Tours and School Programs

An education docent leans down to talk to a youth tour.

Education is Primary to Reiman Gardens’ Mission

We invite area educators, Iowa State University faculty, staff and students, CoHort members, youth and individuals from all walks of life to make Reiman Gardens their living classroom. Learn more about tour types below, including maximum numbers, advanced registration requirements, and more. Then, book your upcoming tour at Reiman Gardens!

All Guided Experiences must be booked at least 4 weeks in advance.

Bring your class to Reiman Gardens for a one-of-a-kind enrichment experience! Our 60-minute school programs offer hands-on learning and sensory exploration, while addressing Next Generation Science Standards in a beautiful setting.

$7/students. Up to 8 Adults: FREE. 9+ Adults: $15 each.

Chaperones are limited.  Up to a maximum of 8 adults may accompany each program at no charge. Groups may bring up to 6 additional adults at $15 per person. Organizations will be billed for any additional adults. This includes additional staff, parents, and volunteers. We will not be accepting individual payments on the day of the program.

Click here for a downloadable School Programs Guide outlining program options and important information about your tour.

For groups of 10 or more. Self-guided tours must be booked at least 1 week in advance.

  • Explore indoor and outdoor gardens independently. 
  • Reservations must be made at least one week in advance to receive reduced pricing:   
  • $5/Child, $11/Adult , $10/Senior when reserved in advance. Payment is due in one payment on arrival. Please Note: Discounts affiliated with Garden Memberships do not apply toward guided tours or group visits.
  • Feel free to bring your lunch and picnic in our beautiful outdoor spaces.

For groups of 10 or more. Guided Tours must be booked at least four weeks in advance.

  • Guided Tours of Reiman Gardens highlight the Christina Reiman Butterfly Wing, Hughes Conservatory, and other areas of the Gardens. 
  • 60-minute guided tours are $15 per person (for a minimum of 10 people), and this price includes all admission to the Gardens. If the minimum of 10 people cannot be met, groups have the option of switching to a self-guided experience; otherwise groups will be charged for the 10 people minimum ($150). Please Note: Discounts affiliated with Garden Memberships do not apply toward guided tours or group visits.
  • Groups must have a minimum of 10 guests and a limit of 12 guests per tour guide. Larger groups will be divided into smaller groups for ease of the tour and to maximize guests experience. 
  • Groups of 60 or more will require additional tour time. 
  • Bus driver admissions are included with group tours.
  • Tours are available Monday through Friday only.
  • Guided Tours include: personal, trained Reiman Gardens’ tour guide(s) exclusively assigned to your group; access to all areas of the Gardens, including the Butterfly Wing filled with exotic, live butterflies in flight; a walk through the ever-changing floral display in the 5,000 square-foot tropical Hughes Conservatory (except during Conservatory Changeout); a stroll through 17 acres of amazing outdoor gardens.

Option to Add a Lecture/Program:

Add an interesting program on butterflies, flowers, plants, or the annual exhibit by Reiman Gardens’ professional staff. The topics change regularly, so please contact us for details. There is a  fee for each program and scheduling is based on staff availability. Please note that an indoor room is not included with the booking of an adult tour. Any space needed for a program or speaker must be arranged with the Youth and Family Education Coordinator. 

Please contact education staff at: rgeducation@iastate.edu or 515-294-9012 for program options.

For groups of 5 maximum. Entomology Lab Tours must be booked at least four weeks in advance.

Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the glass in the Entomology Lab? Spend time exploring and learning about all things invertebrate with one of our entomologists. From beetles to scorpions, the Reiman Gardens Entomology Lab is home to more than 30 species of invertebrates beyond our wide diversity of butterflies and moths. This is your opportunity to get up-close and personal with some of the world’s most amazing creatures. 

  • Preregistration is required by calling Anita Westphal at 515-294-9145 - NO same day registrations.
  • 30-minute tours, Monday – Friday from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
  • Maximum group size 8 people.
  • Cost is $10 per person (regardless of age) + the Gardens admission rate for all non-members.
  • Payment will be taken when group arrives.
  • Only one group will be registered for a time slot.

Payment Guidelines

  • Payment for Self-Guided Experiences are due in one payment upon arrival. We accept credit, check, and purchase orders.
  • Payment for School Programs: A program invoice will be emailed to you within 2 business days AFTER your guided experience.
    • Payment by check or credit card (MC, VISA, or Discover) is due within 30 days of invoice receipt. We accept purchase orders as well.
    • No-shows are subject to a $50 administrative charge.
  • Discounts affiliated with Gardens Memberships do not apply toward group visits or chaperone admission. 

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