Noerenberg Gardens

Noerenberg Memorial Gardens is known for its tranquility and spectacular beauty. Situated along the shore of Crystal Bay on Lake Minnetonka, Noerenberg is widely regarded as one of the finest formal gardens in Minnesota. Among its blend of perennials, annuals, trees, shrubs and vines, the garden features ornamental shade trees and a stand of conifers and "Northern Lights" azaleas. The garden is open for tours and is an idyllic location for weddings. To schedule a wedding, tour or photography shoot, please call Reservations at 763-559-6700.

Interactive Map of Noerenberg

Noerenberg PDF Map

May–October Map

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Things To Do

Formal Gardens

Formal Gardens

Women strolling in the garden

Widely regarded as one of the finest formal gardens in Minnesota, Noerenberg Gardens features a stunning array of annuals, perennials and ornamental shade trees.

Hiking

Hiking

A turf trail passes by a sign that says "hiking trail."

Take a leisurely stroll around the gardens, rest in the cool shade of the mature trees or in the gazebo catching a breeze from Lake Minnetonka.

History Education

History Exploration

Dedication plaque in garden

Noerenberg Gardens were once home to Grain Belt Brewery founder Frederick Noerenberg and his family. Many artifacts from the original gardens can still be found today, including rocks collected by the family and plants such as Blue False Indigo, Queen-of-the-Prairie, Dusty Meadow Rue, Lavender Mist Meadow Rue, Solomon’s Seal, Peony and Fall Daisy.

See all programs and events at Noerenberg Gardens!

Bloom Schedule

May

Native wildflowers (Hepatica, Bloodroot, Merrybells, Solomon’s Seal), Peony, Mertensia, Primrose, Epimedium, Hellebores, Redbud, Azalea, Magnolia and mature evergreens

June

Siberian Iris, Baptisia, Dianthus, Bleeding Heart, Sweet Woodruff, Aruncus, Rodgersia, Foam Flower, Columbine, Campanula and Martagon Lily

July

Monarda, Phlox, Astilbe, Perovskia, Veronica, Allium, Joe-Pye Weed, Lobelia, Culver’s Root, Balloon Flower and an array of unusual annuals

August

Asters, Cimicifuga, Liatris, Hibiscus, Magic Lily, Monkshood, Sedum, Obedient Plant, Kirengeshoma and ornamental grasses

September–October

Asters, Hydrangea, ornamental grasses and many perennials begin to take on autumn coloration. Native and non-native tree and shrub species also begin their autumn display.

History

Grain Belt Brewery founder Frederick Noerenberg and his family built their estate on the shore of Lake Minnetonka in 1890. Influenced by English Landscape Style, the property featured tiered rose beds and impeccably manicured lawns. As world travelers with an appreciation for natural artifacts, the family accumulated an assortment of natural specimens that appeared in the garden, including a collection of trees, plant materials and rocks. Lora Noerenberg Hoppe, one of the five Noerenberg children, acted as chief horticulturist on the gardens for a number of years. She bequeathed the estate to the Park District when she passed away in 1972. At her direction, the home was razed and the estate was transformed to a garden for the public’s enjoyment.

Rules & Guidelines

The terms of the donation of this site prohibit food or beverages, swimming and launching or docking boats within the park. Pets are not allowed at Noerenberg Gardens.

The formal flower gardens at Noerenberg Memorial Gardens add natural beauty to your event. On display in the gardens are a wide variety of unusual annuals, perennials and grasses. The site features accessible brick pathways and an ornamental gazebo overlooking Lake Minnetonka.

Give to Noerenberg

Support Noerenberg Gardens with a donation.

The Three Rivers Blog

November 04, 2019

Minnesota is home to seven species of bats, but they don't all approach winter the same way. Read on to learn how bats survive our coldest months of the year.

September 27, 2019

One of the incredible things about getting married in the parks is the wide variety of lovely spaces and natural settings for photo ops. See our top 5 places to take wedding photos and learn more about professional photography in Three Rivers.

What's Blooming at Noerenberg?

By: Arla Carmichiel

August 13, 2018

August can often be a difficult month for tired gardeners. A walk through Noerenberg Gardens might be just the thing to get through the “dog days” of summer. Learn which plants to look for this August.

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