Frequently Asked Questions
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 DABG grounds are open daily 7a to dusk.
Are public restrooms available?
Yes!
- In the Visitor Center during its open hours.
- Near the Children's Playground area.
- At the Legacy Tree Trailhead.
What are your hours?
THE GROUNDS. The grounds are open to the public daily (365 days per year): 7a to dusk.
THE VISITOR CENTER + ROOT AND PETTAL
- Mon-Sat: 9a to 5p | Sun: 10a to 5p
THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES.
- Mon-Tue-Wed: 11a to 5p | Thu-Fri: 9a to 5p
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).
How can I give a memorial or an honorarium?
- Memorial options and information can be found on the Memorials + Honorariums Page.
- Our honorarium information can be found on our Memorials + Honorariums Page.
- You can also request a call or meeting to discuss options.
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 Ceremonies
- Wedding Receptions
- 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! Our fun and family-friendly Playground Pavilion features a grill, six open-air tables, and electricity (for slow cookers and more) next to the Children's Playground area. Restroom facilities are nearby.
Are the grounds wheelchair accessible?
Most of the gardens are wheelchair accessible.
Do you offer tours?
We do!
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.
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 DABG follows the rules that are applied to parks in the City of Dubuque: The City of Dubuque does not allow dogs.
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 DABG 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 DABG 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 DABG 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 DABG 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.