Alaska is much more than towering snow-capped mountains and frigid glaciers, it is also home to a beautiful rainforest on the outskirts of Juneau. The Mendenhall Gardens take up 50 acres of rainforest in Southeast Alaska’s Tongass National Forest. The gardens offer a spectacular and exotic experience for anyone passing through Juneau. The main attraction, Flower Towers, are upside down trees with flowering plants drooping from the edges of the root ball, cascading down toward the spectators. Mendenhall Gardens shows us that Alaska is much more than towering mountains, glacial valleys, and vast tundras. It is home to a flowering exotic botanical garden that feels as if it’s straight out of a fairy tale.
Mendenhall Gardens Yelp Page
Steve and Cindy Bowhay are the hardworking owners of Mendenhall Gardens. Steve came to Juneau in 1984 as a part of a commercial fishing family and started Yard Doctor Landscape. He moved his business to the Mendenhall Valley and renamed it Glacier Gardens.
Mendenhall Gardens Yelp Page
The Mendenhall Gardens are open May 1st through September 30, daily from 9am-6pm. The admission includes a guided tour and all day access to the lower gardens.
Mendenhall Gardens Yelp Page
The Flower Towers are upended trees with hanging plants grown from the root ball of the tree. The cascading vines of flowers offer a dramatic effect as you walk under the rainforest canopy. Stories have it that Steve was working on rerouting a stream on the gardens property when he damaged part of the equipment and in anger used the machine to flip over a tree. The idea was planted in his mind and bloomed into a one-of-a-kind garden decoration.
Mendenhall Gardens Yelp Page
Plenty of cruise companies offer guided tours of Mendenhall Glacier and the Gardens. If you're just visiting you can also take a guided tour around the garden with an educated guide offering commentary throughout your adventure.

Related Stories

Everyone Should Visit These 7 Beautiful Underrated Alaskan Parks

Everyone Should Visit These 7 Beautiful Underrated Alaskan Parks

 The Hidden Park That Will Make You Feel Like You've Discovered Alaska's Best Kept Secret

The Hidden Park That Will Make You Feel Like You've Discovered Alaska's Best Kept Secret

 There’s An Adventure Park Hiding In The Middle Of An Alaska Forest And You Need To Visit

There’s An Adventure Park Hiding In The Middle Of An Alaska Forest And You Need To Visit
Mendenhall Gardens Yelp Page
You can take a self-guided walk through the gardens on the new walking paths. There are almost 2 miles of garden to explore at your leisure.
Mendenhall Gardens Yelp Page
There is so much more to Alaska than the rolling tundra. Even the plants and wildlife are different in the Alaskan rainforest. The blooming begonias, fuchsias, and petunias will enchant you in a way the tundra never could.
Mendenhall Gardens Yelp Page
The Mendenhall Gardens offer spectacular panoramic views of Juneau and Mendenhall Glacier.
Mendenhall Gardens Yelp Page
Flowers are started early on in the year indoors so they are in full bloom when transplanted outside at the start of spring.
Mendenhall Gardens Yelp Page
Mendenhall Gardens is the number one nursery in Juneau offering the highest quality locally grown flowers and plants.

These gorgeous gardens are a beautiful part of Alaska that show you just how varied our state really is. From exotic upside down trees to herds of caribou on the tundra, Alaska will never cease to amaze and impress you.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore Alaska