Just a few blocks from Lake Mendota and the more well-known James Madison Park, sort of smack dab in the middle of Madison’s Isthmus, Period Garden Park is a tiny little garden hideaway that is well worth the few block walk away from Capitol Square to enjoy.
One of the city’s smallest parks, Period Garden Park is often mistaken for someone’s yard.
Wikimedia/James Steakley
But instead it’s a tiny patch of land that’s been lovingly cared for and restored.
PeriodGardenPark.Org
This little oasis in view of the Capitol Building, on the corner of East Gorham and Pinckney streets, is actually a public park that was almost turned into a parking lot.
Wikimedia/James Steakley
Filled with little Victorian touches, the park is in the city’s Mansion Hill neighborhood, once the home to the upper crust of Madison society.
PeriodGardenPark.Org
In fact, the grounds were originally owned by Judge Elisha “Boss” Keyes, the Republican Party chair who became Madison’s first postmaster in 1861 and its first Republican mayor in 1865.
PeriodGardenPark.Org
Period Garden Park wasn’t always so lush and beautiful. The city of Madison has 270 parks encompassing more than 6,000 acres of land and simply does not have the budget for anything more than the most basic upkeep.
Wikimedia/James Steakley
Now a group of neighborhood residents and volunteers spend time not only tending the garden, but raising money to continue to improve the small space.
PeriodGardenPark.Org
What was once a dark space that wasn’t very welcoming is now an urban oasis that’s open from 4 am to 10 pm every day.
PeriodGardenPark.Org
The fountain is one of the more recent improvements. A neighbor bequeathed money to the park upon their passing, and that donation has made the fountain fully operational.
PeriodGardenPark.Org
The park was officially dedicated in 1977 and has had a long tradition of being taken care of and paid for by volunteers.
PeriodGardenPark.Org
The recent revitalization came about when a volunteer noticed the people utilizing the garden were all men. He theorized that the neighborhood’s women did not feel safe in the shadowy space.
PeriodGardenPark.Org
It’s been about nine years since folks started revitalizing and fixing up Period Garden Park and now it’s a gem for the greater Madison area.
PeriodGardenPark.Org
From Victorian benches to security and lights, the park is open and welcoming for all and provides a little bit of nature in the middle of downtown Madison.
PeriodGardenPark.Org
Gorgeous sights and smells, a place to relax and unwind and a unique venue for special events, Period Garden Park has to be experienced - and supported!
PeriodGardenPark.Org
Period Garden Park is located at 110 E Gorham St, Madison, WI 53703.
Wikimedia/James Steakley
PeriodGardenPark.Org
Want to visit more Wisconsin gardens? Check out Here Are The 8 Most Beautiful Gardens You’ll Ever See In Wisconsin.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
