Visit to Vander Veer Botanical Park & Gardens

Vander Veer Botanical 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.

The Conservatory at Vander Veer is located at 215 W Central Park in Davenport. Hours are 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Tuesday through Sunday. Closed on Monday.

Park Features:
The Grand Allee, a prominent walkway of trees and gardens leads to the popular Stone Fountain: a fountain of dancing, billowing Grand Allee water and changing lights. Vander Veer is a popular place for walking, both on the Grand Allee and the outside perimeter. The outside perimeter walkway is busy day and night providing a .9 mile lap for fitness enthusiasts.

The Conservatory is famous for its 100-year tradition of providing gardens under glass. Rotating features on display annually in the Conservatory include:
- Spring Azalea and flowering bulbs, lily, daisy and fuchsia
- Summer tropicals and foliage
- Fall color includes the Chrysanthemum Festival
- Winter features the Poinsettia Lights Display

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

The Municipal Rose Garden, established in 1948, is an All-America Rose Selections (AARS) garden.

The Hosta Glade, established. 1998, is an American Hosta Society Official National Display Garden.

The Old World Gardens and Fountain, ca 1900, is 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.

The Children's Sculpture Garden, established 1999, is a colorful yet peaceful setting for Amber, Adam, and Cole: Grammy's Flower Children by Ted McElhiney. Look for the giant Praying Mantis, a sculpture donated by Dick Southwick.

All-America Selections Annual Display Garden - All-America Selections® is a nonprofit organization that tests new varieties and introduces those with superior performances as AAS winners.

Other collections and display gardens include the Shade Gardens and the Daylily Border and Grand Allée Teaching Beds.

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

Enabling Garden - The Enabling Garden is an accessible garden and features plantings that stimulate all the senses, and includes planting beds and containers raised for comfortable reach. This accessible garden can be used by persons of any age or ability and includes garden elements that appeal to all five senses. The gardens are designed to improve and maintain the physical mental and social health of everyone.

The Enabling Garden eliminates physical barriers to gardening, creating an area where people of all ages and abilities can garden together. Key features of the Vander Veer Enabling Garden are: accessible paths throughout, garden beds and containers at differing elevations, water feature, pergola, and a riot of color and textures.