This month, the gardens are entering one of the most exciting phases yet, as hundreds of plants find their place in the landscape. What was once pathways and plans is now filling in with color, texture, and life. It’s the moment where imagination meets reality, and you can finally start to see the gardens as they were meant to be experienced!
At the same time, the finishing touches are bringing the magic forward. Water features are being carefully completed, adding movement, sound, and a sense of wonder throughout the gardens. Details that once lived only in sketches are now coming to life in full scale, from interactive elements to the smallest thoughtful accents. Wanderwood is becoming less of a construction site and more of a destination, one that’s nearly ready to welcome its first wanderers. We're so excited to share it with you.
Magical details in every corner.
Coming June 2026, The Wanderwood Gardens is an enchanting setting for discovery and imaginative play. This new children’s garden will cultivate children’s relationships with the outdoors through interacting with the natural and manmade playgrounds surrounding them. The gardens are filled with a variety of flowers, trees, and plants, with magical activity areas and winding paths that lead to hidden nooks and crannies, creating an active nature’s playground for all ages. The Wanderwood Gardens will be connected to The Dubuque Arboretum and located at 3800 Arboretum Dr in Dubuque, Iowa. Follow @wanderwoodgardens on Facebook and Instagram!