Iowa Arboretum & Gardens

Family Funday Sunday!
2025-07-27 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-08-10 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-08-24 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
Family friendly activities designed to help you explore and learn together about nature and the outdoors! Included with admission – Members are always free! 10am-12noon No registration necessary!

OPEN LATE until 8!
2025-07-29 16:00 - 20:00 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
TUESDAY JULY 29, 2025 – Join us after 4pm for playtime until 8pm! Extended hours at the regular admission rate. Museums for All discounted admission for up to 4 total in a family – must show SNAP/EBT/WIC card plus Photo ID). Arboretum members are always FREE!

Iowa Arboretum & Gardens Trial Program Public Evaluation Day
2025-08-09 10:00 - 16:00 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
YOU ARE INVITED!
Join the Iowa Arboretum & Gardens Trial Program for their second Public Evaluation Day! You and up to one adult guest and two children are invited to participate in evaluating perennials and shrubs in the trial garden. Walk the garden to check out soon to be available varieties and let us know your favorites! Evaluation generally takes around 25-30 minutes; you are then welcome to walk the grounds on the West Side of the arboretum for free.
Background: Due to a lack of regionally specific research, demonstration, and outreach surrounding newly introduced ornamental plants for Central Iowa, the Iowa Arboretum & Gardens established an ornamental trial garden for the categories of herbaceous perennials and shrubs in the Spring of 2023. This public-facing trial garden provides beauty, education, and outreach to the people of Iowa in a form viewable to the public, allowing for year-round visibility and observation of these plants. The Public Evaluation Day helps us in several ways. First, we get to hear from you, the consumer, about what plants you want in your garden. Second, we expose the Central Iowa public to the breadth of plants that are available to you while testing their long-term performance. Help us help you garden better!
Details: By participating in the Public Evaluation Day, you and up to one adult guest and two children get free admission to the West Side of the Iowa Arboretum & Gardens. Entry into Treehouse Village and the East Side of the grounds will require admission or membership to the Iowa Arboretum & Gardens (see front desk upon visit). A short program will begin at 11am and again at 2pm.
*Golf cart service is available for persons needing assistance
Please RSVP for you and your guest(s) by July 20th below:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A44A5AD28ABFEC25-55183929-trial
Learn more about the program:
https://iowaarboretum.org/ourplants/trialprogram/

Tunes in the Trees - August 12, 2025
2025-08-12 17:00 - 20:00 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
Join us in the gardens for a family friendly outdoor concert event with Carter Guse. FOOD TRUCKS: local fare from Comfort Food Catering and V & B Farms Ice Cream. Bring a lawn chair, picnic blanket, the kids and the family dog – all are welcome at this summertime favorite!
CONCERT ADMISSION: $10 for non-members age 13 and older; $5 for members age 13 and older; children age 12 and under FREE!
NEW IN 2025: $5 gets non-members some Treehouse Playtime from 5pm-6pm before the music starts (Iowa Arboretum Members FREE)!

Kids Climb Tree Climbing Event
2025-08-17 13:00 - 15:00 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
Sunday August 17, 2025 – Join us from 1:00pm-3:00pm for safe tree climbing with the Iowa Arborist Association! All equipment (helmet, harness, etc.) is provided. FREE with paid admission. Members are always FREE!

Pressed Flower Art Workshop
2025-08-24 13:00 - 15:00 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
Pressed Flower Art Workshop – Sunday, August 24, 2025 from 1:00pm-3:00pm GET TICKETS
Participants choose from a range of flowers and leaves picked, pressed right here at the arboretum and ready for your personalized creation!
Use chosen flowers to make: Designed & laminated bookmark, Styled arrangement on cardstock, Craft a frame for your creation, Bring your own frame from home (recommended sizes 5×7 or 8×10). We will also have a small supply of glass frames available for purchase at the workshop.
There are so many ways to use pressed flowers to create art, so come join us! Workshop space is limited!

