The Gardens of the Prairie

Uniting Nature, Community, and Economy in Central Illinois

A Public Space to Connect with Nature and Each Other

The Gardens of the Prairie is a proposed outdoor garden space located in McLean County, Illinois near the intersection of historic Route 66, I-55, I-74, and I-39. The garden space will be a unique public space for the residents of central Illinois and tourists to enjoy. It will include water features, native grasses and flowers, rose beds, walking paths, benches and seating, shrubs, and art/sculptures from local artists. The Gardens of the Prairie will provide educational programs, workshops, lecture series, and local events.

We are currently raising awareness and looking for partners to help make this project a reality. With your support, we will be able to create a beautiful outdoor garden space and sculpture garden that unites nature, community, and economy. Join us in building a public space that will be enjoyed by everyone!

A Place in Nature for Everyone

The Gardens of the Prairie project is an exciting new initiative that seeks to create a beautiful outdoor garden space in central Illinois. This project aims to bring people together to appreciate nature and create an inviting public space for locals and visitors alike. The Gardens will host events, draw tourism, and contribute to the beautification of McLean County. This is a great opportunity for the community to come together to create a space that will be enjoyed by everyone.

Creating Natural Beauty in Central Illinois

The need for public spaces to bring in visitors and provide a refuge in nature is of great importance to our community. There is a wealth of beautiful prairie land in central Illinois, but a lack of places to truly enjoy nature. Creating a safe, inviting, and beautiful outdoor garden space and sculpture garden will benefit both the local community and visitors alike. People will be able to take part in events, stroll through the garden, or simply enjoy the beauty of nature in a peaceful setting.

  • Promoting Central Illinois

    The Gardens of the Prairie will be located in the heart of Illinois near the crossroads of historic Route 66, I-55, I-74, and I-39, giving travelers another reason to stop and visit this thriving area.

  • Adding Natural Spaces

    Communities need accessible natural spaces to promote outdoor activity, fitness, and mental health. Gardens of the Prairie will be a free, accessible place to experience nature.

  • Building Community

    The Gardens of the Prairie will host events, provide a space for organic connection and social life, and serve as a hub for community life. The world needs more safe, beautiful places to gather!

  • Showcasing Local Art

    The Gardens of the Prairie will feature art and sculptures from extraordinary local artists. The sculptures will be curated to highlight world-class local creations that help visitors experience art and nature together.

Sign Up for The Gardens of the Prairie Newsletter

Sign up for email updates to stay informed about the Gardens of the Prairie project! Show your support and join us in creating a beautiful public outdoor garden space in central Illinois!

“I have a dream that people from distances far and near will make The Gardens of the Prairie a destination. My dream sees visitors spending time enjoying these beautiful gardens then continuing their time at local restaurants and delightful shops. My hope is to see this dream become a reality.”

— Sondra Wisdom, Founder of The Gardens of the Prairie Project

 FAQs

  • That is up to all of us! This is a community project in the beginning stages. We are currently looking for donors, supporters, and community members to come along and help us turn this vision into a reality. We hope to acquire land in 2023 and begin the building process in short order.

  • Free public spaces are essential to community life, and beautiful natural spaces inspire creativity and connection. We believe that adding more public spaces to central Illinois will strengthen the community directly (through programs and tourism) and indirectly (through fostering spaces that support mental health and personal connection.)

  • We’re so glad you want to help! We need it! For The Gardens of the Prairie to become a reality, we need folks to share about this vision on social media, tell your friends and connect with the team to find unique ways to get involved. Sign up for our email list, share #TheGardensOTP on social media, and contact Sondra.Wisdom@yahoo.com to get more involved!

  • We are currently seeking land in McLean County, Illinois. We want the location to be accessible, naturally beautiful, and close to the crossroads of historic Route 66, I-74, I-55, and I-39.

“The care of the Earth is our most ancient and most worthy, and after all our most pleasing responsibility. To cherish what remains of it and to foster its renewal is our only hope.”
— Wendell Berry