Asian Gardens & Pavillion

700 Robert Ray Drive

The Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens features a 38′ x 20′ Asian pavilion atop an undulating bridge spanning a pond that cascades into the Des Moines River with a series of waterfalls.

Accented by stone pagodas, lanterns and sculptural rock formations, the Asian garden’s flowing lyrical ambiance will transport the strolling visitor to a picturesque Far Eastern paradise

Situated on the east bank of the Des Moines River on a 1.7 acre site, it serves as a climactic destination attraction for the Principal Riverwalk, and supplies a natural linkage between the Principal Center Street Pedestrian Bridge and the Des Moines Botanical Center.

These gardens highlight the importance of diversity in our community and acknowledge the significant contributions that Asian Americans have made to Iowa, and also serve as lasting monuments honoring Governor Ray’s visionary moral leadership and humanitarian outreach.