Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

Des Moines, United States

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The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden in Des Moines, Iowa, is a vibrant 12 to 17-acre urban garden located near downtown along the Des Moines River. Established from early plans starting in 1929 and developed significantly since acquiring its current site in 1966, the garden features a prominent geodesic conservatory housing over 1,200 plant species from around the world.

It combines indoor tropical and exotic plants with extensive outdoor gardens that include themed areas such as a rose garden, water garden, maple allée, and hillside garden, all designed as living public art that celebrates horticulture alongside ecology and local history.

The garden has evolved from city management to a nonprofit organization since 2013 and continues to grow through capital campaigns and master planning efforts aimed at enhancing public engagement with nature. It offers visitors peaceful, immersive botanical experiences with walking paths, water features, garden rooms, and community events that emphasize education, conservation, and artistic presentation of plant life.