When Did You Last Experience Wonder?

May is Mental Health Awareness Month—a perfect reminder to slow down, reconnect with yourself, and spend time in nature as the world bursts into bloom.

Wonder comes naturally outdoors. And at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, it can feel even more AWEsome.

An Awe Walk is a simple mindfulness practice that encourages you to move through the world with curiosity and attention. Instead of tuning out your surroundings, you intentionally notice them—allowing beauty, perspective, and connection to rise to the surface.

It’s less about exercise and more about presence.

What Is an Awe Walk?

An Awe Walk invites you to slow down and fully experience your environment. Research suggests that moments of awe can improve mood, reduce stress, and increase feelings of connection and wellbeing.

Nature is one of the easiest places to experience that sense of wonder.

Whether you’re wandering through towering trees, noticing the details of a flower petal, or listening to water ripple nearby, Awe Walks help shift your focus away from stress and toward curiosity.

Simple Awe Walk Guidelines

Go Macro to Micro

Start broad. Notice the sky, the temperature, the wind, the feeling of the day itself. Then gradually focus inward on smaller details—the veins of the leaf, the movement of grasses, the texture of bark.

Ask yourself: How does this place make me feel?

Slow Down & Engage Your Senses

Notice more than what you see.

• What do you hear?
• What do you smell?
• What textures can you feel?

Give yourself permission to linger and fully experience the small things.

Less is More

Can you leave your phone in your pocket? Walk without earbuds or a playlist?

The more immersed you become in your surroundings, the more restorative the experience can feel.

Botanical Garden Awe Walk Destinations

Did you know the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden includes more than 12-acres to explore? Beyond the Dome, a variety of outdoor spaces offer unique opportunities for mindfulness, reflection, and discovery.

Founders Garden: A sand prairie filled with native grasses and plants, anchored by Threshold, the striking sculpture by Spanish artist Juanjo Novella. Throughout the day, shifting sunlight changes the sculpture’s shadows, making every visit feel different.

Hillside Garden & Dorothy & Max Rutledge Conifer Garden: These shady retreats feature layered plantings of trees, shrubs, meadow bulbs, and perennials. Wander slowly and look closely—you’ll discover pollinators, hidden blooms, and quiet moments tucked along the paths.

Koehn Garden & Hiller Family Rain Garden: Bold, open, and constantly evolving, these gardens reward repeat visits. Different blooms, textures, and colors emerge throughout the seasons, meaning there’s always something new to notice.

Principal Belvedere, Ruan Reflection Garden & Ruan Allee: Seeking stillness? These contemplative spaces are ideal for quiet wandering, sitting, breathing, and simply being present.

Robert D. Ray Asian Garden: Designed for meditative wandering, this free access riverfront garden combines plantings, sculptural elements, and cultural influences into a calming, Zen-inspired experience.

Water Garden: Filled with hundreds of water lilies, this garden invites you to pause and stay awhile. The sound of moving water creates an instant sense of calm.

Conservatory Gardens & Gardeners Show House: No matter the season, tropical and desert plantings surround you with warmth, color, and life in our indoor garden spaces.

A Simple Practice with Lasting Impact

Awe Walks don’t require complicated plans or long outings. They’re simply moments of intentional connection with the natural world.

A chance to:

• Step away from daily stress
• Recenter your mind
• Rediscover joy and perspective
• Experience something familiar in a new way

Sometimes wonder is closer than we think.

May is a Beautiful Time to Visit

We hope you’ll experience an Awe Walk at the Botanical Garden soon.

Members enjoy complimentary general admission year-round, making it easy to return often and experience the changing seasons again and again.

Not a member yet? Learn how you can support this urban oasis—and enjoy the benefits of a beautiful green space whenever you need it most.