Treehouses at Twilight - Western Whimsy
2025-08-28 18:00 - 21:00 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
Join us for Treehouses at Twilight – Western Whimsy on August 28, 2025 from 6pm-9pm. This is an event where the adults can be a kid again in Treehouses, at an elevated play area, and along the woodland trails. Each ticket includes 21+ admission, one featured drink ticket, adult snacks and beverages, musical entertainment by local singer/songwriter Jordan Messerole, themed photo booth and more! Discounts for Couples and Members!
GET TICKETS HERE

Tunes in the Trees - September 9, 2025
2025-09-09 17:00 - 20:00 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
Join us in the gardens for a family friendly outdoor concert event with the WEARY RAMBLERS. FOOD TRUCKS: local fare from Brick & Ember Pizza and V & B Farms Ice Cream. Bring a lawn chair, picnic blanket, the kids and the family dog – all are welcome at this summertime favorite!
CONCERT ADMISSION: $10 for non-members age 13 and older; $5 for members age 13 and older; children age 12 and under FREE!
NEW IN 2025: $5 gets non-members some Treehouse Playtime from 5pm-6pm before the music starts (Iowa Arboretum Members FREE)!

PAWS IN THE PARK Run/Walk
2025-09-13 07:00 - 09:30 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
Run or walk for a “Good Paws ” with or without a canine friend! 5K Run/ walk starts and finishes at the beautiful Iowa Arboretum & Gardens.
7:00 am -8:00am Registration – T-shirt/ Packet Pickup at Beckwith Grand Pavilion at the Iowa Arboretum. Upon registration you will be free to begin the course and keep your own time.
Dog Information
Dogs will get bandanas and goody bags.
Maximum 2 dogs per person and must be up to date on all vaccinations.

Family Funday Sunday!
2025-09-14 10:00 - 12:00 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
Join us for some learning and exploration fun! The topic for Sunday, September 14, 2025 is Animal Study, where we’ll discover all sorts of interesting facts about the critters that call the Iowa Arboretum home. 10am-12noon, open house style. Activities are free with paid admission. Members are always free!

Treehouses at Twilight - Harvest Hootenanny
2025-09-25 18:00 - 21:00 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
Join us for Treehouses at Twilight – Harvest Hootenanny on Thursday, September 25, 2025 from 6pm-9pm. This is an event where the adults can be a kid again in Treehouses, at an elevated play area, and along the woodland trails. Each ticket includes 21+ admission, one featured drink ticket, adult snacks and beverages, musical entertainment by local artist Day’s Live Music, themed photo booth and more! Discounts for Couples and Members!
GET TICKETS HERE

Family Funday Sunday!
2025-09-28 10:00 - 12:00 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
Join us for some learning and exploration fun! The topic for Sunday, September 28, 2025 is Paper Crafts, where we’ll discover all sorts of ways to create interesting crafts using paper.10am-12noon, open house style. Activities are free with paid admission. Members are always free!

B Inspired 5K Run/Walk
2025-10-11 09:00 - 11:00 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
B Inspired and get out into the woodlands, prairies and gardens of the Iowa Arboretum & Gardens for some good exercise in the Boone County fresh air!REGISTER HERE!

Family Funday Sunday!
2025-10-12 10:00 - 12:00 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
Join us for some learning and exploration fun! The topic for Sunday, October 12, 2025 is Water Study, where we’ll discover all sorts of interesting facts about water and sources of water all around and near the Iowa Arboretum. 10am-12noon, open house style. Activities are free with paid admission. Members are always free!

Pressed Flower Art Workshop
2025-10-12 13:00 - 15:00 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
Pressed Flower Art Workshop – Sunday, August 24, 2025 from 1:00pm-3:00pm RESERVE YOUR SPOT
Participants choose from a range of flowers and leaves picked, pressed right here at the arboretum and ready for your personalized creation!
Use chosen flowers to make: Designed & laminated bookmark, Styled arrangement on cardstock, Craft a frame for your creation, Bring your own frame from home (recommended sizes 5×7 or 8×10). We will also have a small supply of glass frames available for purchase at the workshop.
There are so many ways to use pressed flowers to create art, so come join us! Workshop space is limited!

Family Funday Sunday!
2025-10-26 10:00 - 12:00 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
Join us for some learning and exploration fun! The topic for Sunday, October 26, 2025 is Spooky Science, where we’ll discover all sorts of interesting science facts that some people think are spooky! 10am-12noon, open house style. Activities are free with paid admission. Members are always free! AFTERWARDS, JOIN US FOR THE TRICK OR TREAT AT TREEHOUSE VILLAGE!

