Domes a warm destination during cold winter days

By JEFF CEBULSKI

During these mid-winter days when Wisconsin is truly living up to the nickname "Frozen tundra of the North," what can a stir-crazed resident or hotel room-trapped visitor do to escape? How many trips to a public museum that lead to a numbing torpor must one take?

For those who cannot afford the time or money to make an excursion to the nearest south sea island or neighboring sun spot, there is a reprieve of sorts, located just off the south end of Layton Boulevard (the 27th Street viaduct), at the edge of Mitchell Park. The Conservatory Domes, in which one can experience the indigenous plants and atmosphere of world deserts, rainforests, and flower shows.

Since 1967, when the triangular configuration of three bee-nest shaped structures was completed, the 85-foot-high, 140-foot-diametered glass domes have offered people a chance to visit parts of Africa, South America, North America and other exotic lands without having to leave the city.

The three domes represent three unique settings with their respective botany, wildlife, and habitat exhibits.

The Arid Dome provides the desert climate and plant life of Africa, Madagascar, the Canary Islands, North America, and South America. One of the finest collections of cacti exists here, accompanied by an oasis laden with a colorful and odd-shaped assortment of plants that have adjusted to their peculiar climate. Each part is geographically sectioned, with bounteous growth. Plenty of information is supplied.

The Tropical Dome not only presents the varied and lush vegetations of rain forests, but also supplies a wonderful waterfall that enriches the already humid conditions. This dome exudes the atmosphere of a zoo, with its assortment of birds and iguanas to keep the peering humans company.

The Floral Show Dome exhibits five seasonal flower shows year-round, with a possible four to five changeovers during the summer. (There is a nearly two-week layover between shows, so any visitors should call ahead to check on the current show status. The most recent show ends in March.)

Domes are open daily, all year, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Milwaukee County residents get in free from 9 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. (excluding major holidays). Visitors ages 18 and up pay $4.50; ages 6 through 17, $3; people with disabilities, $3 (a few wheelchairs are available free-of-cost); and Milwaukee County seniors ages 60-plus pay $3.

Groups of over 20 pay a bit less: $4 per person, ages 18-plus, $2.75, ages 6 through 17.