
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
A lush 12-acre urban oasis featuring a stunning geodesic dome conservatory and diverse outdoor gardens.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful strolls

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful strolls

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A lush 12-acre urban oasis featuring a stunning geodesic dome conservatory and diverse outdoor gardens.
"A peaceful, beautiful experience with a warm, vibrant escape in the indoor conservatory."

🎯 Beat the Crowds
Visit on weekdays for a more peaceful experience. Weekends can get busy, especially during events.
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
The gardens offer abundant colorful spots and natural light, ideal for photography enthusiasts.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Geodesic Dome
Indoor Conservatory
A lush, warm escape filled with tropical plants and vibrant flowers, perfect year-round.

Outdoor Gardens
Various themed gardens
Stunning water features, perennial borders, and artistically assembled mixed containers offer seasonal beauty.

Dome After Dark
Indoor Conservatory
Enjoy a chill vibe with warm atmospheres and music on select Friday nights. A popular date night spot!

Botanical Blues
Indoor Conservatory
Soulful blues concerts on Sunday afternoons from January to March, offering a unique winter escape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Ticket Value
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Beat the Crowds
Visit on weekdays for a more peaceful experience. Weekends can get busy, especially during events.
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
The gardens offer abundant colorful spots and natural light, ideal for photography enthusiasts.
☕ Grab a Bite
Enjoy lunch at the on-site cafe or grab an iced coffee to go before exploring the grounds.
🎶 Evening Vibes
Check out 'Dome After Dark' on Fridays for a relaxed evening with music and a warm atmosphere.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Beat the Crowds
Visit on weekdays for a more peaceful experience. Weekends can get busy, especially during events.
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
The gardens offer abundant colorful spots and natural light, ideal for photography enthusiasts.
☕ Grab a Bite
Enjoy lunch at the on-site cafe or grab an iced coffee to go before exploring the grounds.
🎶 Evening Vibes
Check out 'Dome After Dark' on Fridays for a relaxed evening with music and a warm atmosphere.
🎵 Winter Concerts
Experience 'Botanical Blues' on Sundays (Jan-Mar) for live music in the tropical dome.
👨👩👧👦 Family Fun
Kids will love the delightful children's play area and the immersive indoor conservatory.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden for its beautifully maintained indoor conservatory and diverse outdoor gardens, offering a peaceful urban escape. While some find the entry fee a bit high for the garden's size, many agree the horticultural quality and unique tropical collection make it well worth the visit. It's highly recommended for families, photographers, and anyone seeking a serene natural experience.
"Great for families, nature lovers, photographers, and anyone looking for a calm getaway within the city.
We recently visited the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden and it was a peaceful, beautiful experience! 🌺🌳 The indoor conservatory is filled with tropical plants and flowers, creating a warm, vibrant escape.
Outdoor gardens are well-maintained and perfect for a relaxing stroll. Especially the water features. It’s also a great place for photography, with plenty of colorful spots and natural light.
The staff were friendly and helpful.
However, that garden requires ticket to enter and it would be great if the entry fee could be little less ( around $5) or free for everyone. There is nothing that much to really explore within $15 ertry fee."
Connected bangla
"I’ve managed botanic gardens for decades and I will tell you with authority this is a very well-run garden. The dome is loaded with uncommon and well-tended tropicals, subtropicals and container plants with plenty of seating. The water garden, perennial gardens and annual borders are stunning and offer a beautiful selection of colorful and textural plantings. Whoever assembles the mixed containers outside is an artist. While this garden may be in the smaller side, it’s 100% worth the price of admission and does the capital city proud. I’ve seen so many public gardens I can sometimes get bored by the same old- but I thoroughly enjoyed my visit and found so much to love. Great job!"
Christian Primeau
"My first experience with the Botanical Gardens was 45 years ago. It has been improved upon so much. Beautiful outdoor water gardens.
The children's play area was delightful. My grandkids loved it.
My favorite thing outdoors was sitting on a bench under the waterfall.
There are many sitting areas you could enjoy the sights and sounds of the outdoors.
Lovely experience. I highly recommend."
Jennifer Johnston
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is located in downtown Des Moines, making it easily accessible. It's situated along the river and is a lush 12-acre garden.
Parking is available, and it's a great spot to visit if you're exploring other downtown attractions.Yes, there is parking available at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. It's convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Information on public transport routes to the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden can be found on their official website or by checking local Des Moines transit schedules. It's a central location, so public transport is likely an option.
