Reviews of Boerner Botanical Gardens (Tourist Attraction)

JALane0101

The China Lights display is so beautiful. Awesome experience!

Thomas Schroeder

Definitely worth going to the gardens to see the China lights! They are all so different

Alma Butler

The China Lights exhibit was very nice but I thought they needed a tea house exhibit, Chinese pagoda where yu could go and visit inside. Yu would be able to see th culture in a better way. I thought tht there were too many dinosaurs exhibits.

Billy Green

Wonderful outing for the wife and I. Really pretty, scored major points at home.

Pam Dodd-LIPPERT

Tried to go last night. Parking horrible and HUGE line waiting for 1 shuttle that could not efficiently handle the long line of people waiting. After waiting for over 30 minutes in shuttle line and no hope of getting on a shuttle for another half hour, we decided to leave.

Breanna Taylor

The China Lights were beautiful, but the Gardens were extremely over packed with people. This made the experience significantly less enjoyable.

Karen J.

Beautiful China Lights and an extremely organized event!

Matthew Alane

A great place for learning and relaxing!

Steve Hull

Great night at China Lights

Martin Huyett

Well done. Reasonable variety of plants, comfortably arranged. Not too large. Nice place to.spens an hour or two with a friend.

Lynn Bauer

It's getting chilly and damp now, but China Lights is open through October 27th. Dress warmly, bring gloves, and wear good walking shoes. Close, VIP parking is $10 cash and worth it because to see the Lights, you are going to take a nice walk!! We ejoyed sweet and sour chicken before the 6:30pm parade and show. Acrobats perform difficult balancing acts, but the "face changer," the show's finalé, is breathtaking and truly amazing. TICKETS ARE 1/2 PRICE NOW!!!!! I went twice!

Rebecca Cottreau

Went to a very nice wedding but they ran out of libations.

Melissa Wendt

Stunning floral displays and landscaping!

Desherondra Winters

Went for the Chinese lights for the first time! I went with my mom and my 4 year old and it was great. I had a good time and I got some chicken stir fry that was delicious!

Susan Street

The China Lights display is always awesome!

Michael Okeefe

Beautiful...Daylilies in full bloom...never visited in August...so happy I did!!!

Larry Weber

The China lights program was outstanding, even the purchased food was delicious ‼️

Eric Orne

China lights was awesome.

Jeri Schmidt

Just viewed China lights....awesome to see.

James Rose

First time we have gone to China Lights. It was great!

Amy Jiang

Came for China lights on a Saturday. Free parking available. Super packed. Easier to purchase tickets ahead. There's a line to get unto the garden and a separate line to purchase tickets. Lines were LONG! People are everywhere, but it was a great experience. Definitely would come again.

Crystal Stark

Amazing!!! CHINA LIGHTS ARE A MUST SEE!!! My whole family enjoyed it. Just beautiful, pure beautiful

Scott Billstrom

An amazing display, definitely worth the time and price of admission.

Steven Hackbarth

China Lights is a wonderful unique event. My family enjoys going every year.

Alice Gomez

The China lights were fabulous. The $20 was worth it.

Shayna Johnson

Went for China Nights on a Friday -- very beautiful displays, but very crowded. Overall, had a great time and even the porta pots were clean!

Arika Kaosa

Came here for the China Lights event. Great location for the event!

Janet Konczal

Gorgeous surprise and kid friendly. Also very affordable. Will be back many mpre times.

Beverly England

Great lantern show.

Yorgo Latimer

This park has so much to offer. China Lights are of course amazing. The gardens are awesome. Every summer we walk around looking at the flowers and landscaping. We enjoy going to the nature center and walking around the pond, which takes about 1 hour. During the winter we cross-country ski in Whitnall Park. What an incredible display of lights, something everyone should see at least once. We were able to purchase tickets at a reduced rate on Groupon and enjoyed the lights, entertainment and refreshments. They had wine bars set up throughout and vendors with snacks and light fare food

Robynn James

The light trail was amazing the food was horrible tho eat before you go

Jesus Diaz

Nice garden beautiful lights

James Zogby

Absolute delightful experience. I have put it in my calendar for next year.

