Experience the tropics in an indoor garden oasis nearly 100 years old alongside a meandering river in this Midwestern city.
Regardless of the time of year, sitting under a towering palm tree is a calming event. Enjoy this experience with a visit to the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden in the downtown area to view exotic and native plant species. From its basic beginnings in 1929 to its expansive setting today, the center has been a valued attraction for residents and visitors.
Located on the shores of the Des Moines River, the glass dome acts as a beacon luring people to its lush interior. Get a welcome from lofty palms that grow tall under the 80-foot (24-meter) dome.
Sit by the waterfall flowing into a pond stocked with koi. Take a picture of the biggest trowel you’ll probably ever see, standing 7 feet (2 meters) high.
Identify surrounding plants by their accompanying signs, which include exhibits of a star fruit tree with its golden fruit, fuzzy flowers of the chenille plant and the traveler’s palm with leaves that grow only from east to west.
Look for cacti, agave, jade, yucca and other plants representing desert topography. The bonsai collection offers fascinating miniature perfection.
If you’re very lucky, the rare corpse flower will be blossoming. However, this happens only once every 3 to 5 years. When it does, the gigantic, impressive and smelly flower blooms for less than 48 hours. Check the garden’s website for tentative predictions of the next bloom.
Move outside to explore the garden’s 14 acres (6 hectares) with a vast array of native plants and annuals and others that have adapted to the climate.
Take time to enjoy various highlights such as the sculptures, waterfall and rose garden, while including a lunch on the terrace overlooking the river with the city as a distant backdrop.
The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is open daily except select holidays. Toddlers have free admittance. Park for free in the large lot. Leave the garden inspired with ideas that you could introduce to your own surroundings.
