The purpose of the Iowa Arboretum & Gardens is to be an inspiring educational and recreational resource demonstrating the value and use of trees, shrubs, and other plants in the Iowa landscape. Come walk our beautiful grounds & trails! Pets must be leashed and well-behaved on our grounds.

The Arboretum has also installed numerous birdfeeders beside the north patio of the Hughes Education Building. Visitors can view the bird activity from a picnic table on the patio or through the large windows on the north side of the building.

The Iowa Arboretum is working with the Boone County Trails Advisory Committee to bring a bike trail to the “front door” of the Iowa Arboretum.  The north/south trail will come from the city of Boone and from the High Trestle Trail in Madrid and connect with Grant Woods, Swede Point Park, the Iowa Arboretum, Ledges State Park and  McHose Park. The trail will provide fantastic outdoor recreational opportunities for the citizens of Boone County and the hundreds of thousands of people who visit the area each year.