Reiman Gardens
4.8(1.4K)google
4.7(58)yelp
Exotic PlantsButterfliesFamilyKidsSenior-FriendlyDate SpotOutdoorPhoto SpotHealingEducational
Overview
Reiman Gardens (pronounced Rye-Men) is a 17-acre (6.9 ha) university-owned public garden located immediately south of Jack Trice Stadium on the Iowa State University (ISU) campus in Ames, Iowa. Reiman Gardens is a year-round garden with events, programs, lectures, and tours that has consistently been one of the top visited attractions in Central Iowa. In 2023, Reiman Gardens was named a “Top 10 Garden worth traveling for” in North America at the International Garden Tourism Conference.
Practical Info
Mon9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tue9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wed9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thu9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Fri9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sat9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sun9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Suggested Duration1.5-3 hours
Best TimeThe summer months from June to August offer peak blooms for the outdoor rose gardens and living installations. Planning your visit between 10:15 AM and 12:30 PM is highly recommended; this window guarantees maximum activity inside the climate-controlled indoor Butterfly Wing, where thousands of exotic tropical species take flight under the bright morning sun beams.
Getting TherePerched on the southern edge of the Iowa State University campus in Ames. Driving via I-35, take Exit 111 for US-30 W, travel west to the University Blvd Exit, then turn right and head north for 2 minutes to reveal the entrance on your left. A large, free parking lot is available on-site, though visitors should avoid major ISU home football game days due to stadium closures.
Travel Tips
- The 17-acre university property experiences gridlock during Iowa State home football game days at the adjacent stadium; regular parking lots are fully requisitioned for game permits, making non-game days essential for visitors.
Photo Tips
Best LightThursdays from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM host Member Mornings; this specialized early window offers soft morning light, bypassing the standard visitor rush and providing optimal conditions for botanical and sculpture photography.
Gear
- The Christina Reiman Butterfly Wing maintains a constant tropical, high-humidity microclimate that triggers instant camera lens condensation; allow 15 minutes for optical gear to acclimate inside the transition lobby.
Reviews
Positive
- The indoor butterfly wing is absolutely the highlight, with hundreds of butterflies flying around you—a stunning visual experience.
- The gardens are beautifully landscaped with diverse seasonal displays and giant sculptures that make for great photo ops.
- Fully wheelchair and stroller accessible with clear signage, making it exceptionally accommodating for all visitors.
- Admission is very reasonably priced. The environment is serene and peaceful, offering a perfect escape from hustle and bustle.
Heads up
- If visiting in early spring or winter, the outdoor plants are barren, significantly reducing the experience outside the conservatory.
- Certain outdoor sections are heavily plagued by mosquitoes in summer, and no bug spray or warnings are provided.
- During university game days or major events, traffic around the area becomes congested and parking is hard to find.
- Dining options inside are extremely limited to basic vending machines, so you must bring your own water and snacks.