A visit to a ginseng garden offers a different way to experience Wisconsin: through the people, patience, and care behind a distinctive local crop. At Marathon Ginseng Gardens, visitors can explore that story firsthand and learn how American ginseng connects farming, cultural traditions, and conservation.
Rooted in Marathon County
Dr. Ming Tao Jiang founded Marathon Ginseng in 2010 after a career in cardiovascular medicine and scientific research. Having lived in Wisconsin since 1996 and moved to Marathon County with his family in 2009, he brought a new focus to his work: growing American ginseng and sharing his interest in this remarkable root.
That journey gives visitors a personal introduction to the region’s ginseng heritage. Rather than encountering ginseng only as a finished product, they can learn about the work behind its cultivation and the people who grow it.
Welcoming Visitors to the Ginseng Gardens
Marathon Ginseng Gardens offers farm tours for visitors interested in learning about ginseng cultivation and harvesting. The experience introduces guests to the care involved in growing the crop, along with its traditional uses and cultural significance.
For travelers, a garden visit can add an agricultural perspective to a Wisconsin itinerary. For curious learners and ginseng enthusiasts, it is an opportunity to ask questions and connect what they see in the garden with the roots they may know from shops or family traditions.
Tours must be arranged in advance and are subject to the farm’s availability, especially during the busy summer and fall seasons. Visit our Ginseng Garden Tour page for scheduling information, current fees, and contact details. Call (715) 571-2426 to request an appointment before traveling.
Sharing Wisconsin Ginseng Across Cultures
Marathon Ginseng’s story reaches beyond the farm. Dr. Jiang’s background in China and his life in Wisconsin offer a connection between American ginseng cultivation and the cultural traditions of people who value the root.
His work has also attracted international media attention, including coverage by outlets including CCTV, The New York Times, TV Tokyo, Nikkei Asia, and AFP. These stories provide additional ways for audiences beyond Wisconsin to encounter the region’s ginseng industry and Marathon Ginseng’s work.
Supporting Conservation Through Seed Sharing
Education about ginseng can extend beyond a farm visit. Since 2017, Dr. Jiang and Marathon Ginseng have provided about20 millions of free ginseng seeds to hundreds of forest farmers across the eastern United States. The initiative supports conservation and sustainable harvesting of wild American ginseng.
Seed sharing is another part of the story visitors can explore: how interest in a locally grown crop can lead to broader conversations about cultivation, stewardship, and the future of ginseng.
Connecting Agriculture and Community
Marathon Ginseng’s work also includes community involvement. Dr. Jiang received the Wisconsin Chinese Chamber of Commerce’s Entrepreneur of the Year award for social responsibility in 2023 and the Hmong American Center’s Person of the Year award in Wausau in 2024.
Together, the garden tours, seed-sharing initiative, and community recognition tell a more personal story of Wisconsin ginseng. They connect the crop not just with a place, but with the people who grow it, share it, and introduce it to new audiences.
Plan a Visit and Discover the Story
At Marathon Ginseng Gardens, a visit is an invitation to look more closely at the work behind American ginseng. Whether you are interested in agriculture, cultural connections, or simply discovering something different in Wisconsin, start by contacting the farm to arrange your visit.
Explore our garden tours or read more about Dr. Jiang and Marathon Ginseng’s story.