The Monk Botanical Gardens occupies a 30-acre property on the West Side of Wausau, Wisconsin, at 1800 N. First Ave. Robert W. Monk III donated the initial 19 acres of land for the development of an outstanding public garden offering environmental education. Officially incorporated in 2003 and gaining non-profit status in 2004, the Monk Botanical Gardens seeks to promote an understanding of the aesthetic, economic, and ecological role of plants. An Executive Director, staff and a Board of Directors oversees the development and management of the Gardens.

Since the creation of the site, many improvements have been made to the property through generous donations of time, talent, and funds. The Wildflower Woods and Memory Garden, and the spectacular Treehouse in the Piney Woods and the Kitchen Garden and “Potager”, have been completed. Phase I of two phases has been completed in the Meditation Garden.

In 2017 and 2018, an additional 8.5 acres was purchased through a generous donation from Ruth Schuette. This additional land acquired the total acreage within the fenced area, including Robert Monk’s family home and some out buildings and a 2-acre lot on campus drive. Additional updates at the Gardens are underway in 2024! Click here to learn more.

Thousands of children, students, and adults currently participate in events all year long at the Gardens. The Gardens is also an official Monarch butterfly site and has a chimney swift tower. Read the Master Plan Mr. Monk helped to create in 2005.