Nature & natural history museums in Iowa

The design of Salisbury House was inspired by the King's House in Salisbury, England. The manor home spans over 22,000 square feet and contains 42 rooms. This expansive space offers visitors a chance to explore and appreciate the grandeur of the house.

Reiman Gardens is a sprawling 6.88-hectare botanical garden nestled within the campus of Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. This expansive green space offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, providing visitors with a chance to immerse themselves in nature and explore a diverse range of plant species.

The John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park, located within Western Gateway Park in Des Moines, Iowa, spans 4.4 acres. The park, which opened in 2009, initially featured 24 sculptures, but has since added four more to its collection.

The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, previously known as the Des Moines Botanical Center until 2013, is a significant botanical garden spanning 17 acres. It is conveniently located near downtown Des Moines, Iowa, on the east bank of the Des Moines River and north of I-235. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the city.

The Shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption is a religious site located in West Bend, Iowa. It is part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sioux City. This shrine is a significant place of worship and pilgrimage for many people, offering a unique blend of spiritual and natural beauty.

The Vander Veer Botanical Park is a botanical garden that covers an area of 0.13 km² (33 acres). It is situated in the Vander Veer Park Historic District in Davenport, Iowa. This park is recognized as one of the earliest botanical parks west of the Mississippi River.

Stone State Park is a state park located in Iowa, United States. It is situated in the bluffs and ravines adjacent to the Big Sioux River. The park is on the northwestern edge of Sioux City and spans 1,069 acres across Woodbury and Plymouth Counties. It overlooks the South Dakota-Iowa border and is near the northernmost extent of the Loess Hills.

The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium is a maritime museum situated in Dubuque, Iowa. It is owned and managed by the Dubuque County Historical Society. The museum is a significant cultural and educational institution that provides insights into the maritime history and ecology of the Mississippi River and other American rivers.

Bickelhaupt Arboretum is a non-profit arboretum situated in Clinton, Iowa. It is open to the public from dawn to dusk every day, and there is no admission fee. This makes it an accessible and affordable destination for nature lovers and those interested in botany.

Crapo Park, spanning 85 acres or 34 hectares, is a city park situated alongside the Mississippi River at Parkway Drive, Burlington, Iowa. The park is not just a green space but also houses an arboretum and a botanical garden, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers. The arboretum is home to more than 200 varieties of trees and shrubs, while the botanical gardens feature a variety of annuals and perennials.

The University of Iowa Museum of Natural History, located on the University of Iowa campus in Iowa City, Iowa, is a significant institution with a rich history dating back to its founding in 1858. It offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the natural history of Iowa and beyond, with a vast collection of around 140,000 objects.

The Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, also known as Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens at Marshall Park, is a significant green space in Dubuque, Iowa. Spanning 21 hectares, this arboretum and botanical garden offers a diverse range of plant life and natural beauty for visitors to explore.

The Putnam Museum and Science Center, located in Davenport, Iowa, is a museum of history and natural science. It was formerly known as the Davenport Academy of Natural Sciences. The museum is a significant cultural and educational institution in the region, offering a wide range of exhibits and programs that cater to various interests.

Buxton Park Arboretum, located in Indianola, Iowa, is a 5.4 acre arboretum and botanical garden. It is situated at the intersection of North Buxton Street and West Girard Avenue. This location offers a unique blend of natural beauty and urban convenience, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and city dwellers alike.

Blank Park Zoo, located on the south side of Des Moines, Iowa, near the historic Fort Des Moines, spans across 49 acres. This zoological park is a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), and is the only accredited zoo in Iowa. The zoo's mission is to inspire an appreciation of the natural world through conservation, education, research, and recreation.

Brucemore is a sprawling 26-acre estate located in the heart of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The estate is home to a Queen Anne-style mansion, formal gardens, a children's garden, night garden, pond, orchard, and woodland. This diverse range of features offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore a variety of landscapes and architectural styles in one location.

The Porter House Museum, located in Decorah, Iowa, is a historic house and museum that was once the residence of Adelbert Field Porter and his wife, Grace Young Porter. This Italianate style house, situated at 401 W. Broadway, is part of the Broadway–Phelps Park Historic District, which is also listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The house was built in 1867 and has a rich history, having been home to several generations of the Porter and Young families.

The Iowa Arboretum, located in Madrid, Iowa, is a vast arboretum and botanical garden that spans 152 hectares or 378 acres. This expansive green space is a haven for plant lovers and those seeking a tranquil escape in nature.

The Brenton Arboretum, established in 1997, is a 141-acre arboretum and public garden located in Dallas Center, Iowa, United States. This expansive green space offers a tranquil setting for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat from the city.

The Muscatine Arboretum is a significant part of the larger Discovery Park, spanning 12 acres within the 85-acre park. Located in Muscatine, Iowa, the arboretum offers a unique opportunity to explore a variety of plant species in a serene environment.

The Living Heritage Tree Museum is situated in the city of Storm Lake, Iowa, in the United States. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique opportunity to explore a collection of heritage trees in an open-air setting.

The Newton Arboretum and Botanical Gardens is a significant botanical destination located within the serene Agnes Patterson Park in Newton, Iowa. Spanning across 6 acres, the arboretum and botanical gardens offer a diverse range of flora and fauna for visitors to explore and enjoy.

The Forest Park Museum and Arboretum is a spacious 17-acre site located near Perry, Iowa. This location offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance, making it an interesting destination for tourists.