A Garden Built from Stone

Next stop: Ellsworth Rock Gardens

Accessible only by boat, this historic garden is tucked along the shoreline of Kabetogama Lake. The sculpted rock art is incredible—just imagine how breathtaking it must’ve been when it was filled with more than 13,000 lilies (four varieties!), along with twenty-eight other types of flowers, both annuals and perennials. Once known as the “Showplace of the Lake,” it was a floral and artistic marvel lovingly maintained by Jack and his wife, Elsie. They acquired the property in 1942 as a summer retreat and spent decades bringing their creative vision to life. (More details in one of the photos.)

The rock sculptures are full of personality and open to interpretation—what do you see in the rock art?Read more