Brenton Arboretum, Botanical garden in Dallas Center, Iowa
The Brenton Arboretum is a botanical garden in Dallas Center spread across a large property with thousands of labeled trees and shrubs positioned throughout. The grounds feature both manicured pathways and more natural sections with shaded trails that wind through wooded areas.
The site grew from a family's vision and began systematically planting trees in the 1990s with a focus on expanding the collection over time. What started as a planting program gradually transformed into the larger property it is today.
The space is named after the family who donated the land and serves as a community gathering spot where visitors move freely between manicured gardens and wilder sections. The way people use these trails shows how much green space matters to locals.
The property is free to enter and offers trails suitable for different fitness levels with rest areas along the way. Dogs are permitted, and covered pavilions provide shelter if weather changes.
A special focus is placed on a collection of Kentucky coffeetrees that preserves plants with different genetic backgrounds from various parts of the Midwest and beyond. This grouping is uncommon and serves research purposes.
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