It is believed to be one of the first botanical parks west of the Mississippi River.

The park was listed on the Davenport Register of Historic Properties on August 4, 1993.

[4] Vander Veer was originally named Central Park.

[4] A conservatory, music pavilion, and decorative fountains were added after World War I.

[4] The park is currently maintained by a nonprofit organization, The Friends of Vander Veer.