West of the Lake Gardens
Originally uploaded by WheretogoWisconsin
(see previous post on Point Beach Ice Age Trail)
The driveway is a beautiful gateway entrance (there are two driveways, it's on the left, the other is a residence, so watch for signs).
The main home is known as the 'Shoebox Estate' and was the first modern style design that most of us recognize as a Frank Lloyd Wright. West of the Lake was named by Mrs Ruth West (lovely double entendre if you think about it) who had purchased the old street car right of way in 1934. Later that year Mr. John West began the building of the famous home and Ruth's beginning of her garden that began with 200 tulips.
By 1950, a 30 year tradition was born to open the gardens annually to the public to celebrate the West of the Lake Tulip Tea event. After the passing of John in 1989, then Ruth in 1990, The West Foundation was used to formally open the gardens to the public, which is now opened daily from Mother's Day to Mid-October 10 am - 5 pm (weather permitting), and continues its stewardship by providing scholarships/grants for the Manitowoc-Two Rivers area.
How to find: From I-43 North or South: Take exit 152, State Highway 42 East (Waldo Blvd., toward Manitowoc). Follow Waldo Blvd. to Lake Michigan (about 5 miles) where it curves left (North) and becomes Memorial Drive. At the first traffic signal (Reed Ave.), turn right at the West of the Lake Gardens. 925 Memorial Drive, Manitowoc, WI 54220 (920) 684-8506
What to Expect: Flowers, silly! Free Parking and Admission, self guided brochures take you through all of the gardens known by name: Japanese, Sunken, Rose, Red and White, The Path, Mae West, Formal and The Loop. The gorgeous view of Lake Michigan makes for the perfect backdrop.
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