Key Takeaways
- Easy, free I-80 break: Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens is a free, 1.5-acre riverfront park about seven minutes from I-80, ideal for a 45- to 60-minute stop.
- Cultural and scenic highlight: The gardens feature a 37-foot Chinese pavilion, carved granite boulders, pagodas, stone lanterns and waterfalls, while honoring former Gov. Robert D. Ray’s refugee-resettlement leadership.
- Works well in a larger Des Moines visit: Visitors can pair the gardens with the Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge, Historic East Village, Iowa State Capitol and Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden; early morning or golden hour offers the best photography and fewer crowds.
The Robert Ray Asian Gardens is a scenic, 1.5-acre riverfront sanctuary located along the Des Moines River, featuring an authentic 37-foot Chinese pavilion, granite pagodas, and stone character boulders. It is best for I-80 road trippers, families, and photographers seeking a peaceful, free 30-to-60-minute stretch break just minutes off the interstate. Pro Tip: Park on Robert D. Ray Drive, walk across the adjacent Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge, and visit during golden hour for stunning skyline photography.
Logistical Quick-Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Address: | Robert Ray Asian Gardens 111 Robert D. Ray Drive Des Moines, Iowa 50309 |
| Telephone: | (515) 237-1386 (Des Moines Parks and Recreation) |
| Website: | https://dmbotanicalgarden.com/robert-d-ray-asian-garden/ |
| Best I-80 Highway Access: | I-80 to I-235 West, Exit 8A (River Drive / Downtown) – 7 minutes off I-80 |
| Recommended Time Commitment: | 45 to 60 minutes |
| Peak vs. Best Time to Visit | Peak: Weekend afternoons (May-Sept). Best: Early morning or golden hour before sunset to avoid crowds. |
| Cost / Ticket Type | 100% Free Public Park (No tickets or reservations required) |
What Makes the Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens a Must-Stop on I-80?
Driving across Iowa on Interstate 80 often means long stretches of open highway and cornfields. Taking a brief detour into downtown Des Moines brings you to one of the midwest’s most unique public parks.
The Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens offers an immersive cultural experience set against the backdrop of the Des Moines River. It serves as both a botanical sanctuary and a historic monument to international diplomacy.
Who Was Robert D. Ray and Why Is This Park Here?
Former Iowa Governor Robert D. Ray served the state from 1969 to 1983. He gained international acclaim for his humanitarian leadership during the late 1970s.
Governor Ray opened Iowa’s doors to thousands of Southeast Asian refugees fleeing war and persecution in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. He created the Iowa Governor’s Task Force for Indochinese Resettlement, helping thousands of Tai Dam and Hmong refugees build new lives in the Midwest.
This garden was dedicated in 2001 to honor his compassionate vision. It celebrates the vibrant Asian American communities that enrich Iowa’s cultural fabric today.
Key Architectural Features to Explore
Ray Asian Gardens packs impressive traditional Asian architecture into a compact riverfront footprint. Visitors can walk along terraced stone pathways carved directly into the riverbank.
- The Chinese Pavilion: A stunning 37-foot-tall wooden pavilion designed in China and reassembled on-site by traditional artisans.
- Granite Character Boulders: Massive granite rocks placed throughout the gardens, each carved with traditional Chinese characters representing values like Peace, Harmony, Friendship, and Longevity.
- Stone Lanterns & Pagodas: Hand-carved granite structures that line the winding pathways and frame views of the Des Moines skyline.
- The Water Features: Cascading streams and rock waterfalls that flow down toward the riverbank, creating a soothing soundscape that masks downtown traffic noise.
Hidden Details Most Tourists Miss
Look closely at the base of the Chinese pavilion. You will find intricate carvings depicting regional Asian flora and historic symbols of unity.
Follow the stone path to the northern edge of the garden to find a secluded viewing platform. This spot offers an unobstructed angle of the downtown skyline reflected across the Des Moines River.
Road Tripper Logistics: Parking, Highway Access, and RV Information
Planning a pit stop with a loaded road-trip vehicle requires accurate logistical details. The park’s location in the Historic East Village makes access quick and hassle-free.
How Do You Reach Ray Asian Gardens from Interstate 80?
If traveling East or West on I-80, take Exit 137B to merge onto I-235 West toward Downtown Des Moines.
Take Exit 8A for East 6th Street / Pennsylvania Avenue. Turn left onto Pennsylvania Avenue, head south for four blocks, and turn right onto East Grand Avenue.
Cross the river approach and turn right onto Robert D. Ray Drive. Ray Asian Gardens will be on your left along the riverbank.
Is There Parking for Oversized Vehicles and RVs?
Standard passenger cars and SUVs can easily find street parking directly along Robert D. Ray Drive. Metered parking is enforced Monday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
If you are driving an RV, towing a trailer, or driving a large Class-A motorhome:
- Do not attempt to park in the small parallel street slots right in front of the pavilion.
- Park in the open surface lot located two blocks north near the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden.
- Alternatively, utilize the oversized vehicle spaces along East 2nd Street, just east of the park.
Are There EV Charging Stations Nearby?
EV drivers can top off their batteries while stretching their legs at the gardens.
- MidAmerican Energy Charging Station: Located 0.3 miles away at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden (Level 2).
- City Parking Garage Chargers: Located 0.4 miles away at 402 E. 2nd Street (Level 2 EVSE).
- Tesla Supercharger: Located 4.5 miles away at 4700 SE 14th Street (8 stalls up to 250 kW).
Can You Bring Dogs to the Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens?
Yes, leashed pets are welcome throughout the Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens and along the connecting Principal Riverwalk.
Pets must remain on a standard 6-foot leash at all times. Owners must clean up after their pets, and waste stations are positioned along the primary walking paths.
