The Bickelhaupt Arboretum—an emerald gem in the heart of Clinton—has been a cherished community landmark since the 1960s. Born from the devastation of Dutch elm disease, Robert “Bob” Bickelhaupt and his wife, Frances, transformed their homestead into a sanctuary of trees, gardens, and learning. Their vision to connect people with plants and provide a living educational experience has flourished for more than half a century, drawing thousands to its 15-acre landscape of award-winning woody plants, native wildlife displays, and robust educational programming.

Following the Bickelhaupts’ passing, their family gifted the arboretum to Clinton Community College (CCC) in 2014. Since then, it has served as both an outdoor classroom and a natural retreat—continuing the founders’ mission of education through nature. 

A Vision for the Future

In 2021, the CCC Paul B. Sharar Foundation Board of Directors partnered with Shive-Hattery to envision a new chapter for the historic Bickelhaupt home: transforming it into an accessible, multipurpose education and events center. A feasibility study conducted in 2022 confirmed strong community support, leading to a successful fundraising campaign launched the following year. Through donations, grants, and local pledges, the community rallied to raise funds, clearing the way for construction.

CCC President Dr. Brian Kelly emphasized the project’s significance: “The Bickelhaupt Arboretum welcomes the community all year long. Students engage in science, nature, literature, and the arts. Families have long created memories here. The gift of the Bickelhaupt family lives through the current stewardship of Clinton Community College.”

A State-of-the-Art Community Resource

The renovation of the Bickelhaupt homestead is poised to become a landmark project in Clinton. The new center will host educational programming, community events, weddings, conferences, and family celebrations. A highlight of the project is a breathtaking artistic installation in the footprint of the former pool, featuring blown-glass art from Hot Glass, Inc. of Davenport, Iowa.  The blown glass pieces will be installed beneath a clear glass tile floor and illuminated, creating a stunning visual centerpiece.

An expansive 2,200-square-foot outdoor deck will seat 100 guests, offering panoramic views of the arboretum and extending the event space year-round. Indoors, the events room will feature floor-to-ceiling windows, a catering kitchen, and flexible seating arrangements.

The lower level of the center will house modern educational spaces equipped with state-of-the-art technology for both credit and non-credit courses, as well as community education opportunities. A library will invite guests to explore the arboretum’s celebrated woody plant collection, while a walk-through animal experience will bring nature to life through immersive displays featuring native species in lifelike habitats—sure to delight visitors of all ages.

Investing in Environmental Stewardship

In keeping with the Bickelhaupts’ legacy of conservation, the project incorporates major environmental improvements. Supported by a grant from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS), the redesigned walkway and parking areas will feature permeable pavers that filter stormwater through bioretention cells before it flows to the Mississippi River. Native Iowa plantings will further enhance water quality and ecological health, while educational programs will teach visitors about sustainable landscape practices.

Streambank erosion mitigation—a vital measure for protecting the arboretum’s landscape—involves careful relocation of shrubs and small trees, supplied with additional support from the State of Iowa and the City of Clinton will help fund these water conservation improvements.

A whimsical new landmark is coming to the Bickelhaupt Arboretum: a handcrafted troll sculpture by internationally renowned recycled-art artist Thomas Dambo. Known for his towering wooden trolls that inspire wonder while promoting sustainability, Dambo will create a unique, site-specific piece that complements the arboretum’s natural landscape and educational mission. This is one of two trolls coming to Clinton in April of 2026. Constructed primarily from reclaimed wood, the troll will invite visitors of all ages to explore, imagine, and connect with nature in new ways. This one-of-a-kind installation will not only enhance the arboretum’s artistic and environmental offerings but also serve as a memorable destination for families, students, and travelers discovering Clinton’s beloved green oasis.  Learn more about Thomas Dambo and his trolls at thomasdambo.com.

Arboretum construction is now in progress, with the new facilities expected to begin hosting events in February 2026.  The Associate Director of the Bickelhaupt Arboretum will be announced in January, and a structure to request rentals will be provided at that time.

Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future

During the May groundbreaking ceremonies, Shawn Hill-Lamb, daughter of former Arboretum Director Francie B. Hill and the granddaughter of founders Frances and Robert Bickelhaupt granddaughter reflected on the milestone: “The major renovations happening at the Bickelhaupt Arboretum reflect generations of planning along with environmental and financial stewardship. Beginning today, the Arboretum will remain accessible to visitors of all ages by providing enhanced experiences for everyone who comes to study and connect with nature.”

She continued: “Given by our family as a gift to the community, the Arboretum continues to evolve by demonstrating sustainability and soon will be offering enhanced programming and new facilities. We honor the past while embracing the future and move forward with the founding principles of conservation, education, and community service that have always guided this special place. Come watch us GROW.”

Project Features at a Glance

  • Events Center: 2,033-square-foot space with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the arboretum.
  • Outdoor Deck: 2,200-square-foot composite deck with seating for up to 100 guests.
  • Hot Glass, Inc. Installation: Illuminated blown-glass artwork displayed beneath clear glass floor tiles.
  • Education Classrooms & Library: Modern learning environments with state-of-the-art technology.
  • Welcome Pavilion: An open-air entry structure offering shelter and educational materials.
  • The Gathering Place: Accessible pathways, limestone benches, and shaded seating near the pavilion.
  • Animal Experience: A walk-through immersive environment featuring native species such as bear, bobcat, turtle, coyote, many birds, and a glorious snowy owl.
  • Thomas Dambo Troll: A one-of-a-kind creation made from recycled materials will inhabit the arboretum, inspiring guests to explore the acres of woody plants and to relax in nature.

For more information about the Bickelhaupt Arboretum construction project, contact Ann Eisenman at 563-244-7040 or aeisenmanFREEEICC.  Rental information will be provided on February 1, 2026.