Welkinweir

Welkinweir is a botanical garden and historic estate spanning approximately 197 acres in East Nantmeal Township with an arboretum featuring cherry trees, dogwoods, Japanese maples, magnolias, and extensive beds of azaleas and rhododendrons. Walking trails wind through the grounds allowing visitors to experience the diverse plantings across the property.

The property began with a structure built in 1750 that was modified in 1830 and eventually replaced by a mansion designed by architect Fridtjof Tobiessen in 1940. These building phases across three centuries shaped the estate that exists today.

The site functions as an educational hub where the Green Valleys Watershed Association shares knowledge about local ecosystems and plant life with visitors. Programs and grounds demonstrate how conservation work connects people directly to the natural world around them.

The property at 1368 Prizer Road opens daily without entrance fees, making it accessible to walk-in visitors at any time. Trails and plant areas are easy to navigate at your own pace throughout the year.

The property holds documented collections of Rodebaugh family papers spanning from 1890 to 1985, including photographs, legal documents, and correspondence. These archives preserve the family's connection to the land and its evolution across generations.