How to Integrate the Gardens into a 1-Day Des Moines I-80 Pit Stop
Ray Asian Gardens sit at the crossroads of Des Moines’ top downtown attractions. You can easily expand a quick 45-minute park visit into a refreshing half-day itinerary before hopping back onto I-80.
8:30 AM: Morning Coffee & Riverwalk Walk
10:00 AM: Explore Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens
11:30 AM: Tour Iowa State Capitol
1:00 PM: Lunch in the Historic East Village
2:30 PM: Walk through Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Morning: Arrival and River Walk Exploration
Arrive early to capture the morning light on the river. Park along Robert D. Ray Drive and start your walk at Ray Asian Gardens’ southern entrance.
Spend 45 minutes exploring the pavilion, reading the character boulders, and taking photos along the granite bridges. Cross the adjacent Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge for sweeping, elevated river views.
Midday: Historic East Village and Iowa State Capitol
Walk three blocks east into Des Moines’ Historic East Village. This walkable neighborhood features brick-lined streets, independent boutiques, and historic architecture.
Head up the hill to tour the Iowa State Capitol building. It features a iconic 23-karat gold leaf dome and offers free self-guided tours of its breathtaking interior.
Afternoon: Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Walk five minutes north along the river path to the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden.
This seven-acre site features a 14,000-square-foot geodesic conservatory packed with tropical plants, orchids, and succulents. It provides an ideal indoor wrap-up to your outdoor garden walk.
Where to Eat and Refuel Within 15 Minutes of the Park
Avoid generic fast food during your drive. Downtown Des Moines and the adjacent East Village feature outstanding local culinary options less than five minutes from the garden.
Top 5 Local, Non-Chain Restaurants
- Cuisine: Midwest Comfort Food & Local Craft Beer
- Distance: 0.3 miles (2-minute drive / 6-minute walk) from Ray Asian Gardens.
- Vibe: Industrial-chic venue located in a restored warehouse. Features over 120 Iowa-brewed beers on tap and excellent pork tenderloin sandwiches.
- Cuisine: Gourmet Burgers & Over-the-Top Shakes
- Distance: 0.4 miles (2-minute drive / 8-minute walk) from Ray Asian Gardens.
- Vibe: A quirky, horror-themed burger joint famous for its wild burger combinations and thick spiked milkshakes. Kids and teens love the graphic art decor.
- Cuisine: Sustainable Farm-to-Table
- Distance: 0.5 miles (3-minute drive) from Ray Asian Gardens.
- Vibe: Upscale yet accessible dining centered on locally sourced, grass-fed meats and organic Iowa produce. Perfect for road trippers looking for a healthy, fresh meal.
- Cuisine: Contemporary Italian
- Distance: 0.4 miles (2-minute drive) from Ray Asian Gardens.
- Vibe: Elegant, minimalist space serving outstanding handmade pastas, flatbreads, and multi-course lunch specials at reasonable price points.
- Cuisine: Traditional Greek & Mediterranean
- Distance: 0.4 miles (2-minute drive) from Ray Asian Gardens.
- Vibe: A beloved neighborhood staple serving flaming saganaki, gyros, souvlaki, and fresh Greek salads in an unpretentious environment.
Best Local Coffee Stop
Horizon Line Coffee (Located at 501 E. Walnut St, 0.5 miles away) is a top-tier specialty coffee roaster.
They serve meticulously crafted pour-overs, espresso drinks, and oat-milk lattes in a bright, modern shop. Grab a bag of locally roasted beans to keep you alert for the remainder of your I-80 drive.
Quickest Road Trip Fuel Up Spot
Head to Kwik Star located at 1201 E. 6th St (1.1 miles / 3 minutes north of Ray Asian Gardens.).
This station offers easy access for large vehicles, clear lanes, low gas prices, clean restrooms, and fresh hot food grab-and-go options.
Know Before You Go: Essential Visitor Tips and Rules
To ensure a seamless visit, keep these practical tips, accessibility details, and local regulations in mind.
What Are the Operating Hours and Admission Fees?
The Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens is a public city park open 365 days a year.
- Hours: Daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
- Admission: 100% free with no tickets required.
- Lighting: The pavilion and pathways are beautifully illuminated after sunset, making late evening strolls safe and enjoyable.
Is the Park ADA Accessible?
Yes, the garden features complete paved accessibility along all primary routes.
Concrete ramps link the street-level parking on Robert D. Ray Drive down to the river-level pavilion and viewing decks. Standard grade inclines allow easy transit for wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and double strollers.
What Should You Wear and Pack?
The garden is situated right along the Des Moines River, which exposes visitors to damp breezes.
- Spring/Fall: Bring a windbreaker or light fleece layer, as wind speeds off the water can be chilly.
- Summer: Wear sunscreen and bug spray; humidity along the riverbank can attract insects near dusk.
- Footwear: Wear comfortable walking shoes or flat sneakers. While paths are paved, some secondary river trails feature loose stone steps.
How Is the Cell Service and Wi-Fi?
Because the park is in downtown Des Moines, mobile connectivity is exceptional.
All major national carriers (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile) provide strong 5G data service throughout the site. You will have zero issues streaming music, checking traffic maps, or uploading photos.
Final Verdict: Is the Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens Worth the Detour?
If you are driving along Interstate 80 across Iowa, the Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens is one of the most rewarding quick detours you can make. It offers clean air, rich history, stunning architectural photography, and peaceful river views without adding significant transit time to your trip.
Instead of pulling off into another crowded highway rest stop, take the 7-minute drive into downtown Des Moines. Stretch your legs under the shade of the Chinese pavilion, take in the skyline, and grab a lunch in the East Village before resuming your road trip adventure.
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