Welcome to the Shakespeare Garden at Ellis Park
Explore the restored Cedar Rapids Shakespeare Garden. Learn about its history from its founding, through its challenges, the commitment to its preservation, and its thoughtful restoration. Find out more about its plants and take advantage of links to more information. Most of all, enjoy the peace and tranquility of this beautiful corner of Cedar Rapids.
“The Shakespeare garden has contributed to the overall beauty of Cedar Rapids for nearly 100 years. In 1926 the women of the Wednesday Shakespeare Club recognized the need for and wished to provide a place that could be shared by all, and one cannot help but be amazed by their dedication to this community”.
Sylvia Popelka
Time Check resident, FOSG board member & historian,
Wednesday Shakespeare Club
What is a Shakespeare Garden?
A Shakespeare Garden is a collection of some or all of the 175 plants mentioned in the works of William Shakespeare. It is a themed garden of these plants and Elizabethan architecture. Shakespeare Gardens in the United States were formed to show solidarity with our British allies during WWI. Shakespeare Gardens, although rare, can be found across the United States and across the world!
Thank You Grant Sponsors!
Transamerica Foundation
Alliant Energy
Great America
NWNNAFriends of CR Parks
City of Cedar Rapids
Linn County
Cedar Crossing Casino