Spring has sprung! Time to throw open the windows, soak in the sunshine and fully immerse yourself within the enchanting aromas and sights at these Iowa botanical gardens. Across the state, enjoy bountiful, rejuvenating oases dedicated to the conservation and the study of flowers and plants.
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Des Moines
The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is a 12-acre public garden in the heart of Downtown Des Moines. With each visit throughout the seasons, you’ll find yourself immersed in beautiful spaces. The Ruan Allée has 20 Acer miyabei ‘Morton’ (State Street maples) reaching its peak late-spring with 3,400 irises. The Water Garden’s 100 water lilies and aquatic perennials evoke Monet-level enchantment. Guests can visit Dome After Dark on Fridays from 6 to 10 p.m. to see the Iowa botanical garden in a magical light. Plus, while visiting, savor locally sourced, plant-inspired sips and bites from Trellis Cafe.
Cost: Admission is $12 for adults; $9 for children, ages 2 to 12.
For more information: dmbotanicalgarden.com.
Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
Dubuque
Get your flora and fauna fix 365 days a year at Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. It will take you that many days to soak in all the magic and wonder that the 56-acre location offers. At this botanical garden in Iowa, wander through the Formal English Garden, the Hydrangea Garden, the Japanese Garden and so much more. Find moments of family joy in the storybook settings of the children’s gardens, including Mr. McGregor’s Garden and The Billy Goats Gruff Garden. Starting this June, enjoy Music in the Gardens, a 13-week live music series spotlighting a variety of genres.
Cost: Free admission.
For more information: dubuquearboretum.net.
Newton Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
Newton
Newton Arboretum & Botanical Gardens (NABG) is a wondrous six-acre lush environment cultivating community and horticulture. Visitors will enjoy shade gardens, a butterfly garden, a peony border and more than 180 individual trees and shrubs. Take a moment to rest in the Betty Allen Gazebo, rejuvenate in the Umbrella Trellis Garden and snap a new selfie on the Swanger Bow Bridge. As of March 18, the NABG acquired an additional 13.5 acres and will begin development to add to this beloved Iowa botanical garden.
Cost: Free admission.
For more information: newtonarboretum.com.
Reiman Gardens
Ames
Reiman Gardens is the must-visit botanical garden at Iowa State University. Its Spring Enchantment, starting April 1, invites guests to meander through whimsical fairy doors to captivating displays of tulips, daffodils and hyacinths. Reiman Gardens hosts events for all ages throughout the year including Caterpillar Club for children every Thursday, floral design workshops throughout the year, and Nature at NIGHT from June until August.
Cost: Admission is $12 for adults; $6 for children, ages 2 to 12. Free admission for students.
For more information: reimangardens.com.
Vander Veer Botanical Park
Davenport
Thirty-three acres of bird- and bee-attracting beauty awaits at Vander Veer Botanical Park in Davenport. The park is home to an extensive collection of flora and fauna, including many planted at this Iowa botanical garden in the early 1890’s. Must-visit locations include The Grande Allée, a prominent walkway of trees and gardens; The Old World Gardens and Fountain, displaying European plants and a show-stopping 1930’s fountain; and The Conservatory, a showcase of seasonal transitions from spring azaleas to summer tropicals.
Cost: Free admission.
For more information: davenportiowa.com.
Cedar Valley Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
Waterloo
If a peaceful sanctuary to relax, renew and connect with the natural world is your love language, look no further than Cedar Valley Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. Enjoy the sweet fragrances of spring at Magnolia Grove and award-winning lilies in bloom in the peak of summer at the Stout Daylily Collection. Throughout the summer, this botanical garden in Iowa holds storytimes in the Children’s Garden at 10:30 a.m. Note, all visits are by appointment until official opening day on April 26.
Cost: Admission is $8 for adults; $4 for children, ages 5 to 17.
For more information: www.cedarvalleyarboretum.org.