The Bickelhaupt Arboretum, an emerald gem in Clinton, has been an iconic feature of the community since its inception in the 1960s. Initially developed in response to the devastation caused by Dutch elm disease, Robert “Bob” Bickelhaupt and his wife Frances transformed their homestead into a lush, educational haven. Their vision, to connect people with plants and provide a space for learning, has now flourished for more than 50 years, drawing visitors to its 15-acre collection of award-winning woody plants, native animal displays, and extensive educational offerings.

In 2014, after the passing of the Bickelhaupts, the family generously donated the arboretum to Clinton Community College (CCC). Since then, the arboretum has served as a living classroom and a natural retreat for the community. The mission of the arboretum remains the same: to educate and provide a space for the exploration of nature.

In 2021, the CCC Paul B. Sharar Foundation Board of Directors engaged Shive-Hattery to develop a vision for transforming the Bickelhaupt family home into an accessible educational and events center. The following year a feasibility study confirmed community support, a $4.5 million fundraising campaign kicked off in 2023. Through generous donations, grants, and pledges from community members, the funds were raised within a year to begin the renovation process.

Clinton Community College President Dr. Brian Kelly highlighted the importance of this initiative, “The Bickelhaupt Arboretum welcomes the community all year long. Students engage in a variety of areas including science, nature, literature, and the arts. The arboretum has long been a place for families creating memories through events and photographs. The gift of the Bickelhaupt family lives through the current stewardship of Clinton Community College.”

The transformation of the Bickelhaupt homestead into a state-of-the-art education and events center is set to be a landmark project for the community. The former home will become a venue for both educational and social events, hosting everything from classes and conferences to weddings and reunions. The centerpiece of this project will be an artistic installation in the former pool, featuring lighted, textural art visible through a plexiglass floor. This unique space will provide a one-of-a-kind setting for various gatherings. An expansive deck with seating for up to 100 people will overlook the arboretum’s grounds, offering a beautiful outdoor venue year-round.

Inside, the center will feature upper-level meeting rooms, a full kitchen, and a lower-level educational area equipped to host both credit and non-credit courses, as well as community education classes. The space will also include an inviting library, perfect for those interested in learning more about the arboretum’s impressive collection of woody plants. A walkthrough animal tunnel will showcase the taxidermy collection in their natural habitats, engaging young visitors and enhancing the arboretum’s educational reach.

Beyond the home’s renovation, the project will address critical environmental needs. Streambank erosion mitigation will protect the arboretum’s landscape, requiring careful relocation of shrubs and small trees. Partnerships with the State of Iowa and the City of Clinton will help secure additional funding through grants. Parking lot improvements and expansion will also be part of the renovations.

Construction planning is currently underway for the yearlong project. As the renovation progresses, updates will be made available through the Eastern Iowa Community Colleges website, ensuring the community remains informed every step of the way.

The Bickelhaupt Arboretum’s renovation will not only honor the legacy of the Bickelhaupt family but will also enhance its role as a cherished space for education, nature, and community connection for generations to come.

Shawn Hill-Lamb commented, “As Francie Hill’s oldest child and Fran and Bob Bickelhaupt’s oldest grandchild, I served as an executive board member of the Bickelhaupt Arboretum and personal assistant to my grandparents. Charged with the stewardship of their personal and charitable finances for over two decades, I was additionally tasked with ensuring their commitment to their hometown of Clinton, Iowa by way of gifting the Bickelhaupt Arboretum to Clinton Community College which continues the Arboretum in perpetuity. Together, my brother, sister and I met at the Arboretum last August to walk the grounds and facilities to fully comprehend the Renovations and Enhancements Project. Clinton Community College understands the Arboretum’s mission and my grandparent’s vision for life-long learning and sustainability. On behalf of our family, I am pleased to share that we fully support the Bickelhaupt Arboretum Renovations and Enhancements Project.”

Other community leaders expressed their support of the project including Clinton Scott Maddasion, “The Bickelhaupt Arboretum is a unique treasure for our community, offering unparalleled educational and environmental benefits. Preserving, upgrading, and enhancing the use of this natural haven and the experiences provided within it is vital for future generations, as it nurtures both learning and a deep connection with nature—an irreplaceable asset that enriches our lives and our environment.”

Economic development and tourism in our region will benefit with this project. Grow Clinton President & CEO Andy Sokolovich stated, “The Bickelhaupt Arboretum is a cornerstone of the Clinton community. The redevelopment project is an exciting and timely enhancement. As the Grow Clinton team continues to attract new businesses and residents to the region, we have realized the demand for a comfortable meeting location suitable for large groups. A quality first impression is vital in the recruitment process. The project hosts many benefits, from the picturesque landscape to the historical narrative accompanying the arboretum. It will aid in our efforts to present a forward-thinking and progressive community.”

A survey is being conducted to gather future program ideas to be held at the Bickelhaupt Arboretum. Take the survey at www.surveymonkey.com/r/X3RLZRG.

For more information about the Bickelhaupt Arboretum project contact Ann Eisenman at 563-244-7040 or aeisenmanFREEEICC.

Features of the renovations and enhancements project include:

  • The Events Center is a large area, offering a variety of seating options. The 2,033 square foot room features floor to ceiling windows overlooking the spacious outdoor deck and the Bickelhaupt Arboretum.
  • The Deck with Railing will be outside the Events Center, an area that provides options for events at the Bickelhaupt Arboretum. At 2,200 square feet, the composite deck features sweeping views of the arboretum landscape with seating for up to 100.
  • The Art Installation in the pool footprint is a feature of the Gathering Room. Artwork will be installed in the floor of the Events Center with special lighting, and covered with clear plexiglass, creating a unique environment for family gatherings, special events, and conferences.
  • Learning Center Rooms feature 1,242 and 800 square feet of learning environment including the Library.
  • The Gazebo is a gathering place and lovely addition to the Bickelhaupt Arboretum landscape, the Gazebo will offer a peaceful spot to rest and contemplate or to celebrate with loved ones.
  • Welcome Pavilion is the entry point to the Bickelhaupt Arboretum from the parking lot. This open air structure provides a respite from the rain, and a place for learning materials.
  • The Gathering Place is the first stop upon entry through the Welcome Pavilion. Accessible pathway, benches and shade are a wonderful place to experience the sight and sounds of the Bickelhaupt Arboretum.
  • The Animal Tunnel is a walk through nature. Take a peek in the portholes, looking high and low, to see animals in their native habitats. This space will be a hit for lifelong learners of all ages.