Garden
The Museum’s garden includes more than 60,000 plantings of native prairie trees, shrubs, flowers and grasses, in addition to a wildflower meadow and perennial borders and walkways. Outdoor benches and tables offer a beautiful view of the landscaping and the Mississippi River.
The garden was designed by Mark Swart of Sundance Grasses & Perennials as a contemporary American prairie garden. The garden is based on the environment of the upper Mississippi River Valley. The relaxed nature of these plantings and designs will allow visitors to open their senses to their surroundings.
The plants were studied and selected not only to combine well in color and texture but also to compete and co-exist; to evolve freely and not lose the integrity of the design. Over time these plantings will mature without one species dominating over another, rather they will blend to create the fabric of the design.
The purpose of all this was to create an atmosphere that introduces the incredible art on display at the Museum. From the moment visitors drive through the gate, they will step into a time and space created to prepare them for the visions inside.
Many of the plants were selected for color and texture for all four seasons. The perennials and ornamental grasses provide a full palette of color during the growing season, brilliant fall colors and unique seed pods and textures during the winter months. No matter which month you visit the Museum, the garden will provide a different look and feeling: whether it is sunny, overcast, foggy or frosty, every plant will take on a different appearance. Visitors will also be amazed at the appearance of the garden at various times of day when the light is high, low or somewhere in between.
Complimentary maps of the garden are available at the front desk.