All gardens & parks to visit in Iowa

Relax and enjoy the natural beauty at 17 gardens and parks in Iowa. These green spaces offer a peaceful retreat and showcase diverse plant life.

Do you love spending time in nature? Here are the best gardens and parks in Iowa:

  1. Reiman Gardens1

    Reiman Gardens

     Ames, IA
    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.
  2. Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden2

    Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

     Des Moines, IA
    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.
  3. Backbone State Park3

    Backbone State Park

     Dundee, IA
    Backbone State Park, located in the valley of the Maquoketa River, is Iowa's oldest state park. It was dedicated in 1919 and is situated approximately three miles south of Strawberry Point in Delaware County. The park is named after a narrow and steep ridge of bedrock carved by a loop of the Maquoketa River, originally known as the Devil's Backbone.
  4. Vander Veer Botanical Park4

    Vander Veer Botanical Park

     Davenport, IA
    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.
  5. Stone State Park5

    Stone State Park

     Sioux City, IA
    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.
  6. Bickelhaupt Arboretum6

    Bickelhaupt Arboretum

     Clinton, IA
    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.
  7. Crapo Park7

    Crapo Park

     Burlington, IA
    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.
  8. Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens8

    Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens

     Dubuque, IA
    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.
  9. Muscatine Art Center9

    Muscatine Art Center

     Muscatine, IA
    The Muscatine Art Center, also known as the Laura Musser McColm Historic District, is a nationally recognized historic district situated in Muscatine, Iowa. The center was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2017, marking it as a significant cultural site.
  10. Buxton Park Arboretum10

    Buxton Park Arboretum

     Indianola, IA
    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.
  11. Brucemore11

    Brucemore

     Cedar Rapids, IA
    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.
  12. Kossuth County Historical Museum12

    Kossuth County Historical Museum

     Algona, IA
    Kossuth county history preserved in 1867 wooden schoolhouse and prairie front Fargo Express buildings. Over 10, ooo artifacts on display.
  13. 13

    Iowa Arboretum

     Madrid, IA
    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.
  14. 14

    The Brenton Arboretum

     Dallas Center, IA
    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.
  15. 15

    Muscatine Arboretum

     Muscatine, IA
    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.
  16. 16

    Newton Arboretum and Botanical Gardens

     Newton, IA
    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.
  17. 17

    Forest Park Museum and Arboretum

     Perry, IA
    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.