For many families, cutting down a Christmas tree is an annual tradition that marks the beginning of the holiday season. If you’re thinking of going the cut-your-own route this year, start your tree search by checking out our extensive list of Christmas tree farms near Des Moines.
Many farms sell refreshments to keep you fortified during your search, and some also offer seasonal farm fun like Santa visits, scenic wagon rides, and marshmallows around the fire pit. Don’t feel like cutting a tree down yourself? Most farms will cut it for you, they may even bail it and tie it to the roof of your car too!
See our Holiday Fun Guide and Calendar for more ideas for making merry with your family this November and December in Des Moines.
Cut-Your-Own Christmas Tree Tips
No matter where you plan to go to cut your tree, here are some tips for fool-proofing your trip:
- Check out the Christmas tree farm ahead of time. Visit their website, social media sites or give them a call.
- Double check if trees need to be tagged ahead of time or not.
- Note the farm’s hours.
- Be sure to note payment options. Some only take cash some are cashless.
- Find out if pets are welcome.
- Some tree farms have set prices for their trees. Others charge by the species and by height.
- Be prepared. Check if your farm provides saws. If not, you’ll need bring your own.
- Dress for the weather. Wear appropriate clothes and shoes.
Christmas Tree Farms Near Des Moines:
Gowdy Tree Farm
1940 310th Street • Melbourne, IA 50162 • (515) 321-9157
This 150+ year old farm offers a variety of pre-cut trees just waiting for you to pick. Also, choose a fresh wreath, buy a craft, or a tree stand while you’re there.
Tree Varieties: Canaan Firs, White Pines and Norway Spruce
Hours: November 23, 2023: 2:00 to 5:00 pm; November 24, 25 & December 2: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm; November 26 & December 3: 12:00 noon to 5:00 pm.
Harmony Christmas Tree Farm
1523 Trenton Avenue • Stuart, IA 50250 • (515) 523-1822
Harmony’s offers a selection of choose-and-cut trees, as well as a large variety of wreaths and garland. They also shake and wrap the trees for all guests.
Tree Varieties: Fraser Firs, Balsam Firs, Scotch and White Pine
Hours: November 24, 2023 through TBD; Saturday and Sunday 9:00 am to 4:30 pm by appointment during the week.
Hill’s Tree Farm
19885 Midland Trail • Minburn, IA 50167 • (515) 677-2389
In addition to cut your own Christmas trees, Hill’s farm offers hand-decorated greenery baskets, mantle pieces, table centerpieces and greenery crosses. Guests can pay either from inside the tree shed, or you may pay from outside the building as well.
Tree Varieties: Fraser Firs, Canaan Fir, Concolor Fir, Douglas Fir, Scotch Pine, White Pine and Norway Spruce.
Hours: November 24 through December 17, 2023, Fridays & Saturdays: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm; Sundays: 1:00 to 5:00 pm or call to make an appointment during the week.
Howell Tree Farm
3129 Howell Court • Cumming, IA 50061• (515)981-4762
Howell Tree Farm is a full service tree farm–all you have to do is pick out a tree. They cut, shake, bale, and load your tree for you. They also sell wreaths and swags and tree stands. You can also browse their gift shop while you’re there.
Tree Varieties: Scotch Pine, White Pine, and Canaan Fir.
Hours: November 18, 2023: 7:00 am to 5:00 pm; November 24 through December 23, 2023; Sunday to Saturday: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. CLOSED on Thanksgiving Day.
Miller Tree Farm
7404 Vandalia Drive • Runnells, IA 50237 • (515) 266-9881
Miller Tree Farms offers cut-your-own and pre-cut trees from their three fields. They also offer wreaths, swags and greens.
Tree Varieties: White Pine, Scotch Pine, Concolor Fir, Fraser Fir, Norway Spruce, and Blue Spruce
Hours: November 18 through December 24, 2023 (or until all trees are sold); Open Thanksgiving 3:00 to 5:00 pm; Open Black Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm; Regular Hours: Saturday: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm; Sunday: 12:00 noon to 5:00 pm; Monday through Friday: 3:00 to 5:00 pm.
Pinkley’s Red Roof Farms Christmas Trees
7533 NE 102nd Avenue • Bondurant, IA • (515) 988-2121
Conveniently located in Bondurant, this quaint farm offers a nice selection of fir trees. They also have wreaths, pine roping and other gift items available for purchase. And while you’re there, be sure to visit with the farm animals residing in their barn.
Tree Varieties: Fraser Fir, Canaan Fir, Balsam Fir
Hours: November 24, 2023: 9:00 am to 9:00 pm; November 25 through TBD: Monday through Friday 4:00 to 8:00 pm; Saturdays 10:00 am to 8:00 pm; Sundays 12:00 noon to 8:00 pm
Rettig Tree Farm
7602 NE 114th Avenue • Bondurant, IA 50035 • (515) 967-4013
If your family is in search of the perfect Christmas tree, but aren’t looking forward to a long road trip, then this is a great spot for you.
Tree Varieties: Scotch pine, White pine, Fraser fir, Balsam fir, Concolor fir, Colorado spruce.
Hours: Tagging starts in early November. Cutting starts November 24 through December 24, 2023; Monday to Saturday: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, Sunday: 12:00 noon to 5:00 pm.
Strautman Tree Farm
58976 290th Street • Cambridge, IA 50046 • (800) 982-9942
As one of the largest tree farms in the state, Strautman Tree Farm has thousands of trees to choose from, including a wide assortment of pre-cut trees. They also sell wreaths, greenery, branch bundles, potted trees, tree stands, decor items, and anything else you may need for the Christmas season.
Tree Varieties: White Pine, Concolor Fir, Black Hills Spruce, Colorado Blue Spruce and Norway Spruce
Hours: November 18 through December 23, 2023 (or until all trees are sold). They are open 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on Thanksgiving and Black Friday. Monday through Friday 11:00 am to 5:00 pm; Saturday and Sunday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
The Christmas Tree Farm
33459 663rd Avenue • Maxwell, IA 50161 • (515) 387-8778
Offering up pre-cut and cut-your-own Christmas trees. They also have wreaths, swags, centerpieces, tree stands, crafts and other gifts.
Tree Varieties: Scotch Pine, White Pine, Fraser Fir and Concolor Fir.
Hours: Tagging is October 1st to Thanksgiving, then harvest the tree after Thanksgiving. November 24 through December 18, 2023; Monday to Friday: 3:00 to 5:00 pm; Saturday & Sunday: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Walnut Ridge Farm
1400 E Hillcrest • Indianola, IA 50125 • (515) 961-6979
Walnut Ridge Farm offers cut your own and pre-cut Christmas Trees, wreaths, swags garlands and other decorative greenery.
Tree Varieties: Fraser Fir, Canaan Fir, Concolor Fir, Blue Spruce, Scotch Pine, White Pine, and White Spruce.
Hours: November 24, 2023; 8:00 am to 5:00 pm; November 25 through December 10, 2023; Saturdays: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm; Sundays: 12:00 to 5:00 pm & Weekdays: 2:00 to 5:00 pm.
What’s your favorite Christmas Tree farm near Des Moines? We’d love to hear about it!
A version of this post was first published in 2015; it is updated annually.
