West of the Lake Gardens — Attraction in Manitowoc

What a great space! It's free to enjoy some of the best cared for flora (and more) around.

Truly an extremely relaxing setting and the beat kept lawn I've had the pleasure of walking on. My friend took her shoes off and said it felt great to walk on.

In the 50's there were at one point more than 30,000 tulips! In the late 60's the tulips were gone but more than 800 roses filled the space. Then in the 70's and 80's a Japanese garden was added and there are now tons of cacti and succulents on display.

They have a 20,000 gallon reflecting pond perfect for picture taking and a sunken pool you can sit by.

The day I went I could not believe the sweet smells in the air. There are tons of roses and so many more flowers I couldn't name them all here.

If you enjoy butterfly and bee watching they were both present and busy in the flowers, it was really cool to see.

This is a tremendous garden to see and if you are someone who struggles with the size of a full blown Botanical Garden, West of the Lakes Gardens is perfect. It's not all grass walking, there are some paved paths so if someone couldn't walk grass they could still enjoy the...

Never stopped at this attraction until last week. Now we're wondering why it took us so long. This is a wonderful place to spend a couple of hours. The flower beds are spectacular, so many colors and scents. There are 10 different gardens to visit. At some time of your visit, stop, close your eyes, and take a long breath through your nose; you will be rewarded by wonderful smells of the flowers near you. This is especially true for the roses. Look to the east; and Lake Michigan extends to the horizon. If you use the Mariners' Trail from the Manitowoc Marina, you can make West of the Lake a respite from your walk. Add all this to the fact that admission is free; and you have a must stop and must see attraction. Please keep your young children under control, as the beds of flowers are delicate and...

Located along Lake Michigan the garden is the former residence and garden of a couple that were influential benefactors of Manitowoc and the local area.

The lase of the houses vision is preserved lovingly by caretakers and volunteers. Beautiful garden beds abound with any array of annuals, perineals, and succulents.

It isnt a huge botanical garden by any means, but lacks none of the diversity, and is free to the public.

There are also staff members that are happy to share their knowledge of the plant life and history of the property.

Gems like this should be on your...