FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the Iowa Arboretum & Gardens?

The Arboretum is a community-supported public garden highlighted with beautiful gardens, tree groves, and grounds, including trails through prairies, woodlands, themed garden spaces, and interactive natural spaces such as the Children’s Garden and Treehouse Village.

 

How much does it cost to enter the Arboretum?

General Admission starting September 5, 2024 is $12 for ages 13 and older; $7 for ages 3-12; ages 2 and under are FREE.

Members are always FREE. Family Memberships include named members on the membership card plus all related children and grandchildren age 18 and under.

Reciprocal Garden Members receive up to 2 admissions for members named on the membership card. All other Reciprocal Member guests pay General Admission rates (above).

 

Do you have any coupons, deals, or discounts for military or seniors?

The best deal for admission to the Arboretum is through our Membership program – especially if you plan to return. Become a Member

We do not currently offer any coupons or discounts for military or seniors.

 

What are your hours of operation?

Seasonal Hours: Main campus, trails, and Treehouse Village are open from April 1 to mid-November. Weekdays from 9 am to 4 pm and on Weekends from 10 am to 4 pm.

Winter Hours: The main campus and trails are open from mid-November to March 31 on weekdays from 9 am to 4 pm. Treehouse Village is closed during the winter season.

 

Are there any other times that the Arboretum may close?

The Arboretum may have to close at times to perform general maintenance or for inclement weather.

 

Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?

Yes, it is strongly recommended that tickets be purchased in advance from the Arboretum website. Advanced tickets have timed entrance so your admission time is guaranteed.

 

Do Arboretum Members have to reserve tickets in advance or can we just show up?

Yes, it is strongly recommended that tickets be reserved in advance by Arboretum members through the Arboretum website. All tickets have timed entrance and your admission time is guaranteed if you reserve tickets ahead of time through the website. If you choose to walk in, you may have a wait time to get into certain areas of the Arboretum.

 

What’s included with my ticket?

All purchased admission tickets to the Arboretum include access to the main campus, gardens, tree groves, and grounds, including trails through prairies, woodlands, themed garden spaces, and interactive natural spaces such as the Children’s Garden and Treehouse Village.

 

Do I have to print out or bring my ticket?

You will receive a confirmation of your ticket purchase that will be needed during check-in to verify your purchase when you arrive. Walk-in admissions are first come first served; therefore, we cannot guarantee there will be openings for visiting the Arboretum if tickets are purchased at the door.

 

Do parents and guardians need to purchase tickets?

Yes, tickets must be purchased for each person entering any area on the grounds of the Arboretum.

 

Can I leave a child unattended at the Iowa Arboretum & Gardens?

No! All children and youth under the age of 18 must be accompanied by at least one adult in all areas and at all times while visiting. All guests must have a ticket.

 

Can I play on the Treehouse structure with my children?

Yes! Full family engagement is encouraged while enjoying all areas of the Iowa Arboretum & Gardens.

 

Where do I go first when I arrive?

Please come to the Hughes Education Center (visitor center) after you park to check in with your advance tickets. Walk-in guests will also need to purchase admission tickets in the Hughes Education Center. It is recommended to use the indoor restrooms and fill your water bottles before you enter the grounds of the Arboretum.

 

How do I get into Treehouse Village?

Purchase your Arboretum admission tickets online – Treehouse Village is included! When you arrive, check-in at the Hughes Education Center ticket desk. You will receive a receipt that will have a QR code allowing you to open the gate and enter the Treehouse Village area across the street. Your receipt also allows you to explore the main campus gardens, grounds, and trails.

 

Do you have specific attractions or times for people with disabilities?

The Iowa Arboretum & Gardens is committed to accessibility and inclusion throughout the campus for guests of all abilities. Most trails and pathways are accessible by wheelchair and walker. We offer a private comfort room near the indoor restrooms with a height-motorized changing table and chairs for nursing mothers. Treehouse Village is an all-abilities play structure and trail system that includes features that specifically allow wheelchair and walker access. We also have 2 motorized scooters that can be checked out for free to help guests with mobility challenges.

