Our Gardens

Located at the corner of River Street and US 31

Since 1971, this garden has been a colorful welcome to the Village of Elk Rapids. Volunteers of the Garden Club renewed its bountiful plantings over the years. A lilac tree and several lavenders signal Spring’s arrival with beauty and fragrance. Later, Vanilla Strawberry and Bobo Dwarf Hydrangeas put on a sensational show. Native pollinators include Butterflyweed, Columbine, Coreopsis and Black-eyed Susan. They share the space with annuals and perennials, extending a delightful blooming season. In addition, Golden Mop False Cypress shrubs, graceful grasses and a unique Alaskan Weeping Cedar provide texture during the Winter season.

Located in front of the Elk Rapids Chamber of Commerce at 305 US 31

Featuring a combination of colorful annuals and perennials blooming all summer long to greet residents and visitors alike, The Blue Star Memorial Garden is a tribute to the Armed Forces of America Dedicated in 2012, the garden features a steel rowboat made by Freeland Industries, which in the early 1900’s developed a catamaran-like boat for the War Department. Also featured in the garden is a metal sculpture depicting Arctic Grayling fish. Native Americans and early settlers were drawn to this area by their abundance. Only native to Michigan and Montana in the lower 48 states, the last Arctic Grayling was caught in 1936 in Michigan. Since the early 2000s, progress has been made to reintroduce the Grayling in Michigan.

Located at the Southeast Corner of Ames Street and US 31, near Riverwalk Grill

A welcoming lakeside retreat located at the southeast corner of Ames Street and US-31, this garden is just steps from the boardwalk, with Elk Lake providing a beautiful natural backdrop. On the shady lakeside of the garden, visitors will find an expansive hosta collection, offering a rich tapestry of textures and greens throughout the season. Along the roadside, thoughtfully designed plantings feature smoke bush, ninebark, burning bush, hydrangea, and spirea, creating structure and year-round interest.  Plantings of coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, and daisies offer nectar-rich blooms for attracting butterflies.  A vibrant mix of annuals, including geraniums and impatiens, adds cheerful bursts of summertime color.  Metal sculptures, including a nautical compass, anchor, and “Henrietta, The Seagull,” provide a playful and distinctly local tone for this beloved community garden.

Located at the Northeast corner of Ames Street and US 31, near the Shell Station

Iva Byerly, founder and first chair of the Elk Rapids Beautification Commission, created this lovely garden in 1983. From early Spring through the Fall, there is a show of vibrant colors of forsythia, daffodils, flowering crabapple, lilacs, peonies, lavender and crocosmia. We continue to add native species to enhance the beauty of this garden and support visiting Monarch butterflies with showy goldenrod, asters and butterfly weed. The unique arbor was created by local metal artist Ann Gildner. It incorporates favorite garden tools and farm implements donated by area residents. Through the Allen-Birge Charitable Trust, Iva’s family provides financial assistance for the care of the garden.

Located at 300 River St

First, take a moment to read the Historical Marker, which provides the history of the island development as well as a brief description of the 1860 era building, which is now the Elk Rapids Library. Then take a stroll along the path lined with engraved bricks honoring celebrations, families, and cherished memories. Sit on the bench, listen to the river’s gentle flow beneath the bridge, and enjoy the beauty of the garden. Daisies, hydrangeas, hostas, lenten roses, butterfly weed, cosmos, roses, and colorful annuals, all framed by weeping cherry trees filtering the sunlight, create a picture-perfect scene. Next, walk across the bridge and take in the stunning view of the beautiful blue bay. This isn’t just a garden; it’s a special place to reflect, unwind, enjoy, and share moments. Don’t forget to snap a photo to remember it all!

Located at the corner of River St and Bridge St

The garden and gazebo were established in 1997 and have since become a beloved focal point in the village. In 2002, the garden was dedicated to ERGC charter member Beulah Morrison in appreciation of her years of service to the garden club. Four crabapple trees anchor the garden, offering seasonal interest through spring blossoms and fall fruit. A lively mix of native plants, colorful annuals, perennials, and shrubs fills the space, while shaded areas are enhanced by plants that provide texture, including a thriving hosta collection. During the Christmas season, the gazebo is festively decorated, and when snow falls, it creates a charming, postcard-worthy scene.

Located at the Elk Rapids District Library at 300 Isle of Pines

This seasonal island garden offers color and beauty throughout the year. Spring brings tulips and daffodils, summer features a mix of perennials and annuals, and fall is highlighted by bright yellow mums. Dedicated to Mildred Reed Guild, the garden was made possible through the generous financial support of her family, Paul Guild and Jean Townsend. This space also features Grandpa‘s Gift, a sculpture by local artist John Goss, commissioned by the Friends of the Elk Rapids District Library.

This memorial garden is named after Joe Yuchasz Sr. and Joe Yuchasz Jr., who were active and beloved members of the Elk Rapids community. The walk-through style offers residents and visitors a convenient and beautiful ‘shortcut’ between the shops on River Street, public parking, and the harbor. The garden’s several benches invite walkers and shoppers to rest. There is plenty to enjoy as butterflies and other pollinators feast on the abundant Joe Pye weed.

Originally established in 1959 in memory of Marie Zupin and later expanded in 1984 in memory of Ariel Anderson, this stunning garden showcases continuous, vibrant bloom from early spring until fall. The recipient of three area grants, Zupin-Anderson became an official pollinator garden in 2018, providing both host and nectar plants as well as a Mason Bee House to attract bees and butterflies.

With the addition of QR codes to identify each plant, visitors to Zupin- Anderson Memorial Garden can access information about the botanical name, common name, photos and plant habitat such as soil, sun and water needs. Simply scan the QR code with your smartphone camera to gain more information.