Ledges State Park
Check pricesIowa state park known for sandstone cliffs above Peas Creek, hiking trails, and 1930s CCC stonework.

Photo: GardenLover2008, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.
A university-owned public garden on the Iowa State University campus in Ames, with year-round events and a tropical butterfly house.
1407 University Blvd., Ames, IA 50011 · Ames, IA
Reiman Gardens is a 17-acre public garden on the Iowa State University campus, sitting just south of Jack Trice Stadium. It runs events, programs, lectures, and tours through the year. Visitors can enjoy the Christina Reiman Butterfly Wing, a warm tropical space with live butterflies flying freely. The garden hosts a seasonal holiday light show called Winter Wonderscape, along with markets, bonsai shows, and classes. In 2023 it earned a top-10 garden ranking from an international garden tourism conference.
The closest stops to Reiman Gardens, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.
Iowa state park known for sandstone cliffs above Peas Creek, hiking trails, and 1930s CCC stonework.
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Pedal-powered railbike rides through the Des Moines River valley beside the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad.
14 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours
Open-air outlet shopping center in Altoona, Iowa, with discounted brand-name stores and dining.
25 mi awaySwitch it up: Shopping
Ride seven roller coasters, including the 101-degree drop of the Monster, and cool off at the Adventure Bay water park.
Transit: reachable by public transit
26 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions
Step inside an 80-foot geodesic dome conservatory, then stroll 12 acres of indoor and outdoor gardens on the Des Moines River next to downtown.
29 mi awayMore like this
A quiet river-bottom state park in suburban West Des Moines, known for its black walnut forest and 1930s CCC-era lodge.
33 mi awayMore like this