Reiman Gardens – Ames, Iowa

 Reiman Gardens – Ames, Iowa

 A beautiful attraction in the Midwest is Iowa State University’s Reiman Gardens one of the largest public gardens in Iowa. Located immediately south of ISU’s Jack Trice Football Stadium, Reiman Gardens’ mission is to educate, enchant, and inspire environmental stewardship through displays of living beauty. The Gardens offers 14-acres to explore and 26 unique garden areas with seasonal displays designed around a grand theme that changes each year including water features like Lake Helen, a Bald Cypress Allee, Prairie Vista Garden, a Children’s Garden, beautiful vistas, a Hillside Garden, the Naturalist Garden, Home Production Garden, an Herb Garden, various artworks, a campanile reminiscent of Iowa State University’s campanile, and stunning rose gardens. Reiman Gardens has many award-winning features, and has recently planted one of the first rose gardens in a public garden that incorporates both sustainable designs, plants, and gardening practices.  It’s Reiman Gardens’ goal to show gardeners how to have beautiful and practical gardens and cut the use of chemicals, incorporate more native and hardy plants, and use less labor.


Inside there are two large glass houses. The first is the breathtaking Christina Reiman Butterfly Wing, holding one of the most diverse collections of live, exotic butterflies in the nation. The Butterfly Wing, housing about 800 butterflies and moths in flight at any given moment, is always a favorite. Its shape was inspired by a butterfly in flight. The second indoor glass house is the enchanting, tropical Conservatory open year-round with unusual and massive plants and trees and new displays each time you visit. Also housed in the Complex is an educational butterfly emergence case, where you can witness butterflies and moths emerge from their cocoons and chrysalides. Be sure to visit the gift shop selling items inspired by gardening, nature, or sustainability. The perfect gifts for young and old alike are available, especially for the nature buff or garden enthusiast. Snacks and treats are available for purchase at the front desk.

Admission is free for Iowa State students, making it the perfect place to take a peaceful stroll or romantic walk with a friend. Admission for the general public can be paid at the door with a reduced rate for children and senior citizens. Yearly memberships are available for a reasonable price, allowing you unlimited access to Reiman Gardens and discounts on events and educational programming. With notice, guided tours, catered meals and rental of its private rooms and gardens make this a memorable location for reunions, bus travelers, weddings, retirement and birthday celebrations.  Monthly programs, membership events, celebrations, lectures and workshops are also scheduled. Visit the website, www.reimangardens.com, to be added to the Reiman Gardens email list to stay current on all the events, discounts, news and happenings at Reiman Gardens.

Directions – turn north off of U. S. Highway 30 on Elwood Drive and the gardens are near where road bends to the east

Hours – Open Year Round

Phone – (515) 294-2710