It’s a Trip. Make It Festive.
If Reiman Gardens isn’t already on your radar, fall and winter are a pretty spectacular time to discover it. Located just south of Jack Trice Stadium on the Iowa State University campus, this 17-acre public garden transforms with the seasons, giving familiar fall and holiday traditions a setting that feels anything but ordinary.
This fall and winter, make the trip for two of Reiman Gardens’ signature experiences: Spirits in the Gardens and Winter Wonderscape.
Spirits in the Gardens
When the sun goes down this fall, Reiman Gardens gets a little spooky. Spirits in the Gardens returns from Friday, October 9 through Sunday, October 11, transforming the Gardens into an illuminated Halloween adventure featuring more than 1,000 hand-carved Jack-O-Lanterns displayed throughout the grounds. So, what’s lurking in the Gardens? Here’s a peek at what awaits:
Explore the Glowing Pumpkin Trail
Follow the glowing trail through the Gardens and discover colorful lights, glowing orbs, larger-than-life inflatables, dancing video projections, and the illuminated tower at Sycamore Falls. Families can also make their way through the Trick-or-Treat Trail, which concludes with activities and chemistry shows from Iowa State chemistry majors. Then make sure to stop by the auditorium to interact with some creepy, crawly invertebrates at the Insect Encounter.
Who You Gonna Call?
All three nights of this supernatural celebration will feature a giant inflatable Stay Puft Marshmallow Man from Ghostbusters. Can you say spooky selfie? Then on Saturday and Sunday guests can also encounter the Mid-Iowa Ghostbusters, complete with costumes, proton packs, and a replica ECTO-1.
Don’t Miss This Spooktacular Event
For those who love a good Halloween costume, Spirits is the perfect excuse to dress up. Whether you're planning a family night, date night, or evening with friends, Spirits in the Gardens offers a unique way to celebrate the season.
Tickets are available online and feature reserved entry times. Popular time slots can sell out, so advance purchase is encouraged.
October 9-11, 2026
Friday & Saturday: 5-10 p.m.
Sunday: 5-9 p.m.
Winter Wonderscape
Once Halloween has passed, it’s time to trade spooky spirit for holiday spirit. Winter Wonderscape transforms the Gardens into a walk-through holiday light experience, inviting visitors to leave the ordinary behind and make their way through a glowing winter wonderland. This extravaganza happens on Friday November 27, Sunday, November 29 and select nights in December.
This isn’t your typical drive-by holiday light display. Here’s what makes Winter Wonderscape worth getting out of the car for:
Walk Through 200,000 Lights
More than 200,000 lights illuminate the Gardens, creating an experience filled with colorful displays, immersive light installations, glowing tunnels, and festive scenes. Wander the roughly three-quarter-mile accessible path at your own pace, stopping for photos, taking in the displays, and even making the loop more than once.
Expect the Unexpected
Because this is Reiman Gardens, there’s plenty to discover beyond the lights themselves. Interactive installations, choreographed lights, whimsical displays, and immersive themed areas add surprises around every corner, including a life-size Candy Land experience.
Start a New Holiday Tradition
Whether it’s your first visit or an annual outing, Winter Wonderscape offers a festive excuse to experience Reiman Gardens in an entirely different season. Bundle up, bring your favorite people, and see the Gardens in a whole new light.
*More details and ticket information COMING SOON.
For more information, check out the Reiman Gardens website here.
Address: 1407 University Blvd, Ames, IA 50011
Hours: Friday-Mondays & Wednesdays, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
Parking: FREE in parking lot S1 and S2.
