Play Hooky From Winter

The Desert Dome at Mitchell Park Domes is a welcome respite from wintry weather.

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A snowy scene outside the Mitchell Park Domes.

The last time I visited the Mitchell Park Domes was in early 2020, just before Covid-19 shut down the world. Little did I know as I toured the different domes that day, what was to come.

​For a while they were closed, then it was by reservation only, with masks. Normal operations have now resumed. You can walk in during visiting hours, buy a ticket, and wander freely. Masks optional.

Amid the drudgery of winter days, when I dream of living somewhere else, somewhere warmer, more tropical, or just more green at this time of year, The Domes provide an easy escape. No plane tickets, no hotels, no rental cars. Located right here in Milwaukee, you can still get away to someplace warm and wild.

​After several days of challenging winter weather this past week, I was happy to return to the domes, and escape inside to warmer temps, earthy perfume, and colorful blooms. It was just the winter break I needed. 🏜️

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The Desert Dome includes over 600 plants from several regions of the world: North and South America, Southern Africa and the Canary Islands, and Madagascar. ​Step inside and you'll enjoy a bit of  desert landscape, walking paths past giant cacti, succulents, and colorful, desert-centric blooms. Have a seat on one of the benches and just let yourself imagine you're on a walk through a desert garden.

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The Tropical Dome welcomes you to a world of brightly colored blooms, in a warm, steamy climate. Inside this urban jungle, you will find over 1200 types of plants, including magnificent palms, orchids, and the bird of paradise. A waterfall cascades into a Koi pond that flows underneath a pedestrian bridge. Benches along the path invite you to sit and enjoy a view that includes exotic hibiscus, climbing ferns, and a canopy of fruiting plants including bananas, orange, and coconut palm, just to name a few. Wild birds like the exotic sub-Saharan Orange Bishops Weaver, share residency in the Tropical Dome with the plants and trees.

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The Floral Show Dome transitions into different themed displays five times per year. The current theme  is Plant-itary Orbits, and runs through March 26. The showroom is decked out with intricate displays of the planets of our solar system, along with a wide variety of blooming, earthly plants, and trains. Yes, trains in space! Train lovers, and space enthusiasts of all ages will enjoy this display. 

​For a schedule of upcoming show dome displays, click here.

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