Visitor’s Guide

Please DO stay on the paths unless otherwise designated. DON’T play, climb on, or attach anything to water features, sculptures, plants, or trees.

Yes, DO take pictures! Monopods are permitted. DON’T use tripods, lighting, and props (see our photography policy here for details).

Always DO smell and gently touch the plants, but please DON’T remove leaves, fruit, seeds or flowers from any plants in the garden.

DO you want to dine with us? Refreshments are available at Flora Cafe and in the Garden Shop. Rental clients may use our approved caterers for food and beverages. DON’T bring in outside food.

Your children DO want to enjoy our Nature Play area. DON’T play active sports and games except those provided by the Botanical Garden.

Also, DO remember the Botanical Garden, including our parking lot, is a tobacco-free zone. DON’T smoke, vape or use any type of nicotine product at our facility.

Lastly, DO bring your service animal, but please DON’T bring your pet. The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden does not allow pets on the Garden grounds. Service animals are permitted in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These service animals are defined by the ADA as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Dogs that are service animals are working animals, not pets. The work or task a dog has been trained to provide must be directly related to the person’s disability. Those dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.