Monarch Butterfly
ParkIowa, US
Bickelhaupt Arboretum
Bickelhaupt Arboretum is a nationally recognized outdoor museum of horticulture in Clinton, Iowa.
About
Bickelhaupt Arboretum is a nationally recognized outdoor museum of horticulture in Clinton, Iowa.
Spanning 14 to 15 acres, this esteemed arboretum serves as a living classroom, showcasing a stunning array of select-labeled trees, shrubs, ground covers, perennials, and vibrant annual flowers. It is particularly renowned for one of the top garden conifer collections in the country, featuring over 600 cultivars and unique "Witches' Brooms." Visitors can immerse themselves in carefully curated landscapes, from specialized plant collections to habitats designed for local wildlife, fostering a deep connection between people and the natural world.
The arboretum boasts impressive specialized gardens, including the American Hosta Society National Display Garden with over 250 species and cultivars, and the Roy Klehm Peony Collection, featuring both intersectional and tree peonies. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the Monarch Watch Butterfly Station, actively supporting monarch conservation, and the tranquil Bird Haven. Adding a touch of whimsy and ecological art, the grounds are also home to "Marvin," a captivating troll sculpture crafted from reclaimed wood by internationally recognized artist Thomas Dambo, inviting exploration and discovery.
Visiting Bickelhaupt Arboretum offers a peaceful and enriching experience, ideal for all ages, with free admission and year-round accessibility from dawn to dusk. Recent renovations have transformed the original homestead into a modern education and events center, featuring an immersive native animal exhibit and a breathtaking glass floor art installation over the former pool. Whether you're seeking horticultural inspiration, a quiet stroll amidst diverse plant life, educational programs, or a unique artistic encounter, the arboretum provides a memorable escape and a vibrant space for learning and reflection. Don't forget to bring the Snappit nature identification app along to scan local species.
The Bickelhaupt Arboretum was established in 1970 by Robert and Frances Bickelhaupt, a local couple from Clinton, Iowa. Their motivation stemmed from the devastating impact of Dutch Elm Disease, which was destroying many of the beloved trees in their hometown during the 1960s. Despite having no formal horticultural training, the Bickelhaupts were inspired to take action, transforming their own backyard into an educational arboretum. They traveled to the Morton Arboretum in Chicago, sought guidance from arborists, and dedicated their lives to creating a public garden that would demonstrate which plants would thrive in the area and how to care for them. In 2014, the arboretum was generously gifted to the Eastern Iowa Community Colleges, ensuring its enduring legacy as a place for education and exploration. The institution has since embarked on significant enhancements, completing a major renovation in 2026. This project transformed the Bickelhaupt homestead into a state-of-the-art education and events center, expanding opportunities for year-round learning, community gatherings, and special events. Key additions include flexible event spaces, technology-equipped classrooms, an immersive native animal exhibit, and a unique glass floor art installation over the original pool footprint.
What to do here
Stroll the winding paths, discover and identify labeled plants, enjoy the seasonal blooms and foliage, watch for birds and butterflies, visit the education and events center, locate the Dambo troll, and explore the immersive native animal exhibit. The arboretum also hosts various educational programs and events throughout the year.
**Seasonal notes: **
* **Spring: ** Expect blooming daffodils, flowering trees, and peonies. Special events like "Monarchs in May" might be offered.
* **Summer: ** The butterfly garden will be active, and daylilies will be in bloom.
* **Fall: ** Enjoy vibrant autumn foliage from the deciduous tree collections.
* **Winter: ** The extensive conifer collection provides evergreen interest and structural beauty against the snow.
The arboretum grounds are open daily from dawn to dusk, regardless of the season.
**Accessibility features: ** The newly renovated education and events center features accessible pathways, benches, and shaded areas in "The Gathering Place." The building itself is designed with accessibility in mind, including an accessible exterior. Within the gardens, the Hosta Garden features a chipped curving path.
Seasonal info
Spring: Expect blooming daffodils, flowering trees, and peonies. Special events like "Monarchs in May" might be offered.
Summer: The butterfly garden will be active, and daylilies will be in bloom.
Fall: Enjoy vibrant autumn foliage from the deciduous tree collections.
Winter: The extensive conifer collection provides evergreen interest and structural beauty against the snow.
The arboretum grounds are open daily from dawn to dusk, regardless of the season.
Accessibility features: The newly renovated education and events center features accessible pathways, benches, and shaded areas in "The Gathering Place." The building itself is designed with accessibility in mind, including an accessible exterior. Within the gardens, the Hosta Garden features a chipped curving path.
Accessibility
The newly renovated education and events center features accessible pathways, benches, and shaded areas in "The Gathering Place." The building itself is designed with accessibility in mind, including an accessible exterior. Within the gardens, the Hosta Garden features a chipped curving path.
Don't miss
1
Heartland Collection of Dwarf and Rare Conifers
A nationally recognized collection with over 600 cultivars, including rare "Witches' Brooms."
2
National Hosta Display Garden
Featuring more than 250 species and cultivars.
3
Roy Klehm Peony Collection
A beautiful display of intersectional, tree, and herbaceous peonies.
4
Monarch Watch Butterfly Station
Dedicated to monarch conservation and attracting native butterflies.
Wildlife you might spot
12Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.
Snap map for this place
Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.
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Good to know before you go
Wear comfortable walking shoes to explore the extensive grounds and various garden areas.
Bring a camera to capture the diverse plant collections, seasonal blooms, and the unique Thomas Dambo troll.
Check the Eastern Iowa Community Colleges website for current events or special educational programs before your visit.
Don't miss the newly renovated education and events center, which houses a fascinating native animal exhibit and a stunning glass floor art installation.
If visiting in spring (April-May), look out for the vibrant daffodil and peony collections, as well as flowering trees.
Bring a handful of peanuts – the arboretum is known for its friendly squirrels.
Frequently asked questions
- The Bickelhaupt Arboretum is open daily from dawn to dusk, year-round, allowing visitors to enjoy its beauty in all seasons.
- No, admission to the Bickelhaupt Arboretum is completely free, making it an accessible public garden for everyone to enjoy.
- Visitors can discover several unique attractions, including the internationally recognized Heartland Collection of Dwarf and Rare Conifers, a captivating Thomas Dambo troll sculpture named "Marvin," and an immersive native animal exhibit housed within the recently renovated education and events center. The center also features a stunning glass floor art installation.
Recent snaps at this place
Jun 20, 2025
i
Photo attribution
(c) aarongunnar, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
Jun 20, 2025
i
Photo attribution
(c) aarongunnar, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
May 27, 2026
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May 25, 2026
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May 24, 2026
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