Our Future
MASTER PLAN
The Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens (DABG) is excited to share its first-ever Master Plan, as the organization strives through its 45th anniversary year. This 30-year vision marks the most ambitious and first initiative of its kind in the DABG’s history. Rather than expanding beyond its current 56-acre footprint, the plan focuses on maximizing the potential of existing space to better serve guests, volunteers, and the broader Dubuque community. The vision prioritizes accessibility, sustainability, education, and natural beauty — core values that have guided the DABG since its founding. These planned improvements will help continue to elevate the DABG to the true destination it is, offering engaging experiences and opportunities throughout the entire year.
With Wanderwood Gardens, a new children’s garden and separate nonprofit being developed right next door, this Master Plan is also a timely investment in the future of this shared landscape. Together, these two organizations will create a powerful cultural and educational hub, increasing tourism, community engagement, and shared resources that will benefit the entire region. This long-term vision was sparked in part by a strategic planning process made possible through the generous support of the Butler Family Foundation. That process helped DABG clarify its priorities, evaluate its capacity, and ultimately recognize the critical need for a Master Plan to guide its future growth — especially with the addition of Wanderwood Gardens on the horizon.
Plant today, for the future
Bringing this bold vision to life will require the support of individuals, businesses, and community partners who believe in our mission and our organization's future. Whether through a one-time gift, a multi-year pledge, sponsorship of a specific garden, or by including the DABG in your planned giving, every contribution helps make this transformation possible. To learn more about how you can support the Master Plan and leave a lasting legacy in Dubuque’s most beloved urban oasis, visit HERE or contact our Executive Director to learn more, brainstorm, and have your questions answered.
Notable New Features to Inspire
[ Photos are for visionary purposes and are not actual designs. ]
New Gardens: The Master Plan emphasizes improving accessibility, enhancing existing garden spaces, and identifying opportunities to add new gardens to expand the DABG’s collection.
Breathtaking Views: The DABG’s natural topography makes it an ideal location for a fully ADA-compliant canopy walk, which would provide accessible entry to the far reaches of the woods. Spanning 550 feet across a 50-foot-deep ravine —from the slopes below the Japanese Garden to the proposed prairie restoration area — this elevated walkway would offer all visitors a unique treetop experience. In addition to connecting two distinct areas of the DABG, the canopy walk would also serve as a prime spot for birdwatching.
Immersive Forest Amphitheatre: The DABG’s natural hillside is ideal for a Forest Amphitheater with limestone terrace seating built into the slope. Guests could sit on stone edges or bring lawn chairs for the grassy areas behind. VIP seating could also be added on the terrace. The design includes access for emergency and service vehicles, along with nearby restrooms and a snack bar. The space will accommodate over 3,500 guests for a unique entertainment experience surrounded in nature.
Reimagined Visitor Center: The Heinemann Visitor Center — originally a farm shed — has served the DABG well for decades. However, changing needs now call for important updates. As outlined in the Master Plan, proposed improvements focus on enhancing functionality without the need for a complete rebuild. Planned upgrades include converting and expanding the south porch into a four-season, rentable space; reconfiguring and enlarging the gift shop; improving accessibility throughout the building; and adding more restrooms, including ADA-compliant facilities, to better serve our guests.
Tropics + Butterfly Conservatory: A stunning centerpiece in the Master Plan is a new 5,250-square-foot, three-story glass conservatory and butterfly house that will captivate visitors year-round. Nestled into the landscape with one level below the east entry grade and soaring two stories above, this striking structure will offer an immersive tropical experience in every season. An attached 1,260-square-foot entry gallery will serve as an educational hub, hosting seasonal exhibits and interactive displays to inspire curiosity and learning.
Event Spaces with a Touch of Culture: As part of the DABG’s Master Plan, three unique event buildings will be added to the grounds — a beautiful glassed building surrounded by stunning white pines, an English Garden Tudor-style building, and a Japanese Garden Tea House —will be thoughtfully integrated into the grounds. Each structure will reflect its cultural influence through architecture and setting, offering guests a distinct experience. These beautifully designed spaces will be available to rent, providing elegant, nature-connected venues for small events, gatherings, and celebrations with a touch of global charm.
Connecting Closer with Nature: This Master Planning process has delineated safe alternative garden pathways that will immerse visitors within the DABG plantings and provide safe alternatives to walking the roads. These new accessible pathways consist of large, gentle, sweeping curves to connect guests with nature.
