Wilbur D. May Center
The Wilbur D. May Center will offer your group two entertaining attractions in one, the complex holding both the Wilbur D. May Museum and the Wilbur D. May Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Your group will have the chance to explore the exciting and exotic life of local philanthropist and world traveler Wilbur D. May within the museum, and then explore all the various native and non-native horticultural treasures he loved within the gardens.
Stop at the museum first and learn about the life of the namesake himself, the museum working to ‘preserve the life and legacy’ of May through the presentation of various collections he acquired during his life travels. You will find such things as pieces of African art and traditional African instruments, rare Eskimo scrimshaw, and historic Egyptian scarabs, as well as countless other awe-inspiring artifacts from his over 40 trips around the world. Aside from being an avid and accomplished exotic traveler, May was also well-known as an adventurer, rancher, artist, pilot, soldier, businessman, and local philanthropist. The museum itself was built in 1985 and is designed to look like Wilbur’s 2600 acre ranch, the various rooms all reminiscent of the southwest ranch style so popular at the time.
After your museum visit head over the various gardens and groves of the Arboretum and Botanical Garden, with such gorgeous highlight gardens as the Rose, Burke, Song Bird, Rock, and Honey Garden. Explore both native and exotic trees and shrubs, and even get a peek at what wildlife in the wetlands is like. One of the more popular gardens on site, David’s garden, will show you native trees and plants, with such species as the Douglas Fir and Ponderosa Pine. Depending on the day of your visit your group may be able to sit in on an educational workshop or group tour happening at the gardens.
Note that while the center is open year round, the museum is closed each Monday, Tuesday, and Saturday, so plan accordingly during your trip.
