Our Story

Inspiring Lives through Creative Outdoor Play.℠

The Wanderwood Gardens is a place where imagination and nature grow side by side.

Tucked into the landscape of Dubuque, Iowa, this immersive woodland playground invites adventurers of all ages to explore winding paths, discover whimsical spaces, and reconnect with the wonder of the outdoors.

Created by visionaries Debi and Andy Butler and the Butler Children’s Garden Foundation, the idea for Wanderwood Gardens was inspired by their two granddaughters love for nature and the idea that children and families thrive when they have meaningful opportunities to play and explore in nature.

Today, Wanderwood is a three-acre forest of make-believes and discovery where curiosity leads the way.

Here, children can climb, wander, imagine, and create while developing a lifelong relationship with the natural world.

Memberships

Wanderwood exists to inspire lives through creative outdoor play, and to offer a place where wonder belongs to everyone.

Located neighboring the Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, Wanderwood Gardens is a one-of-a-kind destination where families can play, discover, and create lasting memories outdoors.

Our Vision

Awakening connections to nature by providing access for all - to grow, learn, dream, and play outdoors, developing a life-long positive relationship with the living world.

We Believe...

  • People live better, healthier lives when they can play and explore in nature.
  • Access to nature is profoundly important to the brain health and physical well-being of all people.
  • That a love for nature is caught, not taught and when people value their relationship with the environment, they will then treat nature with kindness and respect.

Take the W.I.L.D. Pledge

Wonder •
Imagine •
Learn •
Discover •

As you enter The Wanderwood Gardens, you are invited to embrace the spirit of exploration through the W.I.L.D. Pledge, a reminder to treat each other, the gardens, and the environment with kindness and respect.

  • Allow yourself to embrace the Wonder of nature’s beauty.
  • Imagine yourself inspiring magic in the garden surrounding you.
  • Expand your mind to Learn inside of our active nature playground.
  • Discover the endless enchantment of nature and all it has to offer.

Take the L.E.A.F. Promise

Learn •
Explore •
Absorb •
Flourish •

As you leave Wanderwood and continue your journey beyond the gardens, the L.E.A.F. Promise encourages you to carry the spirit of nature with you.

  • Inspiring ourselves to Learn about the natural world around us.
  • Explore all that nature and our planet have to offer.
  • Allow yourself and others to Absorb the joy that comes from being in nature.
  • Play and let your imagination Flourish.

Inspiring Lives through Creative Outdoor Play.℠

Buy Tickets Memberships

Take the W.I.L.D. Pledge

Wonder •
Imagine •
Learn •
Discover •

As you enter The Wanderwood Gardens, you are invited to embrace the spirit of exploration through the W.I.L.D. Pledge, a reminder to treat each other, the gardens, and the environment with kindness and respect.

  • Allow yourself to embrace the Wonder of nature’s beauty.
  • Imagine yourself inspiring magic in the garden surrounding you.
  • Expand your mind to Learn inside of our active nature playground.
  • Discover the endless enchantment of nature and all it has to offer.

Take the L.E.A.F. Promise

Learn •
Explore •
Absorb •
Flourish •

As you leave Wanderwood and continue your journey beyond the gardens, the L.E.A.F. Promise encourages you to carry the spirit of nature with you.

  • Inspiring ourselves to Learn about the natural world around us.
  • Explore all that nature and our planet have to offer.
  • Allow yourself and others to Absorb the joy that comes from being in nature.
  • Play and let your imagination Flourish.