Erin Bigler

I went to China Lights on a Tuesday with two adults & three kids. Was not too crowded. Lights were beautiful & the stage performance was a nice area to sit & relax. Plenty of space for kids to run around. Great time.

Markeith Henton

Everywhere you looked at you saw beautiful flowers. The best viewing of flowers I have ever seen.

sarah

Went to experience China Lights for the first time. Don't waste your money on the VIP option ! I purchased VIP tickets off Groupon. Very clearly it stated you were admitted in at 5, private tour at 5:15, along with complimentary parking. In fact before I decided to buy the VIP option I called and spoke to a live China Lights representative at Boerner Botanical Gardens assuring me that we would receive these upgrades and that I would be able to park in their lot. What a joke. I had to park in a grassy area (a ways from the lot, otherwise they wanted another $10!) and stand in a very long line only to be admitted at 5:35. No private tour. The VIP seating area for the stage performance was also a joke. Nobody was there to control the crowds so basically anybody could sit there. Despite these irritating setbacks the actual display of lights was amazing. I would give it five stars. I would never waste my money again on the VIP option however. Don't know if I will visit again. Left a bad taste in my mouth after being lied to...

Candace Rothering

This was an amazing showing. Enjoyable for all ages!

Jennifer Mercado

Absolutely stunning! This was my first experience and it was wonderful! Had the VIP package - which included a guided tour by Erin - Erin was phenomenal, professional, accommodating and friendly! Looking forward to returning again & again!

Cathie Schanz

The China Lights was beautiful. Easy for a wheelchair to maneuver and just the right length. We had a great time!

Jim Luedtke

The Milwaukee County Parks department simply cannot be beat. The indoor gardens provide a brief respite from even the coldest winter months.

Stephanie Dussault

It was beautiful! Cold weather tho

Giselbert Parkhurst

So I went when it was free admission to get in. I believe they have free admission once every month but it cost 5$ to get in regularly. I am glad I didnt have to pay for anything because although there were so many gardens with all sorts of plants and trees, they were doing a lot of work and landscaping probably getting ready for the summer months. In addition, they had none of the fountains within the gardens on either.

J W

Always a great experience no matter the season you visit. Beautiful landscape and flowers.

Craig England

Very nice make sure you go after dark

Mark Moersfelder

Beautiful visit to the gardens. We just attended Fairy Princess night, an awesome free anual evento they do. Now is a great time for blooming except the Rose garden seems to be struggling. Highly recommended attraction in the area!

Alyssa Lierman

Beautiful. Loved walking through all the different types of flowers and plants! Very quiet and peaceful. Definitely glad we came.

Rylan Fernandes

Small (compared to Chicago or Madison) but pleasant and peaceful with an herb garden, a rose garden and a few other sections. Perfect for a quick walk with the family on Saturday morning. It also hosts a few different art and music events.

Richard Goodman

Wonderful display of Chinese lights. We enjoyed the wall and the shows. Great time and the kids loved all of the lights.

Araceli Frias

This place was amazing!! Enjoyed everything about it..we also got lucky with the weather..all of it around was gorgeous!

Yunguang Sun

Nice light show! China light.

Roma Bassett

A most enjoyable way to spend an afternoon!

Parth Shah

A really great place to be in nature while seeing all of the plants and scenery! Milwaukee has a great park system.

Hayley K

Not only are the trees and plants beautiful, but Boerner is so much fun! They offer all types of activities like gardening, wine and painting, yoga, concerts, and family activities. When China lights rolls around, it gets crazy over there. With good reason! It's such a fun experience. You can host weddings and parties here. I've been to a baby shower here as well. It's well worth multiple visits a year.

Lisa Corstvet

The China Lights exhibit was beautiful and breath taking! Excellent for kids and adults of all ages. The food was delicious and priced fairly. Will definitely return next year.

Denny DeHaven

Beautiful Chinese Lantern Festival

Richard Blaser

CHINA LIGHTS IS HERE IT'S GREAT DON'T MISS IT

Dianne Prailes

We took our grandkids and children we had a wonderful time the children really enjoyed all the different characters open until October. 30th

Tinamaria Adams

Beautiful! And the work that went into it just really made it worth the while. I think it's a little over priced so if you can find discount tickets do so.

