Visitor’s Guide
Welcome
Open yourself to new discoveries and wander down the winding paths at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. From colorful unknowns to hidden gnomes, you’ll be surprised by what you can find in the Botanical Garden’s always friendly climate, no matter the season. Whether it’s yoga under the dome, a reflective moment by the lily pads, or a chance to chill with friends at one of our many events or programs, the Botanical Garden is where you will find your true nature.
The Gardens
Botanical Garden Do’s and Don’ts
To make your visit more enjoyable, and protect the Botanical Garden’s beautiful landscape, we ask:
DO take pictures! Monopods are permitted. DON’T use tripods, lighting, and props (see our photography policy here for details).
DO smell and gently touch the plants, but please DON’T remove leaves, fruit, seeds or flowers from any plants in the garden.
DO dine with us! Refreshments are available at Trellis Café and in the Garden Shop. Rental clients may use our approved caterers for food and beverages. DON’T bring in outside food.
DO enjoy our Nature Play area. DON’T play active sports and games except those provided by the Botanical Garden.
Please DO admire our bonsai collection, however, DON’T touch any part of the bonsai.
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.
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). Service animals are defined by the ADA as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. 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. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.
Shopping
Don’t miss The Garden Shop at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden when you visit. You’ll find one-of-a-kind items for those hard-to-buy-for garden enthusiasts or nature lover in your life. The store emphasizes handmade local goods including books, stationery, houseplants, seeds, children’s toys, and unique home decor. The Garden Shop is stocked with an ever-changing selection of items perfect for every season.
IN THE WORKS: The Garden Shop Goods Online Store —stay tuned for updates.
North Gallery Art
The North Gallery at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden furthers our mission of exploring, explaining and celebrating the world of plants by featuring the horticulturally inspired work of Iowa artists.
CURRENT EXHIBITION
ART BEGETS ART
An Exhibition of Garden Creativity
Sept 3 – Nov 10
This exhibit showcases the artistic tapestry woven by the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden’s talented community of artists. It is a testament to the connection between nature’s beauty and human creativity, born amidst the melodies of our summer concert series Music in the Garden. Please enjoy this new collection in our gallery. All pieces are for sale.
join or give to support the garden
Membership
Donate
Directions
Eastbound on I-235
- Take Exit 8B for East 6th Street exit
- Turn right on East 6th Street
- Turn right on Des Moines Street
- Continue straight on Des Moines Street to the “T” intersection at Robert D. Ray Drive
- Turn right on Robert D. Ray Drive
- Continue straight, the road ends in the Botanical Garden parking lot
Westbound on I-235
- Take Exit 8B for East 6th Street exit
- Turn left on East 6th Street
- Turn right on Des Moines Street
- Continue straight on Des Moines Street to the “T” intersection at Robert D. Ray Drive
- Turn right on Robert D. Ray Drive
- Continue straight, the road ends in the Botanical Garden parking lot.
Eastbound from downtown
- Take the Grand Avenue bridge over the river
- Turn left on Robert D. Ray Drive
- Continue straight, the road ends in the Botanical Garden parking lot