The Domes

The actual name is the Milwaukee Mitchell Park Conservatory, but since the new home of the conservatory opened in 1964 - it's been known simply at 'the Domes.'

Three beehive shaped structures rise 85 feet into the air, towering above adjacent Menomonee River Valley and are still the only structures of their kind in the world.
 

As a kid, I remember our family driving from Janesville to Milwaukee a couple or three times each year, and one of those visits usually included a trip to the Zoo (most likely to keep the kid (me) happy) and to the 'Domes' which my parents enjoyed.

This past weekend was my first time back in many years and it brought back some great memories... the Floral Show Dome was hosting an assortment of trains making their way through miniature floral forests in the Circus Comes to Town Train Show which runs through March 10.  My primary memories in here were towering Christmas trees and magnificent decorations.

The Desert dome wasn't as warm as hoped for on a cold January day, but provided a great look at brilliantly orange blooms on desert flora. Elsewhere, large barrel cactus looked like the most uncomfortable footstools in the world.  A picture frame surrounding a bleached cattle skull paid homage to Wisconsin native Georgia O'Keefe's artwork.  While observing other amazing plants from desert climes on five continents I started getting thirsty.

The Tropical Dome, however, was the place to be on this visit.  Warm temperatures and welcome humidity wiped the bone chilling cold from my body as aches and pains seemed to fade.  There are more than 1,200 species of plants in here as well as tropical finches, fish in a pond splashed by a waterfall, and chocolate and cocoa direct from the source!

As you look around the dome - you find yourself looking up and down as well as side to side - searching for the next beautiful orchid or hiding bird.  Mostly, if the walk is in the middle of a blustery winter day with the promise of freezing rain in the forecast, it just felt good to remember that this is what Wisconsin will feel like again in July or August.

Which made the return to reality just fine with me. Treat yourself and walk the paths of the dome soon.