The West Central Research and Outreach Center’s Horticulture Display Garden in Morris, near the University of Minnesota’s campus in this western Minnesota city, is open to the public. It’s not only a beautiful Minnesota garden, but it’s also a fantastic place to learn more about the art (and science) of gardening with hands-on experiences. I find it surprising that more folks don’t know about this little sanctuary. So, allow me to share everything I know about this hidden garden in Minnesota. 

For more than 100 years, the University of Minnesota's West Central Research and Outreach Center has been helping farmers, agriculture professionals, and members of the public, educating them on topics ranging from crop and dairy production to renewable energy and water quality.
Hidden Garden In Minnesota
West Central Research and Outreach Center Public Gardens, 46352 MN-329, Morris, MN 56267, USA
Horticulture Display Garden/Facebook
Part of the center's mission includes horticulture. To this end, the center operates a display garden that is not only open to the public, but it also seeks to educate members of the public in hands-on gardening methods and techniques.
Horticulture Display Garden/Facebook
Every year, the center cultivates thousands of flowers, vegetables, and plants that demonstrate the results of the center's horticultural research.
Horticulture Display Garden/Facebook
Center staff and volunteers, as well as other community members, then plant everything for growing season.
Horticulture Display Garden/Facebook
The gardens are free and open to the public during daylight hours throughout the year.
Hidden Garden In Minnesota
Horticulture Display Garden/Facebook

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As you may imagine, they're particularly lovely in the spring, when many floral favorites hit their peak blooming periods.
Horticulture Display Garden/Facebook
The center has even managed to cultivate lady's slippers, a notoriously hard-to-grow orchid variety that's popular among wildflower enthusiasts in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
Horticulture Display Garden/Facebook
You'll find trails and even a children's garden at the Horticulture Display Garden.
Horticulture Display Garden/Facebook
The Pomme de Terre Overlook, which sits on a bluff over its eponymous river, is one of our favorite spots at the garden.
Although the growing season lasts only about half the year, the Horticulture Display Garden is a beautiful place to visit in any season.
Horticulture Display Garden/Facebook
Even winter.
Horticulture Display Garden/Facebook

For more information about the facility, including hours and location, visit the Horticulture Display Garden’s website. While in that part of the state, take some time to explore the historic town of Alexandria, as well. It’s only about 45 minutes northeast of Morris.

This Enchanting And Historic Town In Minnesota Is The Perfect Day Trip Destination

Have you visited this hidden garden in Minnesota? What are some other lesser-known hidden gems in Minnesota that we should know about?

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More to Explore

Best Gardens In Minnesota

Melanie J. | April 18, 2024

What are some more of the best gardens in Minnesota?

If you’ve recently searched “gardens near me,” then you’re in luck. Here are some of the best gardens in Minnesota that are great for a day trip.  

  • Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at Como Park, St. Paul
  • Munsinger Clemens Gardens, St. Cloud
  • Longfellow Gardens, Minneapolis
  • Normandale Japanese Garden, Bloomington
  • Glensheen Mansion Gardens, Duluth
  • August Schell Brewery Gardens, New Ulm
  • Lyndale Park Rose Garden, Minneapolis
  • Noerenberg Gardens on Lake Minnetonka, Wayzata
  • Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Chaska
  • Enger Park Gardens, Duluth
  • Loring Park Garden of the Seasons, Minneapolis
  • Muriel Sahlin Arboretum, Roseville

We recommend that you read our previous article telling you more about these gorgeous gardens in Minnesota.

Are there more lesser-known hidden gems in Minnesota?

Yes, there are lots of little-known hidden gems in Minnesota, and these are the ones we like the best:

  • Vermilion Falls, Crane Lake
  • Slot Canyon- Crosby Farm Regional Park, St. Paul
  • Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden, Minneapolis
  • Hidden Falls Regional Park, St. Paul
  • Bear Head Lake State Park, Ely
  • Franz Jevne State Park, Birchdale
  • Vermilion Club, Tower
  • Flandrau State Park, New Ulm
  • Camden State Park, Lynd
  • Lady Slipper Scenic Byway, Blackduck
  • Heritage Village, Mountain Lake
  • H.P. Pederson's Sculpture Garden, Arco
  • Kilen Woods State Park, Lakefield
  • Mickey Elverum Bog Walk, Orr
  • Ray Berglund State Wayside, Tofte

Don’t forget to read this article to learn more about these lesser-known hidden gems in Minnesota.

What are some family-friendly attractions in Minnesota?

Here are some of the best attractions in Minnesota that are great for you and your family.

  • Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, St Paul
  • Blue Mounds State Park, Luverne
  • Wells Fargo Family Farm at the Minnesota Zoo, Apple Valley
  • Tettegouche State Park, Silver Bay
  • Minneopa State Park, Mankato
  • Minnehaha Falls Regional Park, Minneapolis
  • Hemker Park and Zoo, Freeport
  • Valleyfair Family Amusement Park, Shakopee
  • Great Lakes Aquarium, Duluth
  • End-O-Line Railroad Park and Museum, Currie

Check out our website to discover more family-friendly attractions in Minnesota.

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Featured Addresses
West Central Research and Outreach Center, 46352 MN-329, Morris, MN 56267, USA