Join the Members' Wednesday Walking Club at Reiman Gardens for a relaxing stroll through Iowa's stunning botanical landscapes. Discover vibrant plant life, learn from horticulturalists, and enjoy peaceful outdoor moments. Read more to find out why this walking club is a favorite midweek escape.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels, including casual walkers and seniors
Wildlife
History
Reiman Gardens was established in 1999 and is a collaborative project of Iowa State University and the Iowa State Horticultural Society.
Conservation
The gardens prioritize native plantings and sustainable practices to support local ecosystems.
Reiman Gardens
Join the Members' Wednesday Walking Club at Reiman Gardens for a relaxing stroll through Iowa's stunning botanical landscapes. Discover vibrant plant life, learn from horticulturalists, and enjoy peaceful outdoor moments. Read more to find out why this walking club is a favorite midweek escape.
Reiman Gardens in Ames, Iowa offers year-round horticultural displays, seasonal events, educational programs, and volunteer opportunities that engage families, students, and garden enthusiasts. The facility hosts a variety of public experiences including speaker series, guided and self-guided tours, hands-on youth day camps, and specialized workshops such as dried floral wreath making and floral design. Signature experiences include the Christina Reiman Butterfly Wing — open daily and featuring up to 800 live butterflies from around 80 species — plus seasonal highlights like Butterfly Blizzard and Nature at NIGHT.
Reiman Gardens programs combine accessible outdoor activities with instructional series and community-focused nights. Regular offerings include Nature with Nathan, a six-part entomology speaker series; Rovers at Reiman dog-friendly evenings; Garden Flow six-week gentle stretching sessions; Nature Journaling workshops; and members-only Wednesday walking club access. Community events range from Autumn Equinox Gothic Soiree (ages 18+) to Trivia Nights, Maker Nights, and seasonal forest bathing walks. Volunteer roles support Spirits in the Gardens (October 10–12), Pumpkin Prep, Butterfly Wing docent training, seasonal gardening and displays, and group volunteer opportunities. Reiman Gardens also offers admissions options, guided tours for youth and adults, and special previews like RG Express and Bonsai Show Member Preview. All program descriptions, schedules, and registration details are published by Reiman Gardens; visitors should consult official listings for dates, age requirements, and availability.
Members' Wednesday Walking Club meets Wednesday mornings and provides access to the Butterfly Wing and Conservatory beginning at 9:00 AM, offering a quieter visit and the chance to see horticulturalists at work.
Location
Ames, Iowa
Central Iowa botanical destination
Butterfly Wing
Up to 800 butterflies
Around 80 species on display
Volunteer Roles
Multiple seasonal roles
Docent and event support available
Events & Camps
Year-round programming
Speaker series, camps, workshops
Find upcoming events, buy tickets, or sign up to volunteer and experience the Butterfly Wing, camps, workshops, and garden tours.
Wear comfortable walking shoes
Ensure you have supportive footwear to comfortably explore the gardens' pathways.
Bring water and sun protection
Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun during your walk, especially in warmer months.
Arrive early for a peaceful experience
Starting at 9:00 AM allows you to enjoy the gardens without crowds.
Visit the Butterfly Wing after your walk
Take time to see the vibrant butterflies in their tropical habitat post-stroll.
Comfortable walking shoes
Supportive footwear is key for a relaxed, enjoyable stroll through the gardens.
Sun hat or cap
Protect yourself from UV rays during morning walks.
summer
Reusable water bottle
Stay hydrated as you take in the fresh outdoor air.
Sunscreen
Apply to prevent sunburn during extended outdoor time.
summer