WANDERWOOD GARDENS

WANDERWOOD GARDENS. Although the 2.5-acre woodland playground adjacent to the DUBUQUE ARBORETUM AND BOTANICAL GARDENS was scheduled for its grand-opening on June 23, 2026, a sneak preview proved the grounds were a complete success. The more than a dozen attractions were available to employees of COTTINGHAM AND BUTLER, INC. and their families. Several hundred people took the company up on its generous offer. Construction of the gardens had been financed by Butler Children's Garden Foundation.

Serving as inspiration for the project came to Andrew Butler, the executive chairman of Cottingham and Butler, and his wife, Debi, who visited Chicago's Morton Arboretum which has a children's garden. The Butlers hired Jared McGovern of Peosta as the director of the Gardens. Work Began in September, 2024. The goal of the Gardens including to have fun was to generate a lifelong love of nature in children and help them learn various skills.

The Gardens include over 6,000 individual plants which have attracted wildlife. Features include climbing structures with a tree-house experience, mining camp where "prospectors" can dig for "treasure" and build forts, and a Garden of Melodies with interactive wind chimes, drums and other instruments. All activities are ADA accessible. There is an indoor cottage with classrooms and event space and event space. A water-based activity center included a Snail Trail Plaza.

At its opening, visitors will find the Gardens use an arrival time slot to ensure the center is not crowded.

Source:

1. Strzalka, Konrad, "Wanderwood Gardens' Sneak Peek Delightful for Children," Telegraph Herald, June 14, 2026, p. 1