For residents of Minneapolis, finding year-round botanical inspiration may seem like a challenge; yet the city is aplenty with indoor gardens, which feature everything from swimming pools to Bonsai galleries. Here are six of our favorites:
1. Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at Como Park, St. Paul
Open year-round, the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory features gardens suited to the tastes of a variety of people. Those who prefer the elegance characteristic of European gardens will adore the well-manicured Centennial Garden, while lovers of traditional Japanese gardens will enjoy the Conservatory's Japanese Garden, which symbolizes the friendship between Saint Paul and its sister city, Nagasaki, Japan.
2. Minnesota Landscape Arboretum's Meyers-Deats Conservatory
The Arboretum's hallmark is its stunning variety of indoor plants and foliage, from maples to aspens to oaks. The Arboretum also puts on numerous events, including Let's Talk Plants, a series of workshops and discussions to facilitate a better understanding of our natural world. Seasonal events include the fall-themed Pumpkin Palooza, as well as the Summer Art Crawl.
3. Minnesota Zoo Tropics Trail
The Tropics Trail is an homage to our planet's biodiversity. The Trail evokes a sense of wonder and awe as visitors wander through a tropical rainforest. Learn about many of the world's most endangered species and, if you're lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of a lemur, kangaroo, or a red panda at play.
4. Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
A popular site for weddings and receptions year-round, the Cowles Conservatory is a breathtaking blend of contemporary art sculptures and lush foliage. Although currently closed for renovations, the Conservatory will reopen in summer of 2017.
Edinborough Park's year-round pleasant climate makes it one of Minneapolis' favorite public recreational facilities. Visitors easily can spend all day at the Edinborough Park, which features a one-acre park, running track, swimming pool, fitness area, and play area. Its Greek-styled amphitheater features plenty of cultural events.
The primary purpose of Woodbury's Central Park is to bring the communities of Minneapolis together in the heart of the city. As its name suggests, Woodbury Central Park is centrally located, with direct physical connections to a branch of the Washington County library and a YMCA facility. Central Park is the perfect place for a unification of those of different backgrounds and generations in central Minneapolis. Cozy up in the fireplace nook, or enjoy tasty treats at Central Park's cafe, Angelina's in the Park.