FAQs
In case you missed anything.
Yes! We want as many people as possible to enjoy this beautiful place!
The Arboretum's grounds are open daily 7a to dusk.
Yes!
- In the Visitor Center during its open hours.
- In Marshall Park, near the Children's Playground area, when other city park restrooms are open.
THE GROUNDS. The grounds are open to the public daily (365 days per year): 7a to dusk.
THE VISITOR CENTER + GARDENS GIFT SHOP.
- In-Season (May-October). Mon-Sat: 9a to 5p | Sun: 10a to 5p
- Peak-Season Hours (June-August). Mon-Sat: 9a to 5p | Sun: 10a to 8p
- Off-Season (November-April). Closed.
THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES.
- In-Season (May-October). Mon-Fri: 9a to 5p
- Off-Season (November-April). Tue-Wed-Thu: 10a to 3p
Absolutely! We welcome volunteers … they're the lifeblood of our organization! We have both inside and outside volunteer opportunities.
Yes, we do! You can donate online, by mail, or in person (in the office or at the Gardens Gift Shop, located in the Visitor Center).
- Memorial options (bricks, pavers, trees, benches) and information can be found on the Memorials + Honorariums Page.
- You can also request a call or meeting with the Director to discuss options.
Our honorarium information can be found:
- on our Memorials + Honorariums Page or
- by contacting the Director.
Yes! For more information about booking your wedding ceremony with us. Please visit these pages:
- Wedding Venues + Pricing
- Wedding FAQs
- Music in the Gardens concerts are held Sunday evenings (6:30-8:30p) during June, July, and August.
- Admission is free (with a free will offering taken at intermission).
- Feel free to bring your own food and beverages (including adult beverages). Food for purchase is also available from HyVee Catering and the Dubuque Noon Lions Club.
Yes. The Children's Playground area has open-air pavilions, picnic tables, and grills. Restroom facilities are nearby.
Most of the gardens are wheelchair accessible.
We do! Please call 563.556.2100 to book your no-cost, guided tour. The duration of a tour can be from 45" to 90" and can be customized depending on:
- how much time you have,
- how much time you would like to spend on a tour, and/or
- what you would like to see.
Due to higher demand, please allow additional time for scheduling your tour during our Peak Season:
- Peak Season (June, July, August). Please plan to book your tour time a week in advance.
- In-Season (May, Sept, Oct). Please plan to book your tour time a few day in advance.
Yes! Rental information for our facilities (the Garden Room + the Hafeman Veranda + the Packard Pavilion Amphitheater) can be found on our Facility Rental Page.
In addition to weddings:
- Life Celebrations
- Showers: Engagement, Bridal, Baby
- Graduation Parties
- Reunions: Family, School, College
- Social Groups
Please call the Dubuque County Extension Office.
Too many to count! Please view our Aerial Maps for a visual overview of our property.
Yes, we do.
- The All-Veterans Memorial is a tribute from the people of this community and area to all those who have served, and will serve, in the Armed Forces of this nation.
- THANK YOU to the veterans for their service to our country.
For more information, please view our Veterans Memorial Page.
PET POLICY. For the safety and wellbeing of both people and plants, the Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens follows the rules that are applied to parks in the City of Dubuque: The City of Dubuque does not allow dogs in Marshall Park and the Arboretum.
So, as much as we all love our furry friends, please leave your pooch and other pets at home.
[Exception: service animals that are used for medical reasons.]
TOBACCO + SMOKING POLICY. The Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens is a tobacco-free environment.
Smoking, tobacco products, devices, and electronic smoking devices are not permitted on Garden property, including all buildings, grounds, restrooms, and parking lots.
Thank you for your cooperation.
ALCOHOL + FOOD POLICY. As with any other City of Dubuque park, alcoholic beverages and food are permitted.
We ask that moderation be kept in mind.
PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY.
- If you’re a professional photographer at an Arboretum wedding … whose bride and groom have reserved the Arboretum’s grounds as a venue, that reservation includes the right to have professional photography taken in the Gardens on the day of their wedding.
- If you’re a professional photographer taking your own pics … and intend to profit from the use of Arboretum images, we ask that you pay us for the privilege of using our property as your subject matter.
One-time photography session: $50. Fee must be paid in advance of the photography event.
Annual photography fee: $200. For unlimited photography privileges. Fee must be paid in advance. Renewable.
AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHY. If you’re an amateur photographer … taking family photos or photos of the Arboretum grounds for your own personal enjoyment and use, welcome. We encourage you to continue indulging that creative pursuit.
If a guest is asked by another person not to take pictures of that person (or others accompanying that person), please honor that request to protect personal rights of privacy. If a picture has already been taken, please delete it upon request.