School Tours | Adult Tours | Family Programming
Enjoy a relaxing tropical escape any time of the year! Your group will enjoy a visit to the stunning gardens at the Quad City Botanical Center. The tropical Sun Garden boasts one of the nation’s most uniquely designed conservatories! The awesome 14-foot waterfall, island gardens filled with jungle-size palm trees, orchids, bromeliads, jasmine, banana plants, coconut and chocolate trees, and fish offer an uplifting escape. In spring, summer, and fall, gorgeous outdoor gardens are infused with colorful perennials, ornamental grasses and texture-filled conifers. If your group prefers a self guided tour to explore the center on their own, please call in advance so as not to overlap with previously scheduled tours. A minimum of 10 people is required for a group tour; advance reservation is required. Contact the Education Director at 309-794-0991 ext 208 or edu@qcgardens.com for more information.
Experience a mind-body-conneciton with a little help form Mother Nature. Many tropical plants are used to make aromatherapy products and healthy foods & beverages. On your guided tour you'll see, smell and learn fascinating facts about these plants in our tropical Sun Garden. Your group will create their own aromatherapy bath salts. [90 minutes - guided tour and aromatherapy class $12.00].
This tour takes a closer look at the sweet lure of chocolate. Our addiction to chocolate began more than 3000 years ago in Central America. We'll examine the fascinating history of chocolate, follow the chocolate-making process, taste several tropical-flavored fudges, and take a visit to a chocolate tree (and other highlighted plants) in our tropical conservatory! [60 minutes; $12.00 includes Presentation (seated), Guided Garden Walking Tour & Coffee, Tea & Fudge].
$3/person, 10 person minimum. Perfect for family reunions or clubs! Advance reservations required for group rate.
There’s more to Explore!
Gift Shop, Art Shows and Dining Options!
The Window Box Gift Shop offers a wonderful assortment of garden-related gifts, including books, umbrellas, jewelry, scarves, ties, and home decor. Changing art exhibitions both in the garden (seasonally) and in our exhibit halls, ample free parking, clean restrooms and a spacious lobby complete the enjoyable tour experience.
To book your tour call our Education Director, Gary, at (309)794-0991 x 203 or email edu@qcgardens.com
Enjoy family programming on Sundays in April, July, and October.
All programs are free with paid general admission except Special Events which includes additional fees. You can find listing of general admission prices on our Home Page . You can also find a listing of our upcoming Special Events on our Events Page and our Calendar Page.
School Tours
For School and Children's educational Tours please visit our Education page.
Adult Tours
Enjoy a relaxing tropical escape any time of the year! Your group will enjoy a visit to the stunning gardens at the Quad City Botanical Center. The tropical Sun Garden boasts one of the nation’s most uniquely designed conservatories! The awesome 14-foot waterfall, island gardens filled with jungle-size palm trees, orchids, bromeliads, jasmine, banana plants, coconut and chocolate trees, and fish offer an uplifting escape. In spring, summer, and fall, gorgeous outdoor gardens are infused with colorful perennials, ornamental grasses and texture-filled conifers. If your group prefers a self guided tour to explore the center on their own, please call in advance so as not to overlap with previously scheduled tours. A minimum of 10 people is required for a group tour; advance reservation is required. Contact the Education Director at 309-794-0991 ext 208 or edu@qcgardens.com for more information. Global Harvest
Thousands of tourists who have ties to American farming visit the Quad Cities each year. Our visitors are always fascinated to learn how we use tropical plants every day, like bananas, chocolate, chewing gum, vanilla and more. Group tours see the actual live plants growing in their natural state - from bamboo to coconuts, from spices to perfumes. This guided walking tour will open your eyes to the importance of the international world. [30-45 minutes; $7.00 guided walking tour].Plants of the Bible Tour
There are more than 100 references to gardens and plants in the Bible! Many of these plants are present in our tropical Sun Garden and others are highlighted to reveal the miracle of plant adaptations. [30-60 minutes; $9.00 guided walking tour].Botanical Bliss Tour
Experience a mind-body-conneciton with a little help form Mother Nature. Many tropical plants are used to make aromatherapy products and healthy foods & beverages. On your guided tour you'll see, smell and learn fascinating facts about these plants in our tropical Sun Garden. Your group will create their own aromatherapy bath salts. [90 minutes - guided tour and aromatherapy class $12.00].
Chocolate Tour
This tour takes a closer look at the sweet lure of chocolate. Our addiction to chocolate began more than 3000 years ago in Central America. We'll examine the fascinating history of chocolate, follow the chocolate-making process, taste several tropical-flavored fudges, and take a visit to a chocolate tree (and other highlighted plants) in our tropical conservatory! [60 minutes; $12.00 includes Presentation (seated), Guided Garden Walking Tour & Coffee, Tea & Fudge].Self Guided Tour
$3/person, 10 person minimum. Perfect for family reunions or clubs! Advance reservations required for group rate.There’s more to Explore!
Gift Shop, Art Shows and Dining Options!
The Window Box Gift Shop offers a wonderful assortment of garden-related gifts, including books, umbrellas, jewelry, scarves, ties, and home decor. Changing art exhibitions both in the garden (seasonally) and in our exhibit halls, ample free parking, clean restrooms and a spacious lobby complete the enjoyable tour experience.
Dine in Comfort!
Dine in our state-of-the art banquet room and treat your group to a lunch or dinner before or after their garden tour experience. Please call for pricing information and menu options! For pricing on lunch or dinner please call Rose at 309-794-0991 x 201 or email katie@qcgardens.comTo book your tour call our Education Director, Gary, at (309)794-0991 x 203 or email edu@qcgardens.com
Family Programming
Enjoy family programming on Sundays in April, July, and October.
All programs are free with paid general admission except Special Events which includes additional fees. You can find listing of general admission prices on our Home Page . You can also find a listing of our upcoming Special Events on our Events Page and our Calendar Page.
Celebrating 15 years of growing minds through nature.