6 Places to See Spring Flowers in Des Moines

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purple spring flowers downtown Des Moines. Des Moines MomIt’s finally spring! The birds are singing and the flowers are blooming! Maybe it’s because we’ve survived another Iowa winter, but spring is lovely in Des Moines and we have some of the prettiest flowers. You know you want to grab your camera and take pictures of these beauties while they’re at their peak!

Where to See Spring Flowers in Des Moines

Arie Den Boer Arboretum, Water Works Park

2201 George Flagg Pkwy, Des Moines

You will feel like you’re walking in a fairytale full of fluffy pink and white blooms when the crab apple trees are in bloom. Arie Den Boer Arboretum is home to one of the largest collections of flowering crabapple trees in the world. After you enjoy the blooms, walk through the tunnel under Fleur Drive and enjoy a stroll around Gray’s Lake

Ewing Park

5300 Indianola Ave, Des Moines

If you love lilacs, you have to visit Ewing Park in the spring. The lilac arboretum is stunning when the pink and purple bushes are blooming. Pack a picnic and spread out a blanket to enjoy the sweet-smelling flowers. 

Clare & Miles Mills Rose Garden

4500 Grand Ave, Des Moines

Located in the heart of Des Moines, behind the Art Center, the Clare & Miles Mills Rose Garden is stunning in May and June. Colorful roses and peonies are a beautiful backdrop for family photos. After you walk through the gardens, head down to the tree-lined pond in Greenwood Park. The cherry blossoms are lovely!

// Related article: 5 Spots for Outdoor Photos in Des Moines //

Gardens at the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates

100 Locust St, Des Moines

Head downtown and walk through the manicured gardens outside the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates. When the tulips are in bloom it’s one of the prettiest spots in the city. There are benches to sit on and statutes and fountains to enjoy.

Des Moines Botanical Garden

You can enjoy flowers in the dome year-round, but spring is a perfect time to explore the outdoor gardens and water features. Plan to have lunch at Trellis Cafe, the restaurant attached to the gardens and fully appreciate the blooms and spectacular views of downtown. 

Pella Tulip Festival

You won’t regret making the drive to Pella (located an hour southeast of Des Moines). This charming Dutch town goes all out for their annual Tulip Time Festival, the first weekend of May. If you want to miss the crowds, head there in the days leading up to the festival, when blooms are at their peak. While you’re there, be sure to get a famous Dutch Letter pastry from Jaarsma Bakery on the square!

Bonus: The flowering trees on the corner of 86th Street and NW 62nd Ave in Johnston is not to be missed! 

Where is your favorite place to see spring blooms? 

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