While Reiman Gardens are certainly a tourist attraction for out-of-town visitors, they serve a practical function for Iowa State University too. Learn about the role of this tranquil green space as you see everything from herbs to roses to palm trees.
The Reiman Gardens we know today were completed in 1995, but their history goes back much earlier. The first horticulture garden on the campus opened in 1914 and over the years the garden expanded and changed locations to make it more accessible to the university community. Take a guided tour of the gardens to learn more about its past and future role in teaching students the science and art of horticulture.
Begin your journey at the Herb Gardens. Here, you will learn how horticultural specialists grow the seasonings we put in our meals daily. Carry on to the Rose Garden to smell the different fragrances and marvel at the many varied colors of the blooming roses.
Visit the Trial and Display Garden for a glimpse of current experiments in plant breeding. New seeds are planted here every year and then monitored by staff to see how they develop. You can also head to the Hillside Water-wise Garden to see innovative planting methods that require little to no water.
If you are traveling with children, stop at the Children’s Garden to let them explore a maze, a butterfly bench and interactive exhibits that teach the importance of gardening and sustainability. Finish off your day with a walk around Lake Helen, one of the focal points of the gardens, with aquatic wildlife and water lilies.
The Reiman Gardens are open daily, with extended opening hours in the summer and around the December holiday season. There is an admission fee for adults and discounts for any children in your group. The dedicated parking is free and open to visitors. Book at least a couple of weeks ahead of time to enjoy a 1-hour guided tour of the gardens led by a knowledgeable guide.