Paul Datka

Great place to relax, go between mid-june through August, to see the best the park has to show

Stacy K

Wow! This was one really cool attraction. It's so popular it was extended. The sculptures were stunning. Every sculpture was built on site, and hand painted onto silk fabric. If this comes to your town, make an effort to see it. You won't be disappointed. China Lights.

Sharon Morris

Traditionally Beautiful, never a dull moment plenty of great memories made!

John Hefter

A garden of Eden, a respite from the city's din. Find your moments of awe. We are members and friends of the Boerner.

Jannette Sabo

China lights is a great evening experience for the whole family. Beautiful lights, make sure you stay till dark. The shows are awesome and a small parade that includes the kids before the show, don't miss the masked man at the end of the show, our favorite part of the show. Groupon has great deals on tickets.

Chris Finch

We enjoyed the China Lights show.

Kelli Jackson

China Lights was beautiful!

reba0480

China Lights display was so amazingly beautiful that we came back twice in one week to see it ALL and be able to enjoy so many different food options (ALL of which was delicious!)..The only reason I didn't give the 5th star was due to the fact we purchased the VIP package and the panda bear that was supposed to be honored, was not in stock (either of the 2days), they claim they ran out but my kids and I were very disappointed, they had really looked forward to the keepsake and I had paid EXTRA for that particular package, FOR the panda souvenir. Even so, we will definitely return for the lights and food, entertainment, next time!

Jared Adamczyk

I really thought the sculptures and lights were really well done and many looked beautiful and some even left me in awe. I just didn't enjoy my overall experience. Starting right away with the parking situation. I was under the impression that I would be parking very near to where the China Lights were set up. Apparently that parking lot was closed right away and I had to continue down the road. The further away we got, the more irritated we became. So we ended up with quite a long walk just to get back to the China Lights. Once inside, we quickly realized it wasn't going to get better. The place was jam packed with so many people that all movement was at a slow shuffle. I spent more time trying to keep our family together in the masses while having strollers and wheelchairs crashing into the back of my ankles than actually enjoying and taking in the sights and lights. If we ever decide to check it out again, we have already decided we would get dropped off right at the gate, and hopefully it won't be as crowded next time either.

Ada Hanson

This is our third year having the pleasure of seeing the China Lights. This year we purchased the VIP package, via groupon. It was worth it for the early admission, plus a different line to enter, as well as being able to park up by the entrance. We were able to enter at 5pm, and seeing the lights in the daylight is unique. Watching them come alive was a treat. We walked around before the crowds got heavy. The show is just amazing, seeing all the handpainted displays. Don't miss the talent of the artists, as they handpaint the ornaments. Afterward, we enjoyed pizza at my favorite pizza place, Ann's Restaurant, just a short drive away.

Brian Borre

It was unbelievable and breath taking, will be going again.

Дубравка Угарковић

Most beautiful place in Milwauke. If you love peaceful parks filled with beautiful plants and trees Botanical Garden is perfect for you. Bring your friend and just enjoy in stunning energy of nature.

Brad Blaha

This our 2nd trip to the gardens to see the China lights. Well again we were not disappointed. They have to be the best displays if lights we have even seen. Your eyes seem to just be in senesary overload. The color are so viberant throughout all of the displays. Truly worth the time to visit.

Kevin Myers

The China Lights display is always amazing!

Debra Bokelberg

One of my favorite places on Earth. Special treat, saw hummingbirds and fireflies.

hissweetgrace

Beautiful in summer time. Also next to wher nature center. Great place to go before sunset

Rose Jones

Neat place but no need to buy VIP ticket. The garden itself is also pretty.

Jeremy Streich

China lights at the garden was beautiful.

Planet oak tree

The flowers at the botanical gardens are so pretty! I love everything about this place :3

Sandra Irving

I love it all the dragons and colors it was nice to go and see

Ce Ce

China Lights was beautiful and how refreshing to have an event that can enjoyed by the young or old! This is almost a nonexistant thing! I do have one sad complaint. They had no wheelchairs for the elderly/disabled visitors during their 2019 event. This was our 3rd visit in 4 years. We were told all their wheelchairs were stolen after the first year so they decided not to provide any type of free or rental service for the handicap or elderly. Frankly, I feel with all the success and profit that is made at this event Boerner Botanical Gardens should rethink their logistics and take some extra time and contract a third party company to provide wheelchair rentals. During our walk through the lights I saw quite a few elderly people with or without walkers struggling. Take note without these wheelchairs it is very difficult to take a elderly person through. Step it up Boerners I do understand that you lost your wheelchairs through theft but I don't understand the lack of effort to provide for your visitors. All business should have wheelchairs on site!

