Monk Botanical Gardens

Monk Botanical Gardens is a 30-acre nonprofit sanctuary on the West Side of Wausau, Wisconsin, uniting the community through the beauty and power of plants.

Named for the family of Robert W. Monk, whose generous land donation made it all possible, we've grown into a living destination — home to woodland trails, a Meditation Garden, Treehouse, Kitchen Garden, and more.

Our mission is simple: to deepen understanding of the aesthetic, economic, and ecological role of plants. Through year-round events, we welcome thousands of children, students, and adults — and serve as an official Monarch butterfly, chimney swift, and geocaching site.

Wausau's Happy Place

Monk Botanical Gardens is a 501(c)(3) public botanical garden serving the greater Wausau area with educational, recreational, and social experiences rooted in the natural world.

Our Vision: Connect people to plants for a sustainable future.

Our Mission: Promote well-being in people, communities, and the environment through experiences that engage, educate, and inspire.

We are guided by six core values:

Stewardship — Encouraging sustainability, biodiversity, and protection of natural resources.

Awareness — Fostering appreciation for plant communities and their relationship with people.

Inclusiveness — A welcoming garden for everyone, regardless of background or identity.

Respect — Building a culture of cooperation among staff and volunteers united by a shared purpose.

Excellence — A dedication to innovation, creativity, and accountability.

Aesthetics — Beautiful, thoughtfully designed gardens that engage every visitor.

Just as a healthy garden requires constant care to stay diverse and vibrant, we continually review our practices to remove barriers and ensure Monk Gardens remains a place for all.