Spring Is here in Minnesota - the grass is growing, the birds are singing, and beautiful flowers are starting to bloom in gardens across the state.
So put the petal to the metal, and get ready to check out these beautiful gardens in Minnesota:
Leif Erikson Park & Rose Garden – Duluth
Stop and smell the roses at this colorful and scenic North Shore park. With over 3,000 acres overlooking Lake Superior, you’ll be hard pressed to find a prettier view in Duluth. Bonus fun: the park also features a Viking ship, a fountain, and a delightful gazebo where you can stop and take in the scenery.
Marjorie McNeely Conservatory – Como Park, Saint Paul
No visit to the capitol city is complete without a trip to the Como Park Conservatory. The indoor and outdoor gardens allow for visits year-round, and the dazzling array of sweet-scented plants will mesmerize your senses. And, of course, make sure to stop by the Tropical Encounters room and visit Lucy the sloth.
Munsinger Clemens Gardens, St. Cloud
These neighboring gardens are nestled against the Mississippi River across from St. Cloud University. Built by the WPA (Work Progress Administration) at the height of the Great Depression, Munsinger is a gorgeous 14-acre walking path filled with pine trees and a technicolor blanket of flowers. The European-inspired Clemens garden contains six different sections, showcasing a dazzling display of roses and other floral arrangements!
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum – Chaska
Not only is this arboretum the largest horticultural site in Minnesota, but it is also home to the Horticulture Research Center that developed the Honeycrisp apple (one of 27 varieties they created). Spanning more than 1,200 acres, the “Arb” is home to a wide array of flowering trees that explode with brilliant blooms in the spring. Filled with curated gardens, peaceful trails, and tons of activities, classes, and educational displays, the Arboretum is a state treasure offering year-round delights.
Linnaeus Arboretum – St. Peter
This 55-acre arboretum is located on the campus of Gustavus Adolphus College and features many floral favorites including nearly 50 species of roses, lilacs, and several annual and perennial beds. See if you can locate the restored Swedish pioneer cabin that was built in the mid-19th century.
Northland Arboretum - Brainerd
This 40-acre arboretum is as awe-inspiring as it is unique - as a landfill turned grassland it is the perfect place to be one with nature, with multiple trails including a native tree trail, wildflower trail, and youth gardens! It’s also the perfect place to take a peek at our state flower, the showy lady’s slipper!