Erica C

Beautiful displays and enjoyable shows but food was meh. Fish fry was actually Gorton's frozen fish fillets fried...terrible...not worth the money. Should of tried the Asian cuisines.

Jessie Schiller

So beautiful! Love the China Lights

Maria Jenkins

SO BEAUTIFUL. Obviously a very caring staff takes care of this place and plans amazing activities.

Nick Zales

The China Lights show is a spectacular event. The Gardens are first class - beautiful displays of flowers.

Adam Gibbs

Went for the China Lights. They were pretty cool but the weather kind of sucked with the rain. Wish they had more indoor attractions because of that.

Melissa Walker

The show thr acrobats put on is amazing!

Tj Wilkins

Beautiful landscape, went during China lights and it was beautiful

Dave Heilman

We attended the China Lights display at Boerner Botanical Gardens and it was fsntastic with brilliant colors and beautiful design. A wonderful evening event.

Antonio Frankard

Parking was a pain, so were the food prices for amount. Waste of time and money.

Joanne Waite

Great lights experience. Far walk to get there for little kids.

Karen Ricard

Went to see the butterflies. So peaceful and quiet. In the memory of my mother who loves butterflies

Patrick Schelble

The smells and the sounds and just the beauty of the park with all the fauna is truly a fantastic experience

Jason feltz

Came for the China lights display which were great. The grounds looked to be great even if there was no light display. Not sure if make a trip from Chicago to go there but if your in the area you might want to check it out.

Wei Sun

Wonderful Chinese Lantern Show

Sue

It was beautiful except it was pouring rain and they still charged us to park & full price to the garden

Natalie Prentice

Beautiful facility perfectly appointed for our event. Everyone had great things to say. Fantastic!

Mitch Garcia

Gorgeous flowers and wonderful architecture. Definitely a nice place to relax and enjoy the spring weather.

David Terrell

Beautiful environment to walk around and take in on these great summer days

Andres Dominguez

Great time to share with my family

james jr. fliss

China lights has spectacular displays. Convenient parking and shuttle to entrance. A little crowded but moves along steadily. Food is ok

Ellen Beary

Came to the night lantern event. Lovely lights and sounds with a relaxing path stroll

Suzi Piquette

Attended China Lights. This event was spectacular. The entertainment was amazing and this year they had the best displays ever. This event is worth the reasonable price and changes every year. Recommend to families of every age. A must see....

Rachel Hahn

The manicured lawns and gardens are so calming to walk through. An oasis in the city.

Ali Hussien

Very nice light for night

Donna Funk

At my son's wedding. They did an excellent job with outdoor and indoor set up. Good place for the bridal party to prepare. Gardens were lovely.

Linda Hoernke

The gardens are beautiful, well organized and educational. They are connected by walking paths which lead to formal gardens that include a Rose and Herb garden. I loved the Herb garden with signage that explained the benefits of each herb.There is a trellised walk way and a rock garden with a small waterfall. The visitor center has a wonderful gift shop and consultants that will help you and answer questions about your gardening. There are restrooms in the visitor center and near the herb garden and there is plenty of parking.

Deanna Goetz

Beautiful experience for all ages.

random things

One of the most amazing thing out there in Milwaukee. It was a bit cooler in the evening when we went there so the smell of fresh air and flowers were amazing! We went with my 2 kids under age 7. Saw baby bunnies hopping around and groundhogs. Listening to those birds chirping was the most peaceful thing. Highly recommend going there around sunset time.

Ольга Демидова

Wonderful botanical garden. Lots of interesting plants to look at. Beautiful flower beds. A huge park around. Even when there are lots of people inside it isn’t overcrowded. The admission ticket is $6,5 for Wisconsin residents.

