Walking Tours

Walking tours take attendees on an extended trip of the Arboretum and is the most detailed of all the tours. Group members must be able to walk long distances, as well as stand or sit (if seating is available) for extended times during the tour.

This tour is for groups who are interested in learning more about the history and collections of the Arboretum versus just the plants that are in the gardens. 

All tours need to be scheduled at least two weeks in advance to ensure adequate staffing and availability. 

Golf Cart Tours

For tour groups of five or less with limited walking abilities, the tour is given with an electric golf cart. Group members must be able to lift their feet and be able to enter and exit the golf cart.

This tour allows you to explore more of the Arboretum and provides the opportunity for verbal discussion as well while also enjoying a cool breeze and shade during your trip around the grounds. 

All tours need to be scheduled at least two weeks in advance to ensure adequate staffing and availability. 

Wagon Rides - $1 per child, free for adults

Wagon Rides are available for groups of more than five people. Group members must be able to lift their feet and walk up and down high steps to enter the wagon.

Wagon rides reach the outermost parts of the gardens with groups traveling down the Arboretum loop and through the Sesquicentennial Forest, the Hess Rd. Forest, Iowa Native Prairie, and the butterfly garden. Because the wagon must be pulled by a tractor and makes it difficult to hear, there is no verbal element to the tour while the tractor is running, though you're welcome to ask questions when the tractor is turned off or at the end of your ride.

All tours need to be scheduled at least two weeks in advance to ensure adequate staffing and availability.