 |
| History |
| The Des Moines Botanical and Environmental Center is one of the most popular cultural attractions in Iowa, providing educational, recreational, and community resources to thousands. Its goal is to provide botanical displays and educational services for its visitors. It is located on 14 acres along the east bank of the Des Moines River, close to downtown. |
| Interest in a botanical center for Des Moines began in 1929. A proposal was made to build a flower conservatory surrounded by formal gardens in one of the city parks. In 1939, a city greenhouse was acquired on the west side of the river, just north of downtown. It served the city as a production and display greenhouse until the Botanical Center was completed in 1979. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, proposals were made for a botanical center to be constructed on urban renewal land near downtown. Construction began in October 1977 and the Center was completed December 15, 1979. |
| The Botanical and Environmental Center is managed and operated by Des Moines Water Works. Support for the Des Moines Botanical Center comes from both public and private dollars, which include tax revenues from the City of Des Moines and other surrounding communities. In addition, revenues are received from memorials, contributions, grants, membership fees, and fundraising events of the Friends of the Botanical and Environmental Center. The Des Moines Botanical and Environmental Center is a member of the American Public Gardens Association. |
| How To Find Us |
| Address: 909 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines, IA 50316 |
| Eastbound on I-235-take the E. 6th St. exit, turn right on E. 6th St., then turn right on Des Moines St. to "T" intersection. Turn right on Robert D Ray Dr. and the Botanical Center will be on the right after you go under I-235. |
| Westbound on I-235-take the Penn Ave. & E. 6th St. exit, turn left on E. 6th St., then turn right on Des Moines St. to "T" intersection. Turn right on Robert D Ray Dr. and the Botanical Center will be on the right after you go under I-235. |
| Eastbound on University Ave., cross the bridge and immediately turn right on E. 6th St., turn right on Robert D Ray Dr. The Botanical Center will be on the left. |
| Westbound on University Ave, turn left on E. 6th St (just before the bridge), turn right on Robert D Ray Dr. The Botanical Center will be on the left. |
| East or west bound on Grand Ave, turn north on Robert D Ray Dr, continue under the I235 overpass, the Botanical Center will be on the right hand side. |
 |
| Hours |
| The Center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days per week. The Botanical and Environmental Center is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Years Day. |
| Admission |
| Adults - $5.00 |
| Students (ages 4-17) - $3.00 |
| Senior Citizens (65+) - $4.00 |
| Children 3 and under are FREE |
| Home |
The Des Moines Botanical & Environmental Center welcomes your comments and questions. If you have questions,
or comments about the botanical & environmental center e-mail us at botanicalcenter@botanicalcenter.com
Copyright © 2005-2009 Des Moines Botanical & Environmental Center. All rights reserved. Legal Terms of Use
|
|
