Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

Green thumbs of all ages will find something to enjoy at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. Displays under the massive geodesic dome transport visitors to tropical climates, even in winter. The outdoor gardens at the 14-acre site showcase native plants, shrubs and trees as they change with the four seasons. The center hosts workshops, educational forums and special events and is a popular location for weddings and other celebrations.

How to get to Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
The site is accessible from Interstate Highway 235 in downtown Des Moines. Take the East Sixth Street/Pennsylvania Avenue exit south to Des Moines Street. Head west on Des Moines Street to Robert D. Ray Drive, then north to the botanical garden. There's free parking at the site. Local transit routes stop along East Grand Avenue, but it's a walk of about eight blocks to reach the gardens from there.

Best and worst times to go to Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Stop in during one of the special events or festivals to enjoy additional activities along with viewing the gardens and regular displays. Weekends tend to be more crowded; pick a weekday afternoon for a quiet stroll.

Admission to Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
The site is open daily all year long, except for major holidays. Tickets are in the $3 to $5 range, with children 3 and younger admitted free. Garden members enjoy free admission. Group tours are available.

Must see/do at Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
The Conservatory inside the dome highlights a wide variety of rare and unusual tropical plants and flowers, including orchids. For a change of pace, check out the center's extensive collection of bonsai trees. Outdoors, the Conifer and Gravel Garden offers a unique view of more than 200 evergreen shrubs and plants.

Other places to visit near Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Restaurants, bars and shops are plentiful in the nearby East Village district. Visit the Iowa State Capitol and learn about the state's past at the State of Iowa Historical Museum.

Food at Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
The Trellis Café offers lunch Tuesdays through Sundays. The menu features fresh, local ingredients and changes monthly. Most items are in the $5 to $11 range.

Insider tip
Don't forget to stop in the North Gallery, which features rotating exhibits of photography and art based on nature themes. Keep an eye out for a number of sculptures that are showcased within the gardens.

Author's bio: Melanie Lageschulte is a freelance writer and editor. She is an Iowa native and has lived in Des Moines for 15 years.