The gardens are generally well-maintained and offer paved paths, making them suitable for strollers. The indoor conservatory is also accessible.
Many visitors enjoy a leisurely stroll through both the indoor conservatory and the outdoor themed gardens. Allow at least 30-40 minutes to see everything.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission is around $15. While some visitors feel it could be less, many find the well-tended gardens and unique tropical collection worth the price.
It's recommended to check the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden's official website for the most up-to-date information on ticket purchasing and whether advance booking is required, especially for special events.
The garden is reciprocal with the Missouri Botanical Garden, which may offer benefits to members. Check their website for any membership benefits or potential discounts.
Opening hours can vary seasonally and for special events. It's best to consult the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden's official website for the most accurate and current operating hours.
Yes, the indoor conservatory provides a warm, tropical escape during winter months. Events like 'Botanical Blues' also take place during winter.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
You can explore a stunning indoor conservatory filled with tropical plants, as well as beautifully maintained outdoor gardens featuring water features and diverse plantings.
Yes, it's great for families! There's a delightful children's play area, and the immersive indoor conservatory is a hit with kids.
Absolutely! The gardens are a photographer's dream with vibrant colors, natural light, and picturesque settings.
The garden hosts various events like 'Dome After Dark' on Fridays and 'Botanical Blues' concerts on Sundays during winter. Check their website for a full schedule.
'Dome After Dark' offers a warm and chill atmosphere on select Friday evenings, often with music, making it a popular choice for date nights.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there's an on-site cafe, Trellis Cafe, that offers nutritious and tasty food options. You can also grab an iced coffee to go.
While specific picnic policies should be confirmed on their website, the presence of a cafe suggests that outside food might be restricted. Enjoying a meal at the cafe is a convenient option.
The Botanical Garden is located in downtown Des Moines, offering a variety of dining options nearby. The on-site cafe is also a convenient choice.
The Trellis Cafe at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden offers nutritious and tasty food options, making it easy to spend a few hours enjoying the gardens.
Yes, you can get drinks like iced coffee to go from the cafe, and craft beer or cocktails are often available during special evening events like 'Botanical Blues'.
📸 📸 Photography
The indoor conservatory with its lush tropical plants and the outdoor gardens with their water features and colorful blooms are prime photography locations.
Yes, photography is generally allowed throughout the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, including the indoor conservatory.
Mornings often provide softer light and fewer crowds, which can be ideal for photography. However, the vibrant colors are appealing throughout the day.
While not explicitly stated, it's always a good practice to avoid professional-level equipment like tripods that might obstruct pathways or other visitors, especially during busy times. Check their visitor guidelines for specifics.
Drone usage is typically prohibited in public gardens to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors. It's best to confirm this with the garden directly.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photographers
💑 Couples & Date Nights
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Indoor Oasis: The Geodesic Dome
This indoor sanctuary is not just about visual appeal; it's a testament to the garden's horticultural expertise. The variety of plants, from towering palms to delicate orchids, showcases a commitment to showcasing global flora. The ample seating areas allow visitors to truly immerse themselves in the tranquil atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for quiet contemplation or a romantic evening out.
Exploring the Outdoor Gardens
These outdoor spaces are designed for leisurely exploration. You can find numerous sitting areas strategically placed to offer serene views and opportunities to simply enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. The garden's layout encourages a gentle pace, allowing visitors to appreciate the details of each planting. It's an ideal setting for a relaxing stroll, a family outing, or a quiet moment of reflection amidst urban life.
Events and Experiences
Beyond these regular events, the garden also hosts seasonal celebrations and educational programs. The plant sale is a popular draw for gardening enthusiasts looking for unique varieties and expert advice. These events enhance the visitor experience, offering different ways to enjoy the gardens throughout the year and fostering a deeper connection with nature and the local community.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit