Monk Botanical Gardens — Attraction in Wausau

Used to be a lovely garden adding things little by little that enhanced the nature experience. But, considering the have had 20 years with $750,000-$1,000,000,000 annual revenue they certainly haven't maintained the garden much! The original land valued at a little over $1 million dollars was donated as a community garden for all to enjoy by Robert Monk lll. All buildings and treehouse as well as Sara's Storybook Garden were 100% donations and staff/volunteers have struggled to get money for plants/bulbs to the property due to improper handling of funds. The current ongoing conflict with the community (including many past volunteers, staff, and sponsors/members, etc) that have been, berated, banned, and blocked from their website will cause me to not go back until concerns have been addressed and the positive movement forward show there will be better management! I doubt that 3000+ community members who are members of a Facebook group "Saving Monk Gardens" and 7000+ petition signers can all be wrong! Time for the "powers that be" to come out of the dark hiding place and face the community and start making things right! Now they are building a grossly oversized parking lot in a dangerous location and clear cut 5 acres (during prime nesting/birth time) of all trees, habitat, and layers of soil to begin over-commercialization that will destroy the garden and take...

On Friday evening, I had the chance to experience Pizza in the Garden at Monk Botanical Gardens, and it was unforgettable. From the moment I arrived, I felt surrounded by fresh air, beauty, and a sense of community.

The highlight was making our own pizzas with ingredients gathered right from the garden itself — fresh herbs, vegetables, and toppings that couldn’t have been more flavorful. We built our pizzas and then watched them bake in the Kitchen Garden’s wood-fired stove. The smell alone was incredible, but the taste was even better, warm and smoky, enjoyed under the open sky.

As we ate, I noticed a young graduate taking photos in the gardens. It was such a sweet reminder of how this space is more than just a garden — it’s a backdrop for milestones, memories, and celebrations.

Polito’s was wonderful, and Danni from the Gardens made the evening welcoming and special. What I left with was more than just a delicious meal — I left with memories of peace, joy, friendship, and love. Monk Botanical Gardens truly is a place where food, nature, and people come together in the most...

The gardens are beautiful as they currently stand. However, the Executive Director and Board of Directors decided to remove the grantor's name from the garden without consulting or even giving a heads up to his family or canvassing the community. They are not maintaining access to the founders memorial site nor allowing his family to repair access to it. Sarah's Garden, a memorial to a local lawyer who was shot by a member of a client's family, is also not being maintained. Volunteers are sought, but not recognized by the director. They also plan to commercialize this space with a beer garden, restaurant, and more. In addition, they plan to introduce an entry fee and charge for each and every event. The community is not supportive of these changes. The gardens have banned people from their Facebook page and website if they have a view that the gardens doesnt agree with. Very...