Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

Nicole Hutchinson 3 months ago

Beautiful place to walk around. It's definitely hot inside the dome so I would suggest a cold drink be brought with you. I brought a bottle of ice water that was room temp by the time we came out less than an hour later. This isn't something I could see keeping the children entertained longer than an hour, unless they were to offer some sort of interactive lesson/activity. $14/adult and $10/child above 2 so with a family of 5 so $62 for an hour could be a bit pricey. They do offer discounts if you receive SNAP. Maintaining a beautiful garden isn't cheap, so understandable that there's a fee, but it does make me appreciate our MN Como conservatory that is free (with donation request/appreciated).

Matthew Butch 3 months ago

I was pleasantly surprised at how much there was to do and see here. The outdoor garden area is emense and packed full of fantastic botanical species. I'm a bit of a plant geek and wandering through the indoor and outdoor spaces was a special treat. Formal gardens, bonsai, water gardens, indoor houseplants, tropicals under the dome, waterfalls, it really is amazing. Would definitely return next time I'm in town.

Sophie B 3 months ago

I can’t get enough of Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden! I visit several times a year, and each visit I always forget just how breathtaking it is. It’s a great walk when you’re looking for a chill and leisurely day out. Plus they have a lil hidden play area for the kiddos all the way in the back!

Shirley Le 3 months ago

This was a grand experience. I’m so glad we stopped in before leaving town. The staff are all very friendly, from the moment we walked in the doors to the moment we left. The gardens both inside and out were spectacular. It had gorgeous views with plants and flowers of many varieties. The water displays are also amazing with good upkeep, the water looks nice with no bad aromas, very impressive. The price is very fair for the experience. The bathrooms were clean and well stocked. All around this was a great family experience with wonderful memories made.

Ben Hobbs 3 months ago

This is a beautiful botanical garden that is well worth a visit. Depending on your pace and interest level, you can easily spend anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours enjoying the thoughtfully designed displays and impressive variety of plants. Families with young children will appreciate the small nature-themed play area located near the turnaround point of the walking path. It's a nice addition that gives kids a chance to explore and burn off some energy. My only criticism is the admission price. At $42 for two adults and two children, I was hoping for a little more value from the experience. If you have an Adventure Pass and can visit for free, it's an easy recommendation. Otherwise, I think the experience could be enhanced with activities such as a short home gardening demonstration, a 15–30 minute educational class, or even a complimentary small plant for children who complete a scavenger hunt. Overall, it's a lovely destination with beautiful plant collections and peaceful walking paths, but the admission cost may leave some families wanting a bit more from their visit.