Growing A More Beautiful World

The Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens have been a part of the Dubuque community since 1980.
Quietly nestled on the city's northwest side and featuring more than 60 different types of gardens (including Rose, Hosta, English, Japanese, Herb, and more), the grounds continue to grow and expand every year. All volunteer-created and volunteer-maintained, we encourage and greatly appreciate all financial donations so that we can continue growing a more beautiful world!

THE ARBORETUM a wedding place

Our premier wedding sites — the Lagen-Buelow Gazebo is just one of them — offer all of the sought-after amenities you expect in an outdoor setting: color, fragrance, nature. Everything to honor and celebrate a beautiful new beginning! Naturally.

The Arboretum Gift Shop

With our new look, new upscale merch, & a new premium beverage station (featuring coffee, hot chocolate, & slushies) ... all make your visits even more enjoyable. The Gift Shop is now closed (for Season 2018) and will reopen Spring 2019. See you then!

NEEDED: Leaves for mulching

LEAVES NEEDED: The Arboretum is in need of leaves that are NOT with grass clippings. (WHY? We need to control what may have been put on a lawn so we don’t want grass with any kind of fertilizer or chemical mixed in with leaves.) THANK YOU!

Latest News & Info

Visitor Center Remodel in Progress

Remodel began during July 2017
[Oct 31, 2017] Starting in July this year, construction began (and continues) on remodeling and improving […]
A letter to the Dubuque Arboretum

But only God can make a tree
[August 21, 2017]
Arboretum,
When I was young, I learned a poem by Joyce Kilmer. I […]
Plant and Preserve: our English Formal Garden

The English Formal Garden and Woodlands Preserve
[August 18, 2017] The English Formal Garden and Woodlands Preserve lies tucked into a […]

PHOTOGRAPHY AT THE ARB

How is photography handled at the Arboretum?

Here's the info ... Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens

WELCOME . . .
. . . to this beautiful place!

As we grow a more beautiful world,
we invite you to visit us to explore and experience all that we call the Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens!

Garden Weddings

More brides and grooms are electing an organic venue for their ceremony. The Dubuque Arboretum has several idyllic settings to choose from: our Japanese, English, and Rose Gardens . . . to name just a few.

English Garden

Created as a memorial and tribute to Georgette and Frank Hardie by their children, its grounds are meticulously and lovingly maintained by son Steve Hardie.
[ Designed by English couple C.F. and Donna Dumbell. ]

Japanese Garden

From its charming bridge to burbling water features to a pond with koi swimming about, it's another unique setting in the heart of the Midwest. ADA-accessible.

Hosta Garden

An area dedicated to showcasing the versatile hosta plant, the Garden includes a stunning shade structure for guests to sit, relax, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Garden Pathways

Pathways and seating can be found throughout the Arboretum grounds meandering through all of our garden areas. Visitors enjoy the delightful sights, delicate sounds, and delectable smells that emanate everywhere.

Growing A More Beautiful World

THE ARBORETUM a wedding place

The Arboretum Gift Shop

NEEDED: Leaves for mulching

Latest News & Info

Visitor Center Remodel in Progress

A letter to the Dubuque Arboretum

Plant and Preserve: our English Formal Garden

PHOTOGRAPHY AT THE ARB

You're invited to join us! Become a member of the Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens.

Come Grow With Us

As we grow a more beautiful world, we invite you to visit us to explore and experience all that we call the Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens!

More brides and grooms are electing an organic venue for their ceremony. The Dubuque Arboretum has several idyllic settings to choose from: our Japanese, English, and Rose Gardens . . . to name just a few.

Created as a memorial and tribute to Georgette and Frank Hardie by their children, its grounds are meticulously and lovingly maintained by son Steve Hardie. [ Designed by English couple C.F. and Donna Dumbell. ]

From its charming bridge to burbling water features to a pond with koi swimming about, it's another unique setting in the heart of the Midwest. ADA-accessible.

An area dedicated to showcasing the versatile hosta plant, the Garden includes a stunning shade structure for guests to sit, relax, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Pathways and seating can be found throughout the Arboretum grounds meandering through all of our garden areas. Visitors enjoy the delightful sights, delicate sounds, and delectable smells that emanate everywhere.

Growing A More Beautiful World

Latest News & Info

PHOTOGRAPHY AT THE ARB

You're invited to join us! Become a member of the Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens.

Come Grow With Us

As we grow a more beautiful world,
we invite you to visit us to explore and experience all that we call the Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens!

Created as a memorial and tribute to Georgette and Frank Hardie by their children, its grounds are meticulously and lovingly maintained by son Steve Hardie.
[ Designed by English couple C.F. and Donna Dumbell. ]