Wisconsin’s Bookworm Gardens Turns Children’s Stories Into Enchanting Garden Adventures

A garden in Wisconsin has visitors feeling like they have entered a completely different world thanks to its whimsical theme.

Getting Young Kids Excited About Reading

As a dad of two young kids, I know our book selection at home can get tiring after a while. I mean, how many times can we read about Elmo learning how to use the potty?

So when I found a place in Wisconsin that brings books to life, I saw it as a way to give some of our tired books a second chance and to get my daughters excited for some stories they didn't really want to hear Dad read for the 100th time.

Bookworm Gardens in Sheboygan is a sprawling botanical garden that contains exhibits and features inspired by popular children's literature.

What Will Visitors See At Bookworm Gardens?

Bookworm Gardens features 70 different gardens. Each area is inspired by a different children's book.

For example, you might find areas inspired by Shel Silverstein's books Where the Sidewalk Ends and The Giving Tree, in the Welcome Gateway. Continue your walk and you might end up at The Pond + Wetland Gateway, immersed in a world inspired by Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.

According to its website, the non-profit Bookworm Gardens first opened in 2010. The concept was the brainchild of Wisconsin resident Sandy Livermore, who "wanted to bring books to life one garden at a time."

Bookworm Gardens spans 7 acres. Each themed area includes a laminated book if you'd like to read the story that corresponds with the garden.

Parenting tip: Have your kiddos prepared for a long journey. You will need a minimum of two hours at Bookworm Gardens if you want to see everything.

How to Visit Bookworm Gardens?

Bookworm Gardens is located at 1415 Campus Drive in Sheboygan. The gardens are open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 31.

Pre-registration admission for adults is $13. Tickets for children ages 3-17 are $11. Visitors ages 2 and younger and Bookworm Members are admitted for free. Residents of Sheboygan County are admitted for $3 with proof of residence.

Same-day admission price varies depending on the day.

Sheboygan is located a little less than 60 miles north of Milwaukee and 120 miles northeast of Madison.