Carolyn Elrod

found out about this while planning a visit to my sons girlfriend in grad school. we found discounted VIP tickets on groupon, worth the purchase for early entry with a tour, reserved parking and seating during the shows. the lights are gorgeous, the pathways flat and well maintained, and food and drinks are available. there were acrobatic acts and chinese dance during the shows. there are a lot of lights on display so lots of walking is involved. there were people with wheelchairs and strollers so its accessible enough. restrooms are porta potties which is a downer. parking attendants guide you to park but a little more signage for exiting would be nice. it gets pretty chilly at night so dress warm. it did get really crowded after dark viewing the lights, and just like anywhere some people can be rude and let their kids run a little wild, but its worth the visit and we would do it again. its a unique display worth the visit.

Clyde Pabst

Very nice program.

Stephanie Sheahan

It was fun. Learned a lot. They have a tree there that is 300 years old. I'm gonna go back when it gets nice outside so I can see the flowers. They have a koi fish pond in the summer so I want to see that. Also they have a Monarch Butterfly garden I want to see also in the summer.

Jarrod Sears

Really great botanical garden. They have fun events like the Chinese light festival and the staff that works there is generally great. They have a really interesting selection of plants and arrangements that is rotated throughout the year. The test garden is always full of interesting things.

Emily Vincent

Very beautiful place! Daylilys were gorgeous when I went.

Sarah

I got married at the gardens, and everything was wonderful. The gardens were gorgeous, and the pictures were absolutely beautiful. We got so many compliments on the venue. We had the reception at Boerner Hall, and everything was perfect. We are so happy we decided to have our wedding here.

Evelyn Champion

This place is BEAUTIFUL. I have been to many botanical gardens and this is one of the best. I especially love the rock garden. If you get rained out within 10 minutes of entering, they should offer a rain check.

Jessica Isler

I’ve gone to multiple events here-weddings, work events, China Lights etc. they always have everything well organized and it’s stunning!

Nathan Bickel

Beautiful park and wonderful place to walk around and relax.

Alice Baker

Pretty place and a fun outing.

Mark Weitkum

We (my wife and I) come back for this show every year, as it is so beautiful! A good reason to stop at Kopp's for a cheeseburger and cones prior to the show! :)

Dana Dobias

Wonderful Botanic Garden to visit. Lots to see but small enough to see it all in one day.

Jessica Lynn Mould

We had an absolutely wonderful time at the gardens we have been there multiple times during the day but last night we attended a fairy evening. Be sure to sign up for their Facebook page so I can find out when they're free events or other events of they offer are. The event that they had last night featured quite a few different people in costumes for the kids including glitter in the hair., fake tattoos, bug release, and more.

Maria Corchado

First time visiting the gardens and told staff sitting at front desk, she automatically charged me for 4 adults. I then looked at the sign and told her it’s 2 adults and 2 senior citizens, she looked at me and said well you didn’t tell me that. I wasn’t reimbursed. Horrible customer service.

Suzanne

China Lights exhibit is amazing.

Brandon M

This place is loaded with unique plants and flowers. Everything is labeled well so that was very helpful. Even watched a monarch lay an egg on some milkweed. Unbelievable!!

Ken Drope

What a lovely place to stroll and enjoy the color, texture and variety of plants.

Don Schultz

Love walking here for my morning exercise

Sara Larson

Amazing experience, I go every year. Highly recommend buying tickets on Groupon

Lia Risser

A great little garden. This place has a smaller area surrounded by bigger grass and tree area with more walking paths. Really pleasant to walk around in and chat, and lots of interesting variety in the garden sections. Also some pokemon go stops and gyms so perfect if you enjoy getting that in on your walks.

Pamela Thompson

Much more in bloom than expected and absolutely lovely.

Maria Paschenko

Our first time there and we definitely be back. Tulips this time of year are beautiful and roses are coming- I just can't wait to see it too.

Jackie Derra

Was here for a wedding. It was very pretty.

Mary Kubicek

I hadn't been in a long time. So beautiful! Love the different sections. Lovely full trees! Go!

Lucie Studwell

Lovely, nice gift shop, China Lights are amazing, and crowded .

