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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! Enjoy a relaxing tropical escape any time of the year. The awesome 14-foot waterfall, island gardens filled with jungle-size palm trees, orchids, bromeliads, jasmine, banana plants, coconut and chocolate trees, colorful live birds 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.  A minimum of 10 people is required for a group tour; advance reservations required.  Contact the Education Coordinator at 309-794-0991 ext 25 or kaple@qcgardens.com for more information.
 

Agricultural Tour
Global Harvest
Thousands of tourists who have ties to American farming visit the Quad Cities, home of John Deere. These visitors are always fascinated to learn how tropical plants we use every day, like bananas, chocolate, chewing gum, vanilla and more are grown and harvested. They’ll see the actual live plants growing in their natural state - from bamboo to coconuts, from spices to perfumes. This guided walking tour will open their eyes to the importance of international trade. [30-60 minutes; $7.00 guided walking tour]

Biblical
Plants of the Bible
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; $7.00 guided walking tour]

The Mind-Body Connection
Botanical Bliss
Experience a mind-body-connection with a little help from 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 aromatherpy class $12.00]

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!

Chocolate: Food of the Gods
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 five tropical-flavored fudges, and take a visit to a chocolate tree (and other highlighted plants) in our tropical conservatory! [60-90 minutes; $9.00 includes Presentation (seated), Guided Garden Tour & Coffee, Tea & Fudge]

Leaves ‘n Beans
Whether you prefer a coffee break or teatime, this tour has something for everyone! It tells the commercial and social history of two of the world's most important commodities since their arrival in Europe from the Far East and Africa. In addition to a tasting, participants will view coffee, tea, and other highlighted plants in our tropical conservatory. [60-90 minutes; $9.00 Presentation (seated), Guided Garden Tour & Coffee, Tea and Pastries]

The Language of Flowers
A rose by any other name would smell as sweet, but would it carry the same meaning? Learn about the Victorian Age’s unique form of expression through flowers through a visit our tropical Sun Garden. [30-60 minutes; $7.00  Guided Tour.]


To book your tour call the Education Coordinator at (309) 794-0991 Ext. 25 or email kaple@qcgardens.com
 

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Our Chocolate Tour features fresh, locally made fudge!

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Let us take care of breakfast, lunch or dinner!