What's Here?
Permanent Collection
The Domes include two permanent collections - the tropical 'jungle' dome and the arid 'desert' dome. Both Domes are open to the public year-round and stay nice and warm, even in the middle of winter. Visit at different times throughout the year to see different plants in bloom.
Within the Domes Atrium you'll also find a carnivorous plants exhibit and artifacts and images from the 120 history of the Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory.
Temporary Exhibits
As well as the permanent collections, the Floral Show Dome hosts five temporary exhibits each year. These exhibits run between six and 14 weeks and are included with general admission. During transition periods between show, the Floral Show Dome is closed to the public.
Train Show: Jan-Mar
Spring Show: Apr-May
Summer Show: Jun-Sept
Fall Show: Sept-Nov
Winter Show: Nov-Jan
Outdoor Gardens
Outside the Domes entrance you'll find our two pollinator gardens packed with bee-friendly native plants. The Monarch Butterfly Waystation Garden features the milkweed plants Monarchs feed on.
Photography
The Tropical, Desert and Show Domes make stunning backdrops for wedding or engagement photos. Formal photography is available during regular open-hours for small groups. A Photography Permit must be purchased to reserve time at the Domes to take photographs including, but not limited to wedding, engagement, maternity, graduation, quinceanera, and any formal family photography using the Domes as a backdrop.
Gifts Under Glass
The non-profit Friends of the Domes manage the gift shop, where you can find plants, souvenirs and gifts. Proceeds from the gift store support the Friends of the Domes. The gift store is open from 9am until close.
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Light Shows
The Floral Show Dome features thousands of LED lights which can be programmed with music to provide a spectacular light show. Look for special evening hours during the fall and winter for a chance to view a light show.
All three Domes also feature 'halo lights' which light up at night in a variety of colors.
Special Events
Throughout the year the Domes also host one day or weekend-long ticketed events, including themed horticultural shows such as a Bonsai show or an orchid show, as well as themed events including the popular Mothers Day weekend or Day of the Dead. Tickets for special events typically include full admission to the Domes.
Greenhouse No.7
Greenhouse No.7 is a separate event space within the Domes campus, managed by our hospitality partner Zilli Hospitality Group. Greenhouse No.7 hosts catered events, charity events and weddings. Events in Greenhouse No.7 do not always include entry to the Domes.
Learning Opportunities
Managed by the Friends of the Domes, please head to their website for more info on hours of operation here Friends of the Domes
The discovery center/classroom space is filled with socially distanced education activities for children, families, and adults - here are a few things you can do:
● Field trips
● Read a story in the reading nook
● Enter the Greenhouse and play “Whatzit?” It’s tree-rific!
● Hop to it and act like an animal on the interactive forest rug!
● Lay on your back and play ceiling I SPY
● Discover more about our Domes plants with the plant cart
● Check out a book from the Adult Education Library - gardening, horticulture, spices, rainforests, deserts, and more!
Getting Here
524 S. Layton Blvd. Milwaukee, 53215.
The Mitchell Park Domes are just a few minutes from downtown Milwaukee and are easily accessed from the express way.
By Bus:
Purple Line: Closest stop: Layton & Evergreen
Blue Line closest stop: National & Layton
By Bicycle:
The Domes can be accessed via the Hank Aaron State Trail. a new Bublr bike-share station is planned for Mitchell Park.
By Car:
The main entrance for the Domes can be accessed via Layton Blvd. Parking is free.
From the expressway - use exit 309B on I94.
Closest Hotels:
Potawotomi Hotel & Casino
Admission
AHS Members: Receive two FREE Admissions.
Friends of the Domes: Get free entry to the Domes for a full-year, plus other benefits, with a Friends of the Domes membership. Membership also includes reciprocal entry to over 300 botanical gardens across the US. Membership fees benefit the Friends of the Domes, a private non-profit 501(c) 3.
Guided Tours: Explore the Domes with your own personal guide! Our Park Naturalist, Paula Zamiatowski shares her knowledge in a one-hour tour of the Floral Show, Arid and Tropical Domes, where you’ll focus on plants and trees with uniquely interesting features, vivid and fresh blooms as well as original plant residents dating to the mid-1960s. Participants will have an additional 30 minutes at the end of the tour to visit the gift shop or a favorite dome. Guided group tours (10+ people) require a $1 surcharge per person. Email paula.zamiatowski@milwaukeecountywi.gov to arrange a tour.
Strollers: Strollers are welcome at the Domes, however, please keep in mind that some pathways will be a tight fit for double-wide strollers.
Pets are not allowed inside the Domes. Service dogs are allowed.
Gift Cards: All Milwaukee County Parks gift cards can be redeemed for dozens of uses, including admission to The Domes. Gift cards can be purchased online at county.milwaukee.gov/EN/Parks/Make-a-Difference/GiftCards.
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Domes All-Abilities
Accessibility
All exhibits (including plant collection) are ADA accessible. There is one set of automated doors at the entrance to the Conservatory as well as one set to enter each individual dome and accessible restrooms and water fountains are located at the front of the complex.
Wheelchairs: A limited number of complimentary wheelchairs are available for use while at the Conservatory. A photo ID is required as a deposit. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own mobility devices, as the number of complimentary wheelchairs is limited and are loaned out on a first come first served basis.
Pathways inside each Dome: The tropical dome and desert dome have paved pathways. However, the grade can be challenging for persons using manual wheelchairs and walkers. The show dome is bricks with a challenging grade as well for persons using manual wheelchairs and walkers.
Service Animals: Pets are not allowed in the Conservatory. Service animals that assist individuals with disabilities and comply with the Milwaukee County ADA Service Animal Procedure are welcome in the Conservatory.
Sign Language Interpreters: Individuals needing a sign language interpreter should contact Domes staff in order to request an interpreter for a future visit date. Sign language interpreter requests will be directed to the Office for Persons with Disabilities.
KultureCity Sensory Kits
Sensory bags are designed to help sensory needs in both adults and children. Each bag is filled with items, including headphones and fidget gadgets, that can help lessen sensory overload and also engage, the bag items are also easily cleaned and sterilized for multiple uses.
Sensory bags are available to use for free, request one at the fee booth.
Aira Services for BLV (Blind and Low Vision)
The Mitchell Park Domes offers Aira users free access to Aira services while visiting the domes and surrounding grounds. For more information about Aira, visit www.aira.io.
Mamava Lactation Pod
A private, secure lactation pod for breastfeeding moms on-the-go is available in the Dome's atrium, providing a convenient space for women pumping or nursing.