Lola Hospel

Almost all new this year, again. Awesome

David Zaharias

We go to the gardens almost every time we come up to Wisconsin in Milwaukee they always have beautiful displays it's a good place for we go to walk and enjoy the gardens

Richard Gardiner

Wonderful! I wished I been able to stay longer with a good book.

Tanyialisa Mcdowell

Beautiful and you'll get your exercise

Jason Gruber

My wife and I had a blast at the China lights exhibit. Very cool and worth it. Can not wait until my daughter is old enough to go to this next time it's around. And I'm definitely interested in seeing the gardens in the daytime now.

Thomas Brunhart

It would not surprise me if the angels were sitting on the clouds gazing down in marvel of the most beautiful light display in the world...the China Light exhibit. Weekdays it is much more enjoyable because the attendance is bearable. One can walk in comfort at your own pace and enjoy each lighting display. Weekend nights can be overwhelming with people and if the pay lots are full it is a long long walk to the entrance way. My advise pay the 10 dollars for the premiere parking. It would be nice if they had one night for adults only.

Laura Bierdemann

There is always something beautiful to see no matter what time of year. The plants are clearly labeled if you are interested in getting them for your garden. Watch for exciting events throughout the year.

Keith Schroeder

China Lights show was amazing. Drinks and food at the end. Get your ticket on Groupon.

Lisa McFadden

My kiddos (5 & almost 2) LOVED the flowers and the huge fish pond. The waterfall is beautiful too!

Alison Barker

I fall in love with this place a little more each time I go here. Beautiful grounds and highly recommend their classes.

Susan Scarbro

Very colorfull and intriguing!

Jennifer Schulenburg

Beautiful setting for beautiful lights!

Mark Lansing

Perhaps the most beautiful park in Wisconsin. Acres of manicured and wild terrain. Nature walk over an elevated wooden walkway through a natural bog. Some of the most superb species of exotic and native plants, trees and flowers. One of my favorite places in the state! See it for yourself.

Daigham Bowers

Quiet, gorgeous, and captivating are just some of the words that come to mind as you stroll through each area within the gardens. Whether you have been here more times than you can count or it's the first time, the magic in this place is still present and available to anyone looking for it. Totally recommend you check it out if you have an opportunity!

Ashton Werner

$10 for parking, $20 for myself and another $20 for girlfriend. The whole walk around has each setup numbered. There is no coherent path through, crowds of people blocking the setups and the setups themselves are a joke. All but maybe 4 are lame. All the food is greasy fair food, stages for performances are 10 minutes of a guy juggling 3 or 4 balls. Everyone talking around me was also very dissatisfied. Walking through the setups took 30 minutes, even stopping at each one. Terrible experience and never going back to the China Lights event.

JANICE

China lights was fantastic.

Joe Umeseaka

It was an enjoyable experience especially with the beautiful exhibitions for the China Lights. Would come again.

Debbie Meeks

Nice place to spend an afternoon, if you like plants & flowers

Cindy Brinkman

China Lights delightful.

Christian Ahangar

The China lights are amazing. It's well worth your time. Plus walking the trails is a great way to enjoy nature.

vincent ortiz

First time there really great event "China Lights"!

Gary

Boerner Botanical Gardens China Lights Festival features 40 large Chinese lantern displays which illuminate the nine acre gardens in Whitnall Park. Running times are Tues-Sunday 5:30-10pm. Each night staff lead a parade that ends at the main state where performances begin. There are various food vendors with fall favorites like cider, caramel apples, etc... We went last year and we're amazed, headed back up this weekend.

Anna Leigh

Had a great time, however we were denied handicapped parking and my aunt was in a lot of pain during the event from having to walk so far before even getting inside.. staff needs better training in that department. The event itself was great!! 5 stars for that aspect

April Machan

The Mothers Day Brunch, while pricy, was gorgeous and beautifully done. Elegant and delicious food, well trained staff - just a lovely experience.

SJ Bey

Every year we go there for Chinese Lantern Festival which is Festival of Lights and the number of pandas that you see glowing in the middle of the night, it's amazing. It's me a great romantic walk around all the beautiful lighting and statues and also very entertaining playground for kids. I recommend to layer up when you plan to visit because that's place can get really cold.