Mitchell Park Domes

Mitchell Park Conservatory in Milwaukee offers visitors access to exotic botanical settings in three glass domes, totaling 15,000 square feet. The Tropical and Desert Domes each feature a variety of plant life from a common ecosystem, and the Floral Show Dome hosts rotating themed exhibits.

Parking and public transportation at Mitchell Park Conservatory
At 85 feet high, "The Domes" are easy to spot from a distance. The entrance is on South Layton Boulevard, which is serviced by the Route 27 bus. (Note that the 27 bus runs along 27th Street, which from the north or south becomes South Layton Boulevard.) Parking is in front.

Best and worst time to go to Mitchell Park Conservatory
Your best bet for exploring the Conservatory distraction-free is during regular weekday hours (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Special events on weekends, like concerts or social gatherings, often draw large crowds and make parking tight. However, some of these events may offer free admission.

Admission to Mitchell Park Conservatory
Plan on paying $5 to $10 per visitor. Seniors, students, disabled visitors and young adults qualify for discounts. Children five and under can visit for free. Admission prices may differ during certain events and time frames.

Must see/do at Mitchell Park Conservatory
A stroll through the Tropical Dome, which houses 10 species of colorful birds along with various flowers, ferns and climbing plants, is an essential part of any visit to Mitchell Park Conservatory.

Other places to visit near Mitchell Park Conservatory
Avoid downtown traffic and parking by grabbing breakfast or lunch at Mad Rooster Cafe, a spacious neighborhood restaurant on nearby Greenfield Avenue. Or you can head north and take a walk along Hank Aaron State Trail, which connects with several major landmarks including Miller Park Stadium, home of the Brewers.

Insider tip to visitors for Mitchell Park Conservatory
Locals call the Conservatory "The Domes" and are more likely to understand if you refer to it as such.

Author's bio: Elisabeth Cook is a freelance writer who has lived in Wisconsin for over 10 years.