Botanical Gardens

Department Services

Vander Veer Botanical Park

Location Information

Annual Events at Vander Veer Botanical Park

The Park, since its establishment in 1885, gardens and floral displays have been a tradition at this beautiful 33 acre park. Inviting visitors to stroll from the Conservatory to the Stone Fountain, the park grounds are home to an extensive collection of gardens and trees, including many planted during the early 1890's; maps are available at the Park Store.

The Grand Allee, a prominent walkway of trees and gardens leads to the popular Stone Fountain: a fountain of dancing, billowing water and changing lights. The park and its gardens are provided to the community by the partnership of the City of Davenport Park and Recreation Department and The Friends of Vander Veer, a 501(c)3 organization. The City of Davenport operates and maintains the grounds and facilities of the park with financial support from The Friends of Vander Veer for the ongoing renovation, promotion, and provision of public programs of the park. Vander Veer is a popular place for walking. The outside perimeter walkway is busy day and night providing a .9 mile lap for fitness enthusiasts.

The Floral Conservatory, Greenhouses, and Gardens

The Conservatory is famous for its 100-year tradition of providing gardens under glass. Gardens displayed under glass include: Spring Azalea and flowering bulbs, lily, daisy and fuchsia

Summer tropicals and foliage

Fall color including the Chrysanthemum Festival and Poinsettia Lights Display

The greenhouses at Vander Veer are always open to the public for strolling and enjoying the production side of conservatory display.

The Park Store, in the Conservatory, features a fine selection of gardening tools and unique gifts for the entire family. Store proceeds, a project of The Friends of Vander Veer, benefit the park, going to continued restoration efforts and programs. Vander Veer Botanical Park hosts a growing collection of trees and shrubs, perennial and annual gardens, including numerous national display gardens.

Old World Gardens at the Stone Fountain, ca 1900, a display of carpet beds of the style popular in many European countries, including 19th century Germany are represented at the fountain. The stone fountain is the second fountain built in the park. The first was an iron Victorian fountain that was later removed. The stone fountain dates back to the 1930s and has been renovated in recent years. The fountain runs from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. May through October. The water shoots up at varying heights and colored lights change the color of the water making for some beautiful nights in Vander Veer Park.

Municipal Rose Garden, est. 1948, All-America Rose Selections (AARS) garden.

Hosta Glade, est. 1998, American Hosta Society Official National Display Garden.

Children's Sculpture Garden, est. 1999, a colorful yet peaceful setting for Amber, Adam, and Cole: Grammy's Flower Children by Ted McElhiney.

All-America Selections Annual and Vegetable Display Garden, All-America Selections® is a nonprofit organization that tests new varieties and introduces those with superior performances as AAS winners. Look for the giant Praying Mantis, a sculpture donated by Dick Southwick.

Plant Zoo garden delights visitors with a zoo filled with topiaries and plants with animal names. Other collections and display gardens include the Shade Gardens and the Daylily Border and Grand Allée Teaching Beds

Fish, Ducks and Playgrounds The children's playground and lagoon are favorite summer spots. The lagoon is stocked by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, with catch-and-release fishing. Vending machines provide corn for park visitors to feed the ducks.

Location Between Brady and Harrison Streets (Highway 61 North and South) just south of West Central Park Avenue in Davenport, Iowa. Several classes and community workshops are held in the Gardener's Grounds Education Center. This facility is located across the street from the Conservatory, just north of the park.

Hours The Conservatory and Park Store are open Tuesdays-Sundays from 10 am-4 pm (closed on Mondays). Admission is $1 for adults ages 16 and older, free for ages 15 and under. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Admission is free on Tuesdays. The park is open daily from sunrise until one half-hour after sunset. Vehicle entrances are off Central Park Avenue. Admission to the park is free.

For more information

Visitor Services at the Park Store: (563) 326-7818

Volunteer and Education Office: (563) 323-3298

Environmental Education: (563) 320-0384

The Friends of Vander Veer: (563) 323-3298

Mailing address 214 W. Central Park Avenue, Davenport Iowa 52803-1503

Weddings Whether you want the warmth of the sun or floral fragrance, the Rose Garden, Stone Fountain, Conservatory, or Lilac Garden Gazebo offer the finest of nature's settings for your wedding ceremony. Call the Davenport Parks and Recreation office for available dates, 326-7812. Fee: $120 for 2 hours.

Rose Garden at Vander Veer Botanical Park Accredited by the All-America Rose Selections, the Rose Garden features 1800 roses representing approximately 145 varieties. You can sit by the fountain or enjoy a stroll through Vander Veer Botanical Park as you observe a wide array of roses in bloom.

Stampe Lilac Garden (Duck Creek Park) The City of Davenport and the Davenport Horticultural Society dedicated the Stampe Lilac Garden in 1980 on behalf of Mr. and Mrs. Wilson Stampe for their efforts in establishing and maintaining this outstanding horticultural area. Beginning in early April, flower enthusiasts can see narcissi, daffodils, crocus, and young blooming lilacs. In mid-April, hyacinths, tulips and crab apples will begin to bloom. Schedule a visit to the garden and experience the colors and fragrances of 30,000 spring bulb blooms.