 

Are there specific rules and guidelines for the interactive play areas?

1. Recommended Ages: Children’s Garden – ALL AGES; Treehouse Village – 5 to 12 years, but all are welcome with appropriate supervision.
2. Adult supervision is required for children under age 18 at all times.
3. Shoes are required; Closed-toed shoes are recommended; Flip-flop sandals and Crocs are discouraged.
4. Running, pushing, or shoving is NOT ALLOWED during playtime.
5. Be respectful of others.
6. Feet first on all slides.
7. Food, drinks, and gum are NOT ALLOWED on play structures.
8. ADA-certified guide dogs assisting a person with disabilities are the only animals allowed in interactive play areas. Guest dogs on a leash are welcomed on trails and pathways around the grounds.
9. Most of all, HAVE FUN!

 

Do you have a picnic area?

The Arboretum has limited picnic spots on site. We recommend choosing one of several picnic locations in and around Madrid, Iowa including:

Edgewood Park, Leo Bimbi Pkwy, Madrid, IA 50156

Dalander Park, 702 E 3 rd  St, Madrid, IA 50156

Luther City Hall, 7 Luther Street, Luther, Iowa 50152

Ledges State Park, 1515 P Ave, Madrid, IA 50156 (day use of the park is FREE)

 

Do you have a concession stand with food and beverages?

We have limited snacks and beverages for sale in the Hughes Education Center Gift Shop. Guests are welcome to bring food to the main campus area if needed, limited picnic spots are available. Carry in alcohol is prohibited on the Arboretum grounds. Please dispose of all trash in the provided receptacles.

 

What should I wear?

Dress comfortably for walking on natural and paved pathways. A hat and sunscreen are always recommended. Insect repellant is optional.

 

What happens when it rains?

Guests are permitted to walk the grounds when it rains. Treehouse Village may be closed during inclement weather for the safety of our visitors.

 

What if there is severe weather while we are visiting?

Guests are encouraged to take cover in the Hughes Education Building Storm Shelter in the case of threatening weather. There is a tornado shelter in the basement of the Hughes Education Center (visitor center). Please report to the ticket desk for directions.

 

Can I take pictures during my visit to the Arboretum?

Guests are encouraged to take pictures and post and share them with others! Please tag us on pictures of the Arboretum that are included with social media, blogs, websites, or other photo archives. Professional photographers must follow the Arboretum’s Photography Policy (found on the Arboretum’s website).

 

Can I bring my dog to the Arboretum?

Well-behaved guest dogs on a leash are permitted in the lobby of the Visitor Center, on the main campus, and the trails of the Iowa Arboretum & Gardens. ADA-certified guide dogs are allowed to travel with their guest(s) anywhere with documentation verification. All dog owners are responsible for cleaning up and disposing of dog droppings. Dog waste bags are available.

Guest dogs are not allowed in the following areas: Children’s Garden, Treehouse Village play area, Gift Shop, indoor bathrooms, and indoor rental spaces. Anyone not following these rules will be asked to leave and will not be allowed to visit again with their dog. These rules are for the safety of others and your pet.

 

Do you allow group field trips and is there a group discount for tickets?

Field Trip Groups must be scheduled before visiting the Iowa Arboretum & Gardens by emailing groupvisit@iowaarboretum.org or by calling 515.795.3216 ext. 1004.

 

What is the Arboretum’s smoking policy?

The Arboretum is a Smoke-Free campus that prohibits the use of pipes, cigarettes, cigars, vaping, and other forms of smoking.

Can firearms be brought on the grounds of the Arboretum?

Weapons, firearms and fireworks of any kind are prohibited on the grounds of the Arboretum.

If I have an issue, who should I reach out to?

If you have a medical emergency while visiting call 911 and immediately alert a staff member or call 515-795-3216.

If you have a minor concern or issue while visiting or after, please report to the ticket desk in the Hughes Education Center or call 515-795-3216 or email info@iowaarboretum.org

 

If you have additional questions, please call 515-795-3216. THANK YOU!