Trick or Treat in Treehouse Village
2025-10-26 13:00 - 16:00 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
Costumed revelers of all ages and abilities travel the paved accessible trail at Treehouse Village collecting treats along the way! Halloween Scavenger Hunt, coloring contest, and more. Family friendly fun!
Included with regualr admission or discounted Museums for All admissions (with SNAP/EBT/WIC card + Photo ID). Members are always FREE! No extra charge for activities or trick or treating.

Dad's Belgian Waffles
2025-11-22 09:00 - 11:30 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
Join us from 9-11:30am on November 22, 2025 for all you can eat waffles! Waffles, sausages and beverages will be served with whipped cream, fun toppings and flavored syrups. $10 per person – age 5 and under eat FREE! We will also have some fall themed crafts and outdoor activities (weather depending)! A delicious & fun event for the whole family!

Forevergreens Holiday Fundraiser
2025-12-01 09:00 - 2025-12-05 16:00 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
Support the Iowa Arboretum & Gardens by making your home festive for the holidays! These are great gifts for neighbors, friends and loved ones, as well. Stop by and choose yours during our open hours – weekdays 9am-4pm Monday, December 1, 2025 through Friday, December 5, 2025. Prices vary among the wide selection of living decorative greenery! All pieces are hand-crafted locally.

"FULL" Family Snowshoeing with Boone County Conservation
2026-01-17 13:00 - 15:00 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
PROGRAM IS FULL – try for the February 21, 2026 Family Snowshoe event! Start the new year off right and join us for some outdoor fun – snowshoeing in cooperation with Boone County Conservation! Saturday, January 17, 2026 from 1:00pm-3:00pm. You can use the snowshoes provided or bring your own. We will have a limited number of child and adult snowshoes available, so registration is required and space is limited. This event is free and open to the public! A minimum of 4 inches of snow is needed to hold this event.

Winter is for the Birds!
2026-01-31 13:00 - 15:00 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
Saturday January 31, 2026 ~ 1pm-3pm ~ Join us as we explore, observe, and identify Iowa winter birds with guidance from avid and expert birder, Karl Jungbluth. This family oriented program includes outdoor activities, so dress for the weather! Program is FREE for Arboretum members. BECOME A MEMBER HERE Program is included with general admission for non-members. REGISTER HERE

ISU ~ Xi Sigma Pi Maple Syrup Day
2026-02-05 08:00 - 17:00 | IA
Saturday, April 4, 2026 from 8am to 11am ~ Join us for all you can eat pancakes and a variety of demonstrations and educational displays about maple syrup & trees!

Family Snowshoeing with Boone County Conservation
2026-02-21 13:00 - 15:00 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
Start the new year off right and join us for some outdoor fun – snowshoeing in cooperation with Boone County Conservation! Saturday, February 21, 2026 from 1:00pm-3:00pm. You can use the snowshoes provided or bring your own. We will have a limited number of child and adult snowshoes available, so registration is required and space is limited. This event is free and open to the public! A minimum of 4 inches of snow is needed to hold this event. REGISTER HERE

Dad's Belgian Waffles
2026-03-14 09:00 - 11:30 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
Join us from 9-11:30am on Saturday, March 14, 2026 for all you can eat waffles! Waffles, sausages and beverages will be served with whipped cream, fun toppings and flavored syrups. $10 per person – age 5 and under eat FREE! We will also have some crafts and outdoor activities (weather depending)! A delicious & fun event for the whole family!

2026 Spring Fever Symposium
2026-04-11 09:00 - 15:00 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
SEED STORIES
Join us for our biggest education event of the year! We have an incredible lineup of speakers to pack this day with gardening goodness, all about seeds. Pre-registration is required. Open to the public… all are welcome!

April 11th, 2026; 9am-3pm
Lunch and refreshments provided with registration.

REGISTER HERE

About the speakers:

Vivian Bernau
Vivian Bernau brings a lifelong passion for agricultural biodiversity and a wealth of experience in plant genetics to her new role as director of preservation at Seed Savers Exchange (SSE). She has devoted her career to safeguarding crop diversity and ensuring that seeds—and the stories they carry—are preserved for future generations. Before joining SSE, Vivian served as lead scientist and maize curator for the USDA Agricultural Research Service’s Plant Introduction Research Unit. There, she managed one of the nation’s largest maize germplasm collections, developing innovative, data-driven strategies to maintain and distribute thousands of unique varieties to researchers and growers worldwide.

