FAQs

In case you missed anything.

Is it really free to visit?

Yes! We want as many people as possible to enjoy this beautiful place!

The Arboretum’s grounds are open daily 7a to dusk.

Are public restrooms available?

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.
What are your hours?

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 (April-October). Mon-Fri: 9a to 5p
  • Off-Season (November-March). Tue-Wed-Thu: 10a to 3p
Can I volunteer?

Absolutely! We welcome volunteers … they’re the lifeblood of our organization! We have both inside and outside volunteer opportunities.

Do you accept donations?

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).

I would like to give a memorial for someone. How do I do that?
  • 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.
REQUEST A CALL OR MEETING

Please have

someone contact me.

Use this form to contact someone from our organization with questions about a memorial. THANK YOU!

How do I give an honorarium?

Our honorarium information can be found:

  • on our Memorials + Honorariums Page or
  • by contacting the Executive Director.
REQUEST A CALL OR MEETING

Please have

someone contact me.

Use this form to contact someone from our organization with questions about an honorarium. THANK YOU!

Can I get married here?

Yes! For more information about booking your wedding ceremony with us. Please visit these pages:

  • Wedding Venues + Pricing
  • Wedding FAQs
When are concerts? Are they free? Can I bring in food and beverages?
  • 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 donations taken at intermission).
  • Feel free to bring your own food and beverages (including adult beverages). Food for purchase is also available from HyVee Catering, Dubuque Noon Lions Club, and Langworthy Family Dental.
Is there a picnic area with a grill available?

Yes! The Children’s Playground area has open-air pavilions, picnic tables, and grills. Restroom facilities are nearby.

Are the grounds wheelchair accessible?

Most of the gardens are wheelchair accessible.

Do you offer tours?

We do! To book* your no-cost, guided tour, please:

  • click the button below to request a tour OR
  • call 563.556.2100.

The duration of a tour can be from 45″ to 90″ and can be customized depending on:

  1. how much time you have,
  2. how much time you would like to spend on a tour, and/or
  3. 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.

*Tours are not booked on weekends or any day after 4p.

I’m planning an event. Do you have space for rent?

Yes! Rental information for our facilities (the Garden Room + the Hafeman Veranda + the Packard Pavilion Amphitheater + the Playground Pavilion) can be found on our Facility Rental Page.

What types of events can be held?

In addition to weddings:

  • Life Celebrations
  • Showers: Engagement, Bridal, Baby
  • Graduation Parties
  • Reunions: Family, School, College
  • Social Groups
I have a question about my tree or my house plant. Who do I contact?

Please call the Dubuque County Extension Office.

How many gardens are there?

Too many to count! Please view our Aerial Maps for a visual overview of our property.

Do you have any war memorials?

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.

Can I bring my dog/pet?

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.]

What’s your smoking policy?

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.


Can I bring adult beverages and food to the property?

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.

I’m a professional photographer / videographer. Can I take photos / videos?

PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY + VIDEOGRAPHY.

  • 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 or videographer 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 / videography session: $50. Fee must be paid in advance of the photography / videography event.

Annual photography / videography fee: $200. For unlimited photography / videography privileges. Fee must be paid in advance. Renewable.

I’m an amateur photographer. Can I take photos and/or videos?

AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHY. If you’re an amateur photographer … taking family photos/videos or photos/videos 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.