Directions

We do not recommend using a GPS system to navigate to the Botanical Garden. Most GPS systems will not navigate you to our facility. We recommend using the directions below. However, if you do use a GPS, please use zip code 50309 as this may help your device find our location.

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
909 Robert D. Ray Drive
Des Moines, Iowa 50309-2897
515.323.6290

Please note: Access to the Botanical Garden directly from University Avenue is closed. To access the Botanical Garden from University Avenue, please take Pennsylvania Avenue south to Des Moines Street and turn right on Des Moines Street to the “T” intersection at Robert D. Ray Drive. Turn right on Robert D. Ray Drive and the Botanical Garden will be on the right after you go under the I-235 bridge.

Driving Directions

Eastbound on I-235:

Take Exit 8B for East 6th Street exit
Turn right on East 6th Street
Turn right on Des Moines Street (corner with Alba restaurant)
Continue straight on Des Moines Street to the “T” intersection at Robert D. Ray Drive
Turn right on Robert D. Ray Drive
Continue straight and you will pass under Interstate 235. The road ends in the Botanical Garden parking lot.

Westbound on I-235:

Take Exit 8B for East 6th Street exit
Turn left on East 6th Street
Turn right on Des Moines Street (corner with Alba restaurant)
Continue straight on Des Moines Street to the “T” intersection at Robert D. Ray Drive
Turn right on Robert D. Ray Drive
Continue straight and you will pass under Interstate 235. The road ends in the Botanical Garden parking lot.

Eastbound from downtown on surface streets:

Take the Grand Avenue bridge over the river
Turn left on Robert D. Ray Drive
Continue straight and you will pass under Interstate 235. The road ends in the Botanical Garden parking lot.