Admission and Hours

Admission

Purchase admission for an upcoming visit to Reiman Gardens online or upon arrival.

You can apply your day’s admission towards the purchase of an annual membership. This can be done at our front desk.

2025 days featuring special admission rates

• May 9, 2025: National Go Public Garden Day

Directions to Reiman Gardens 

Some smart phones and GPS list Reiman Gardens and our mailing address 1407 University Blvd. in the wrong location.

Instead of entering Reiman Gardens or our address, enter into the map’s search field “intersection of University Boulevard and South 16 Street Ames”. Find the map below with directions to our entrance from the intersection of University Blvd. and S. 16 St.

Parking

Parking is always free at Reiman Gardens. Park in Lot S1 or S2. For special events, parking in lot S3 is also permitted. 

Bus drivers are asked to park in Lot S2. Large groups will enter through the East Gate Entrance, which is located closer to Lot S2.

Note: With close proximity to Iowa State University’s Jack Trice Football Stadium, there is no guest parking available on home football game days. Check the Iowa State football schedule HERE. Call (515) 294-2710 for more information.

Need to contact Reiman Gardens?

Call us at 515-294-2710

Email us at reimangardens@iastate.edu

For Media Inquiries, email Andrew Gogerty at gogertya@iastate.edu

Mail us at:
Reiman Gardens
1407 University Blvd
Ames, IA 50011

Rules to Protect Both Butterflies and Iowa’s Environment

The Christina Reiman Butterfly Wing is a United States Department of Agriculture containment facility, which means we abide by a stringent set of regulations designed to protect both the butterflies in the Wing and the environment outside of it.

The Wing contains butterflies transported to Iowa from tropical lands and six continents. Tropical butterflies could pose serious environmental threats if allowed to escape the containment wing and establish themselves in Iowa’s environment. The emerald ash borer and Japanese beetle are two examples of invasive, non-native insect species that have made their way into Iowa’s environment and are causing damage to our landscapes and crops.

Following a few simple rules can help ensure Reiman Gardens is not the source of the next invasive pest concern in Iowa.

Things to know before your visit:

• No food, drinks, large bags, coats, strollers, large camera bags, tripods, or monopods. As much as possible, leave things in your car so you don’t have to worry about these extra items. There is a coat rack directly west of the front desk.
• No flowers or plant matter in to the Butterfly Wing. All material brought in will be confiscated and incinerated.

Things to know during your visit:

• Do not touch or grab the butterflies. They’re quite fragile and their wings are easily damaged. Also please watch your step. Butterflies frequently sit on the path.
• Do not pick the flowers or bring flowers or plant matter in to the Butterfly Wing. All material brought in will be confiscated and incinerated.
• Check in the large mirrors in the exit vestibules for hitchhikers before you exit. Butterflies can land on you and catch a ride as you leave.
• Do not open both doors of either the entrance or exit vestibules at the same time. This will help contain the butterflies.

Entering and exiting procedure: Doors are locked; a docent is always by the door to open the door and allow you in or out. The docent will go over the rules with you and answer any questions. A docent will then meet you at the exit door to make sure no butterflies follow you out.

Being careful inside the Wing and making sure that no butterflies escape as you leave will help maintain the Butterfly Wing for the enjoyment of all. 

Photography, still and video, is permitted for private, non-commercial use only. Photographs cannot be published, sold, reproduced, transferred, distributed, or otherwise commercially exploited in any manner whatsoever without written consent of Reiman Gardens. Absolutely no professional photographers are allowed in the Butterfly Wing. Reiman Gardens reserves the right, and its sole discretion, to withhold and/or withdraw permission to photograph on its premises or to reproduce photographs of objects in its collection. For complete policy, including policies for commercial and wedding photographers.

For Education Programs:

• Refunds will only be given if a program is cancelled by Reiman Gardens’ staff.
• Withdrawals more than 10 days prior to a class will result in a credit toward another program.
• Withdrawals with less than 10 days notice are non-refundable; please consider your payment a donation to the Gardens.

For Events:

• There are no refunds or exchanges on any special event registrations, though reservations may be transferred to another person or persons for the same event.
• Advance purchase is highly recommended, as spaces are limited.
• Registrations are not refunded for any inclement weather including but not limited to snow, wind, rain, mud, cold or extreme temperatures.
• Refunds will not be given for dissatisfaction with any event, as opinions are subjective.
• Event registrations are non-transferable to another event or Gardens education class.

For Memberships:

• All Reiman Gardens memberships are nontransferable and nonrefundable.