Reiman Gardens Ames Iowa: Visitor Guide, Review & Elwood the Concrete Gnome

What started as our quest to see Elwood, the World’s Largest Concrete Gnome at Reiman Gardens in Ames, Iowa, turned into an incredible adventure through one of Iowa’s most beautiful botanical gardens.

Nestled in the heart of Iowa State University’s campus, Reiman Gardens Ames Iowa offers an unexpected botanical paradise that delights visitors year-round. Located at 1407 University Blvd in Ames, Iowa, this stunning destination combines natural beauty with unique attractions, making it a perfect stop for travelers exploring the Midwest.

At just $12 for admission, Reiman Gardens is genuinely worth the stop — whether you’re passing through Ames or making a dedicated detour for a concrete gnome. Which, for the record, is a completely valid reason to detour.

The Christina Reiman Butterfly Wing: A Tropical Paradise

The moment you step into the Christina Reiman Butterfly Wing, you’re transported into a living tropical ecosystem where hundreds of butterflies flutter freely around you. This climate-controlled conservatory maintains the perfect environment for both tropical butterflies and exotic plants, creating an immersive experience that feels worlds away from Iowa’s landscape.

Upon entering, visitors receive a brief orientation about butterfly etiquette and safety protocols. The staff emphasizes moving slowly and being patient – butterflies are naturally curious but easily startled. We spent considerable time sitting on the strategically placed benches, hoping for that perfect butterfly landing moment. While our butterfly encounter lasted only 0.18 seconds, the experience was magical nonetheless.

The guides throughout the butterfly wing actually know their stuff. We had a whole conversation about a giant moth we found, and it turned into a genuinely interesting rabbit hole about Lepidoptera and tropical ecosystems. Worth slowing down for.

Hughes Observatory: The Quiet Part of Reiman Gardens

After the butterfly wing, there’s a connecting hallway full of plants before you land in the Hughes Observatory — and this is where things get genuinely peaceful in a way that snuck up on us.

Floor-to-ceiling tropical plants. Massive leaves. Seating tucked everywhere. The temperature is warm but not oppressive, and the whole space is clearly designed for people who want to just… sit there for a minute. We are those people. It worked on us completely.

Garden Playhouses: Whimsical Architecture Meets Functionality

One of Reiman Gardens’ most charming features is the rotating exhibition of Garden Playhouses. These aren’t ordinary structures – they’re architectural gems that blend creativity with functionality, each representing different design philosophies and aesthetic approaches.

The playhouses showcase various styles and themes, from rustic charm to modern minimalism. Our personal favorite was the Polycarbonate Cube, which perfectly captures the essence of a contemporary greenhouse. Its transparent walls and geometric design create an interesting interplay of light and shadow while maintaining the intimate feeling of a garden retreat.

And yes — they’re available for purchase when the exhibit ends. Someone gets to take one of these home. That someone is not us because we live in a bus, but we respect the concept deeply.

🪴 Elwood: World’s Largest Gnome (Yes, That’s a Real Title)

We met Elwood in person. He’s enormous, expressionless, and made entirely of concrete — standing there inside Reiman Gardens like he’s the final boss of whimsical landscaping. They say he’s the World’s Largest Concrete Gnome, which makes you wonder: is there some secret ranking of gnomes by material? Did he beat a resin contender in 2012? Is there drama in the gnome world? Probably.

Elwood clutches a daffodil, and there is absolutely no warmth in his gaze. Social media calls him charming. We call him… unsettlingly powerful. Still, we took the obligatory photo because it’s the law (unspoken, but firm). He’s the icon of Reiman Gardens, whether he likes it or not — which he probably doesn’t. The butterfly exhibit behind him is full of life. Elwood is full of concrete.

One stop. One photo. One gnome you won’t forget, whether you want to or not.

Sculptures, Gardens, and Stuff We Didn’t Expect

Beyond the main attractions, Reiman Gardens keeps surprising you. Metal sculptures tucked into garden areas. Themed corners that don’t announce themselves. Cute birdhouses everywhere. A scarecrow installation that has absolutely no business being as charming as it is.

The shaded areas are your best friend in warmer months, and there’s always something blooming regardless of when you show up. It has that quality of a place that rewards wandering slowly instead of ticking boxes.

Planning Your Visit to Reiman Gardens

• Location: 1407 University Blvd, Ames, Iowa — on Iowa State University’s campus
• Admission: $12 — genuinely good value for what’s inside
• Time needed: Budget 2–3 hours minimum. More if you’re a plant person or have a camera.
• Shoes: Comfortable walking shoes. You’re going to want to see all of it.
• Elwood: Yes, he’s real. Yes, he’s worth it. No, he will not smile for your photo.

📍 From Concrete to Cornfields

Elwood was just one stop on our wandering through Ames, Iowa — a town where garden gnomes have titles and butterflies outshine statues. If you missed our full rundown of Ames’ oddball offerings (yes, the turkey made the cut), circle back to the main post and catch the full spectacle. You’ll find that here!