas, and there were a few christmas trees and lots of poinsettias. Kind of underwhelming. In and out in less than 30 min though. read more

Beautiful domes filled with beautiful plants. The show dome was being redone but we ggot to poke our heads in and look at the assembling show. The other two domes was desert and rainforest. Rainforest won, hands down. Pretty cheap entrance fee at $6.50. Will visit again. read more

LOVED my experience at the Mitchell Park Conservatory. I was very fortunate to go on the last day of the indoor farmer's market. I could have stayed there all day. I've experienced all three climates provided in the domes and I can honestly say that the atmospheres are exactly the same as being in tropical climates and the desert. I would go back to Wisconsin just for this. read more

Having been to several botanic gardens and conservatories in Chicago, Denver, Brooklyn, I'd give the Domes a solid three star rating in comparison. The price was relatively cheap, $7 for adult price and $5 with a student ID. I'd recommend touring the Domes in the following order: Show/Floral then Desert/Arid then Tropical, because I think the Tropical was the best, followed by the Desert. The architecture is neat and all the domes are connected inside. In terms of space, the total area isn't huge, and the whole display can be seen in 30-45 minutes. The Tropical dome especially had some beautiful flora. read more

We were visiting a friend in Milwaukee and thought it might be a good idea to revisit the domes which I haven't seen since grade school. To say I was underwhelmed is kind. Granted one of the domes was closed and they were taking down the Christmas dome, but nothing is in good condition and the qr scanners that they attacked to random exhibits were terrible. I believe that they are free to generate on the web - why couldn't they put a little effort into it? It was a good laugh and I was glad they served beer read more

A nice treat for a rainy or cold day. Enjoy the warmth of the domes while viewing plants grown in specific climates.

We have been to the Domes many times over the years with our family but never again after this past weekend. The parking situation is dismal at best on a Saturday. The Domes are run down. One of the three Domes was closed. Farmers Market made it crazy...could have overlooked all of that, EXCEPT a very rude staff member stopped us as we were going in and asked if we were going to take pictures of our daughter (she wanted to wear a dress there, but with the cold weather and messy parking lot, we brought it with for her to change into - this was not a formal dress - just a fun spring/summer dress). Said unless we paid an ADDITIONAL $61 for a photography fee, we would not be allowed to take any photos at all. We have seen HUNDREDS of families at the Domes over the years, taking pictures of their kids, of the plants...really? All those people paid for a permit? IF we were professional photographers (which we are not), taking pictures of a wedding, senior pictures, family pictures...anything were someone was making a profit or inconveniencing other visitors of the Domes I would completely understand and expect there to be a fee. NOT at all what we were doing that day. We turned our family around, ripped up the membership application and $50 check we had written out to buy a family membership and will never return. Went to the zoo instead and were greeted by happy employees and wonderful volunteers. That's where our money will go from now on. read more

Great attraction for visitors and locals. Nice indoor activity especially in the winter months.

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. read more

This place is definitely worth a visit in the Milwaukee area. Entrance fees are reasonable and the "show dome" has rotating exhibits such as model trains or tulips. The trains seem to be especially popular with children. You can even get married there (like my husband and I chose to do). Parking is easy with a large lot not far from the building. read more

My family went to the domes when they had the trains there and it was fabulous!!! We had so much fun. Great place especially the tropical dome... perfect place to take the kids in winter. read more

I am not from Milwaukee and was travelling through as part of a road trip and this was one of the highlights for me. I don't know what it is about this place, but the environments they have created in each of the 3 Domes honestly made me say "wow" multiple times. There is a garden-themed dome (when I was there they had a Mary Poppins theme running through it with various references to the book/movie), a tropical-themed dome and a desert-themed dome. The plants are really amazing and they have laid them out in a very appealing and picturesque way. I must admit, I do love plants and Botanical Gardens so I'm sure that played into my enjoyment of it and your teenagers may likely be bored and rolling their eyes. But it was great for our family with young children as they signs were very informative and interesting and they had a few kids 'treasure hunt' type quests that kept the kids excitedly running back and forth. read more