The Brenton Arboretum

The Brenton Arboretum is a nonprofit arboretum and public garden set on a scenic Iowa landscape in Dallas Center, about 25 miles northwest of Des Moines. Dedicated to trees and shrubs, the grounds feature more than 2,200 specimens representing 486 species, arranged across informal plantings, water features, and walking trails. The arboretum holds Level 2 accreditation from the Morton Register of Arboreta and is recognized for its collections of Kentucky coffeetree, elm, crabapple, and conifers. For private events, the arboretum offers two distinct indoor rental spaces alongside a set of outdoor locations — accommodating gatherings from intimate elopements to celebrations of up to 300 guests. The Pavilion, an open-air timber structure atop a breezy hill, provides panoramic views of the landscape and a limestone fireplace. The Vista Room and Terrace, situated adjacent to the arboretum offices, is a climate-controlled, ADA-accessible space with sweeping views of the grounds, audiovisual equipment, and WiFi. Both spaces can be rented individually or combined. The arboretum hosts weddings, rehearsal dinners, corporate meetings, family reunions, and other private celebrations, with a dedicated rental coordinator available to guide event planning.