Vivian earned her doctorate in horticulture and crop science from The Ohio State University, where her research explored drought tolerance and local adaptation in chile peppers of southern Mexico. Her commitment to global food security has taken her beyond U.S. borders, including research collaborations with the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) in Mexico and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) in Colombia, where she studied crop wild relatives and strategies for conserving genetic diversity.

Marcus Jansen
Marcus Jansen, MS (He/Him) was raised in Quincy, Illinois and is an alum of the Iowa State University Department of Horticulture. He now lives and gardens in Batavia, Illinois and is a Product Manager for PanAmerican Seed of Ball Horticultural Company. In this role, Marcus oversees the Pro Landscape Performer Program and manages a portfolio of annuals and perennials in the PanAmerican Seed assortment, working to bring new plant varieties to growers and gardeners all over the world.

Maddy Stevenson
Maddy Stevenson is the Horticulture Technician at the Iowa Arboretum & Gardens. She plays a key role in designing and maintaining beautiful garden spaces for members and guests to enjoy. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Horticulture from Iowa State University and brings a diverse range of experiences to her role. Maddy started working in garden centers near her hometown of Story City, Iowa. During her time at ISU, she studied and shared horticultural practices as far away as Uganda and India. Maddy is excited to share her love of plants and create gardens that inspire people.

Fatima Najar
Fatima Najar has been with the Iowa Arboretum & Gardens Trial Program for three years, and wasinvaluable in helping start the program. Fatima grew up in Sioux City, Iowa later going to Iowa Stateto pursue her bachelor’s degree in Forestry. Before joining the arboretum, she worked as a field techniciancollecting data on native prairie plants and their importance to pollinators, and on a special project with Botrychium (moonwort).

As Curatorial Assistant, Fatima serves as a liaison between the public and horticulture industry while also collecting evaluation data on every perennial and shrub variety every two weeks. She does incredible work balancing those responsibilities with care of the garden and managing outreach. Fatima is passionate about conservation and sustainability, and loves to communicate those interests to diverse audiences.

Taking Time to See ~ a workshop in watercolor journaling
2026-04-19 12:00 - 15:00 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
Taking Time to See ~ a workshop in watercolor journaling ~ with artist Jane Marie Degeneffe ~ Sunday, April 19, 2026 from Noon to 3pm ~ Registration is required and space is limited. $25 per person. REGISTER HERE
In this workshop, you begin with choosing one of the flowers or branches provided to focus on and paint. This first watercolor painting done in class will be an illustration for your writing , to inspire what you add to your journal at home. The blank watercolor pad and paints provided will be a take home starter for your journal. Quotes, reflections, poetry and goals or memories are always good topics for journaling. Workshop runs from 1-3pm with an opening reception from 12-1pm before class starts. Here is a link to more information about this workshop experience from the artist herself: WORKSHOP INFORMATION

Run for the Trees & NEW KIDS FUN RUN!
2026-04-25 08:15 - 10:00 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2026 ~ REGISTER HERE ~ Join us to support the Iowa Arboretum & Gardens by running the 5K or walking the 1K along our amazing gardens, prairie and woodland grounds during the heart of springtime – individuals, groups or families are welcomed to participate! NEW THIS YEAR – we have added a KIDS FUN RUN around the paved, accessible Treehouse Village trail loop – perfect for children of all abilities up to age 12 who will run, walk, or roll (wheelchairs, walkers and mobility chairs welcomed to participate)! 5K & 1K RUN/WALK starts at 9am ~ KIDS FUN RUN starts at 8:15am. RAIN DATE for all activities is Sunday, April 26, 2026.

ARBOR DAY CELEBRATION!
2026-04-25 09:00 - 12:00 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2026 ~ 9am to 12noon Join us for our annual celebration of all things trees ~ from tree themed activities and crafts to Treehouse Village Playtime and KIDS CLIMB event with the Iowa Arborists Association on site to assist with tree climbing! We’ll also have scavenger hunts, snacks, tree planting ceremony and a free tree sapling for all attendees! General admission rates apply and include all Arbore Day Celebration activities ~ members are FREE! **RUN FOR THE TREES PARTICIPANTS ARE ALSO FREE AFTER THEIR RUN/WALK!**
