Reiman Gardens sits at the south edge of the Iowa State University campus, just across University Boulevard from Jack Trice Stadium. The 17-acre botanical garden was established in 1995 and has grown into one of the larger public gardens in the Upper Midwest. It includes a rose garden, a herb garden, a children's garden, and extensive seasonal plantings, but the headline attraction is the Christina Reiman Butterfly Wing — a 2,500-square-foot tropical conservatory with hundreds of free-flying butterflies from around the world.
The garden is open year-round and is genuinely worth an hour or two, especially in summer when the outdoor beds are at their best. There is a modest entry fee. Combined with a campus walk, it makes Ames a satisfying half-day stop.