Rotary Botanical Gardens

Nestled within the picturesque landscapes of Wisconsin lies the Rotary Botanical Gardens — a true green masterpiece located in the city of Janesville. This 20-acre municipal space has long been recognized as one of the most visited tourist attractions in the USA within Rock County. Every year, over 100,000 people come here to enjoy the harmony of nature and landscape art.

The garden features a unique collection of 26 themed zones, each designed in a specific international style. Here, you can take a mini-trip around the world, moving from a formal Italian garden to a cozy English cottage courtyard or admiring the elegance of Scottish and Japanese landscapes. The pride of the collection is more than 4,000 plant varieties, with magnificent hostas and daylilies holding a special place.

One of the most recognizable features of the Rotary Botanical Gardens is its connection with water. A pond, with sunbeams dancing on its glassy surface, is crossed by an elegant red Japanese bridge — a favorite spot for photo shoots. Additionally, visitors are always impressed by the unusual sunken garden, with walls made of natural limestone, creating a special, almost mystical atmosphere.

To contact the administration or clarify event details, you can use the official communication channels. The garden is open to everyone, and the staff is always ready to help organize your visit.

A stroll through the grounds turns into a fascinating exploration of 26 different gardens, where everyone will find a corner to their liking. Be sure to stop by the Nancy Yahr Memorial Children's Garden: it is planted with flowers that butterflies and hummingbirds especially love, and the center of the composition is decorated with the touching "Travels of the Imagination" sculpture. For those seeking inner peace, the Wellness Garden with its meditative labyrinth is open, while lovers of shaded paths will appreciate the fern and moss garden.

Beyond nature contemplation, the garden is full of activity. It regularly hosts educational seminars, workshops for gardeners, and open-air art exhibitions. If you are looking for a unique gift, check out the gift shop at the visitor center, which features unique items as part of the Garden Art Project. The garden is also one of the most popular venues in the region for weddings and formal ceremonies.

If your visit is planned for the winter, don't miss the famous Holiday Light Show. Since 1996, this event has transformed the winter garden into a fairytale kingdom glowing with a million lights. It is worth noting that most of the territory is equipped with wide, level paths, making the walk comfortable for visitors with strollers and people with limited mobility.

Finding this green oasis is easy: it is located at 1455 Palmer Drive, practically in the heart of the city. For those who prefer traveling by car, there is a free parking lot on-site. The route to the garden is well-marked with city signs, so it is hard to get lost.

Janesville actively develops eco-friendly routes, so the Rotary Botanical Gardens can also be reached in a more active way. The city is located near the Ice Age Trail, a famous national scenic trail. E-bike rentals are available in the city, allowing you to combine your trip to the garden with a scenic ride along the river on well-maintained bike paths.

If you are in the city center without a personal vehicle, it is most convenient to use a local taxi service. The ride from major city hubs takes only a few minutes, providing comfortable access to the main gates of the garden.

It’s hard to believe, but just a few decades ago, this paradise was an abandoned sand and gravel quarry. The story of its transformation began in 1988, when members of two local Rotary clubs decided to turn the degraded site, which was littered with trash and used for motocross, into something beautiful. The visionary behind the project was a local retiree, Dr. Robert Yahr.

The process of turning a dumping ground into a botanical masterpiece required colossal effort. Volunteers hauled away tons of waste, cleared the land, and began shaping the landscape from scratch: laying paths, installing gazebos, and planting the first collections. A dilapidated building remaining on the site was not demolished but carefully restored, turning it into a modern environmental center for visitors.

Over the years, the garden has only grown and evolved. In the 2000s, new conference halls and educational classrooms were added, making it an important scientific and cultural hub. The community's efforts have been well rewarded: the Rotary Botanical Gardens have repeatedly won prestigious national awards in landscape design, proving that human care can heal even the most exhausted land.

To leisurely enjoy all 26 themed zones and soak in the peaceful atmosphere of this place, it is recommended to set aside 2 to 3 hours for your visit. This is enough time to explore the most hidden corners, take beautiful photos by the red bridge, and relax on one of the many benches.

If your time is limited, the main highlights of the garden can be seen in 1–1.5 hours. In this case, it is best to focus on the Japanese garden and the central displays, which are the hallmark of this destination.

The garden doors are open to visitors daily, making it easy to include in any city sightseeing route. According to the official schedule, the site is open as follows:

Monday – Sunday: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Exploring the surroundings after a stroll among the flowers will allow you to delve deeper into the state's atmosphere and learn more about its heritage. Located right next to the gardens are historical markers and cozy urban spaces that will perfectly complement your itinerary.