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.
Scientific concepts come to life at this hands-on facility in downtown Des Moines. Dozens of interactive displays, high-tech dioramas and ongoing educational programs draw thousands of visitors each year. The site is also the home of the Blank IMAX Dome Theater.
Parking and public transportation to the Science Center of Iowa
Access the site from Interstate Highway 235 by taking the Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway exit and heading south. The parkway will turn east, along the south side of downtown. There is no free parking at the site, but spaces adjacent to the center run a few dollars per hour. The site is easy to reach by bus, as the local transit company's main station is just a few blocks away.
Best times to go to the Science Center of Iowa
Several special events and classes throughout the year offer additional activities along with access to the exhibits. The center is also open late two Fridays of every month, with one event series for families and another aimed at the 21-and-up crowd. Hollywood blockbusters are screened at the IMAX theater along with educational programs, so plan to take in a movie and receive a discount on science center admission for the same visit.
Admission to the Science Center of Iowa
Expect to pay an average of $10 per visitor for general admission, with prices a bit higher for teens/adults and a bit less for children. IMAX theater tickets are under $10 for all ages. Packages are available for site admission and a movie. Group rates and military discounts are available. The center is open daily Memorial Day through Labor Day, and closed on Mondays the rest of the year.
Must see/do at the Science Center of Iowa
The Small Discoveries area lets visitors ages 7 and younger explore basic science concepts through creative activities such as making bubbles and playing with puppets. The Foucault Pendulum's 235-pound brass ball marks time while serving as a focal point of the facility. Other sections allow visitors to make their own rockets, tackle a domino obstacle course and learn about Iowa's ever-changing weather.
Other places to visit near the Science Center of Iowa
Take the family to see the animals at Blank Park Zoo. Learn about the state's past at the Iowa State Historical Museum. Enjoy a nostalgic ride on the Heritage Carousel at Union Park.
Insider tip for visitors to the Science Center of Iowa
Purchasing a membership package can really pay off. Members not only receive free general admission, but discounts for the IMAX movie theater and the center's café and gift shop.
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.