Peony gardens in Wisconsin offer some of the best floral landscapes hiding in charming small towns. And if you’re looking for a new hidden gem to add to your bucket list, we’ve got just the one – Sisson’s Peony Gardens in Rosendale. At one time, the beautiful garden boasted more than 2,500 species of peonies, earning Rosendale the title of the peony capital of Wisconsin. Let’s take a look at one of the prettiest gardens near me.

The small village of Rosendale (pop. 1,049 now) is probably most known for a strictly enforced 30 mph speed limit.
Royalbroil, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
However, that’s not its only claim to fame.
The town originally gained fame as the peony capital of Wisconsin – and thanks to Sisson’s Peony Gardens, its flower-related past lives on.
Gary Tipler/Google
It has earned a reputation as one of the best gardens in Wisconsin.
Rosendale’s association with peonies goes back to 1920 when Wilbur Sisson planted a personal peony garden.
Royalbroil, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
The project eventually grew to encompass five acres and boast more than 2,500 species.
At the garden's peak, the beauty attracted thousands of visitors each summer.
Susan Nickel/Google
Free to visit one of the best Wisconsin peony gardens, it is open for self-guided tours every day while the flowers are in bloom.

Related Stories

10 Spots You Don't Want To Miss When Visiting Olbrich Botanical Gardens In Wisconsin

10 Spots You Don't Want To Miss When Visiting Olbrich Botanical Gardens In Wisconsin

 Most People Don't Know There's A Lost City Hiding In The Underbrush Of A Wisconsin Arboretum

Most People Don't Know There's A Lost City Hiding In The Underbrush Of A Wisconsin Arboretum

 One Of Wisconsin's Coolest Aqua Parks, Adventure Island Will Make You Feel Like A Kid Again

One Of Wisconsin's Coolest Aqua Parks, Adventure Island Will Make You Feel Like A Kid Again
In 2005, the Rosendale Historical Society took charge of the garden and made several updates, including the addition of a white picket fence.
Susan Nickel/Google
A commemorative sign, which provides information about the garden and its history, was also added to the grounds.
The garden still possesses several original features.
Mary Kolar/Google
For one, a majority of the peonies date back to the original garden.
Of course, new peonies have been added to the garden over the years.
Barbara Prendergast/Google
Easily identifiable, the newer blooms feature tags that display their names.
Another feature from the past is the windmill which is situated at the garden’s entrance.
Gary Tipler/Google
Now a Sisson's signature, the windmill became part of the garden in 1929 and remains unchanged to this day.

Peony gardens in Wisconsin are beautiful. Discover more on the Rosendale Historical Society website. Did you know about this gorgeous space or about Rosendale’s past reputation as the peony capital of Wisconsin? Please tell us about it in the comments below.

If you’re searching for a unique gift, find some Peony-related items on Etsy. While in Rosendale, consider driving the approximately 20 miles to Osh Kosh for another pretty site, The Paine Mansion. And for those folks on the road, reserve a room on Booking.com.

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

More to Explore

Best Gardens In Wisconsin

Carolyn Harmon | March 25, 2024

What are some of the best gardens in Wisconsin?

  • Harmony Gardens Arboretum (Peshtigo): All sorts of adventures are available on this lovely 500-acre county farm developed into a conservation and horticulture education and demonstration area. You can frolic in the majestic hardwood forest, walk the winding walking trails, and learn a few tips in the demonstration gardens.
  • Longenecker Horticultural Gardens (Madison): Garden tours are offered every spring, summer, and fall where you can see an interesting collection of shrubs, trees, and vines along with a native plant garden. This lovely space on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus also showcases one of the largest displays of lilacs in the United States.
  • Rotary Botanical Gardens (Janesville): These award-winning 20 acres showcase 26 different garden styles and 4,000 varieties of plants. Some of the extraordinary themed gardens include Scottish, Japanese, French, and Italian. Offerings include guided garden tours, a variety of educational classes and events, and shopping in the Cottage Garden Gallery Gift Shop.

 

Where are the prettiest views in Wisconsin?

  • Lion's Den Gorge (Grafton): The 73-acre public park on Lake Michigan offers picnicking, hiking, and more than a half mile of 90- to 100-foot bluffs look out over the lake.
  • Buena Vista Park (Alma): Some of the prettiest panoramic views of the Mississippi River Valley are available at this spacious park.
  • Butler Rock (Mountain): This magical place is in the deep forest and leads to Oconto County's highest point. The easy 1.3-mile out-and-back sand hike is steep toward the end but shows off outstanding scenery from three areas.

 

Related Articles

Explore Wisconsin

Featured Addresses
207 N Main St, Rosendale, WI 54974, USA