Your igloo awaits at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. (Photos: Jinessa Lewis)
By Jinessa Lewis
The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is embracing winter in the coziest way: with a cluster of heated, private “igloos” set along the snowy terrace. The building boom of tiny pop-up domes, next to the big permanent one, is part of Dome for the Holidays, the newish annual tradition when colored lights cast the indoor rainforest in a cheerful glow.
Now, a rentable igloo tent can serve as your base camp for a trip to see the lights. The tents are softly lit from within and furnished with plush seating, cozy blankets and a tray with steaming hot cocoa, homemade marshmallows and freshly baked cookies from Flora, the on-site restaurant. It’s essentially a dessert nook tucked inside a snowy bubble.
For a memorable date night or an outing with a few friends, the garden has expanded the experience with a menu of goodies you can order right to your igloo. Choose from seasonal cocktails, wine and a few hot drinks to warm up your hands. Light bites are also available, from simple sandwiches to snack mixes.
When a friend and I visited this week, we were greeted with a beautiful tray of oatmeal chocolate chip cookies alongside soft, sweet homemade marshmallows that dissolved almost instantly the moment they hit the hot chocolate. The combination of treats, ambient lighting and the gentle snowfall made the experience feel unexpectedly magical.
A few igloo reservations remain through Jan. 1, but hurry: They’ll likely melt away fast. Meanwhile, reservations are open for several special dinners at Flora, including a steak dinner tonight, an Italian dinner on Dec. 19, and a special four-course on New Year’s Eve.
