One of the most amazing places to see hundreds of exotic butterflies in Iowa is located inside a 17-acre botanical center in Ames. Reiman Gardens is open year-round. With both indoor and expansive outdoor spaces, it’s an ideal place to spend the day.

To find the entrance to the parking lot, enter "intersection of University Boulevard and South 16 Street, Ames" into your GPS. The physical address of Reiman Gardens is 1407 University Blvd.
Reiman Gardens
Inside the enclosed Christina Reiman Butterfly Wing, you'll see as many as 80 different species of butterflies numbering over 800. Both native and exotic species are represented here, and the types of butterflies living here change frequently, so there's always something new to see.
The structure itself was carefully designed by the architect to resemble the wing of a butterfly.
Reiman Gardens
Inside, you'll find a tranquil waterfall, pond, as well as the amazing travelers palm (Ravenala madagascariensis) and the fishtail palm (Caryota mitis).
Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. including the 17 acres of outdoor gardens, the indoor tropical plant Conservatory, the Butterfly Wing, and the Gift Shop.
Reiman Gardens Website
It's important to note that Reiman Gardens is in close proximity to the Iowa State University's Jack Trick Football Stadium. On home football game days, there is no available guest parking available in the parking lot closest to the gardens.
Yearly themes, an ever-changing landscape that shifts with the seasons, a tropical indoor Conservatory, and a 2,500 square foot Butterfly House that is home to 800 exotic butterflies makes Reiman Gardens a must-see destination.
Reiman Gardens
Reiman Gardens

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Reiman Gardens
There are feeding stations all over the butterfly house. This offers visitors the opportunity to see the butterflies up-close.
Looking is welcome, but touching is not.
Reiman Gardens
On the way in, employees will direct guests about how to behave around the many butterflies that have a home in the butterfly house at Reiman Gardens.
Hold still, you may have a hitchhiker.
Reiman Gardens
Reiman Gardens
It's normal for butterflies to land on visitors. Even if they come in for a visit, it's important to never touch them. Oils from human hands can harm them.
Occasionally, Reiman Gardens offers a day during which admission is free. Normally, there is a charge to enter the gardens and butterfly house.
Reiman Gardens
Admission is $8 for adults between the ages of 18 and 64, $7 for seniors over the age lf 65, $4 for kids between the ages of 4 and 17, and free for kids under the age of 3.
On your way out, be sure to stop by the beautiful gift shop. It's full of garden accessories, souvenirs, and art.
Reiman Gardens
To find out more about the exact species of butterflies that are currently living in the butterfly house, and to identify them using a trait-based system, you'll want to access the Reiman Gardens app using an Android smartphone. It's also compatible with web browsers. This app also helps users identify Iowa native butterflies.

Have you seen the butterfly house at Reiman Gardens? Where is your favorite place to enjoy gardens and nature in Iowa?

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