Clare and Miles Mills Rose Garden
A beautifully curated All-American Rose Selection garden in Des Moines, offering a tranquil escape with vibrant blooms and artistic landscaping.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak blooms, fewer people
Clare and Miles Mills Rose Garden
Best Time
Peak blooms, fewer people
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beautifully curated All-American Rose Selection garden in Des Moines, offering a tranquil escape with vibrant blooms and artistic landscaping.
"The most beautiful and exquisitely looking park in Iowa!"
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
Capture stunning floral shots, especially during golden hour. Early mornings offer soft light and fewer visitors.
🎶 Unexpected Music
You might be treated to live music! A trumpet player once serenaded visitors, making the experience magical.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
All-American Rose Selection Display
Throughout the garden
See a curated collection of award-winning roses, showcasing diverse colors and varieties.
Tranquil Ambiance
Benches and pathways
Find a peaceful spot to relax, reflect, and soak in the beauty of the meticulously maintained blooms.
Outdoor Amphitheater
Central area
A charming open-air space perfect for small performances or simply enjoying the garden's atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Time for Blooms
Garden Etiquette & Enjoyment
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
Capture stunning floral shots, especially during golden hour. Early mornings offer soft light and fewer visitors. 
🎶 Unexpected Music
You might be treated to live music! A trumpet player once serenaded visitors, making the experience magical.
👟 Stroll in Comfort
Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the garden paths and surrounding park areas.
📍 Adjacent to Art Center
Easily combine your garden visit with a trip to the Des Moines Art Center next door.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
Capture stunning floral shots, especially during golden hour. Early mornings offer soft light and fewer visitors.
🎶 Unexpected Music
You might be treated to live music! A trumpet player once serenaded visitors, making the experience magical.
👟 Stroll in Comfort
Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the garden paths and surrounding park areas.
📍 Adjacent to Art Center
Easily combine your garden visit with a trip to the Des Moines Art Center next door.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Clare and Miles Mills Rose Garden for its beauty and tranquil atmosphere, often calling it one of Iowa's most exquisite parks. While some note it could use more frequent gardening attention, the curated collection of roses and the peaceful ambiance make it a delightful spot for relaxation and photography. The unexpected musical performances add a magical touch to the experience.
"We decided to walk through the rose garden on Sunday morning after visiting the art museum. We thought as we entered that we heard a trumpet and as we got to the center of the garden there was a trumpet player, playing for himself and whoever happened to come along. He was about to go home for the day but he still made time to play two songs for us. This was a wonderful experience. I didn't catch the players name but he sure made my wife and I's day. Thanks to whoever you are!"
Tony Hills
"Had never been there before. It was beautiful but could use a serious Gardner to clean the flower beds up a bit.
Wonderful garden layout, quite exquisite."
Peggy Manns (Peg)
"Not a huge space but wonderfully curated and a delight to explore."
Greg Bem
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The garden is located within Greenwood Park in Des Moines, Iowa, adjacent to the Des Moines Art Center. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available nearby. Public transport options may also serve the area.
Yes, there is parking available near the garden, especially around the Des Moines Art Center. It's recommended to arrive early on busy days to secure a spot.
Absolutely! Many visitors combine a trip to the rose garden with exploring the Des Moines Art Center or other attractions in the city.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Clare and Miles Mills Rose Garden is typically free. It's a public park space designed for everyone to enjoy.
As a public park, the garden is generally accessible during daylight hours. It's best to check local park schedules for specific times, though it's usually open from dawn till dusk.
Yes, the garden has been a popular spot for wedding parties and small gatherings due to its beautiful setting.
🎫 compass Onsite Experience
You can stroll through the beautiful rose beds, enjoy the artfully pruned roses, relax on benches, and appreciate the tranquil atmosphere. There's also an outdoor amphitheater.
It's an excellent spot for photography, with vibrant blooms and lovely landscaping. Early mornings or late afternoons offer the best light.
Yes, clean restrooms are available, which is a convenient amenity for visitors.
Typically, pets are allowed in Des Moines parks on a leash, but it's always best to check specific park regulations to confirm.
📸 camera_with_flash Photography
The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – provide the most flattering light for photography. Weekday mornings also offer fewer distractions.
The garden features a variety of roses, including those recognized by the All-American Rose Selections program, showcasing diverse colors and forms.
The central areas with the most diverse rose displays and the amphitheater offer picturesque backdrops. Experiment with different angles and perspectives.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting on a weekday morning to avoid larger crowds and allow children more space to explore. The garden's proximity to the Des Moines Art Center also provides an option for a more diverse outing if the kids need a change of pace. Pack some water and snacks, and make it a peaceful family outing.
📸 Photographers & Art Lovers
+1Art lovers will appreciate the garden's exquisite layout and meticulous pruning, which showcase a high level of horticultural artistry. Its adjacency to the Des Moines Art Center makes it a natural pairing for a day of aesthetic appreciation. You can easily spend hours here capturing the beauty or simply enjoying the visual harmony, perhaps even finding inspiration for your own creative endeavors.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Blooming History
The garden's layout is often described as wonderfully curated and exquisite, not overly vast but impactful. Visitors appreciate the thoughtful arrangement of the flower beds and the overall tranquil atmosphere. It's a place that invites quiet contemplation and appreciation for nature's artistry, making it a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike.
Beyond the roses themselves, the garden features an outdoor amphitheater, adding another layer to its charm and utility. This space has been a backdrop for impromptu musical performances, like a memorable trumpet player who delighted visitors, and is also a popular spot for small events and gatherings.
Experiencing the Garden
While the garden is beautiful, some reviews suggest it could benefit from more frequent gardening attention to keep the flower beds pristine. However, the overall layout and the quality of the roses are consistently praised. The presence of benches strategically placed throughout the garden encourages visitors to pause, sit, and truly absorb the beauty surrounding them.
For those looking to make their visit even more special, consider combining it with a trip to the nearby Des Moines Art Center. The proximity of these two attractions makes for a well-rounded cultural and natural experience in Des Moines.
+1
Social
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