The Iowa Arboretum at 1875 Peach Ave near Madrid, Iowa covers approximately 340 acres of curated gardens, native woodland, and naturalistic plantings in Boone County, about 30 miles north of Des Moines. Founded in 1979 as a non-profit educational institution, the arboretum serves as Iowa's primary living plant collection, housing more than 6,000 individual plants across numerous distinct garden areas connected by gravel and mowed-grass trails. Visitors walk through a formal rose garden, a conifer collection, a hosta garden, a wildflower meadow, a heritage orchard, and extensive woodland areas planted with Iowa-hardy native trees and shrubs. The Children's Garden features interactive plantings designed to engage younger visitors with sensory and discovery-based activities. In May and June, magnolias, crabapples, and spring perennials provide successive waves of bloom across the cultivated areas. By late summer, prairie plantings of coneflowers, native grasses, and rudbeckia dominate the open meadow sections. October brings fall color from the collection's extensive maples, oaks, and ashes. The gift shop in the main building (Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM) sells native plants, gardening books, and seasonal items. Admission is by suggested donation ($5 adults, children free), making it an unusually accessible destination in central Iowa. Trails are unpaved and range from level paved paths near the entrance to mowed grass routes through wooded sections. A picnic area near the parking lot invites visitors to linger after exploring the garden areas.
Good to know
- Hours
- Daily dawn to dusk; gift shop open Tuesday-Sunday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Best time
- May-June for spring blooms; October for fall color
Location
1875 Peach Ave, Madrid, IA 50156
41.8731, -93.8237 View on map
Highlights
- 340 acres of curated gardens, native woodland, and prairie plantings in Boone County, Iowa
- Spring rose garden and magnolia collection peaking in May and June
- Native prairie meadow with coneflowers, rudbeckia, and native grasses prominent in late summer
- Children's Garden with sensory and discovery plantings for younger visitors
- Heritage orchard and extensive conifer collection representing Iowa-hardy species
Tips for visiting
- Visit in May-June for the best spring bloom across the rose garden, magnolias, and crabapple collection
- Return in October for exceptional fall color from the maples, oaks, and ashes in the woodland sections
- Admission is by suggested donation ($5 adults; children free) — cash or check preferred at the entry box
- Wear waterproof footwear after rain — gravel and grass trail surfaces stay wet for several hours
- The gift shop is open Tuesday-Sunday 10:00 AM-4:00 PM; closed Mondays even when grounds are open
- Allow 2-3 hours to walk the main garden circuits; woodland sections add another 30-45 minutes
When to visit
May and June bring the richest spring bloom across the rose garden, magnolias, and crabapples. October offers the best fall color throughout the woodland and heritage orchard areas. Summer visits (July-August) are warm and the prairie plantings are at peak, but shade is limited in open sections.
Accessibility
The main garden areas near the entrance are served by paved or compacted gravel paths broadly accessible to wheelchair users. Woodland trails and mowed grass routes through the meadow and orchard sections are unpaved and present difficulty for wheelchairs, particularly after rain. Accessible restrooms are available in the main building.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to the Iowa Arboretum take?
A visit covering the main cultivated gardens takes 1.5-2 hours at a leisurely pace. Including the woodland trails and prairie meadow sections extends a visit to 2-3 hours. The arboretum rewards slower exploration.
Is the Iowa Arboretum suitable for children?
Yes, the Children's Garden is specifically designed for young visitors with sensory plantings and discovery activities. The open trails and meadow sections suit children well, though unpaved paths may challenge strollers in wet conditions.
Is photography allowed at the Iowa Arboretum?
Yes, personal photography is freely permitted throughout the grounds. The rose garden in June and the woodland fall color in October are the most popular subjects for visiting photographers.