Matthaei Botanical Gardens — Attraction in Ann Arbor Charter Township

I often go here for research. They have a wide variety of plantings outside and their greenhouse specimens are impressive in number, type and quality. The greenhouse is a great scientific resource. The grounds are perfect for families and class trips for all ages from elementary to college.

The Matthaei Botanical Gardens is a window on the world.

There is plenty of parking at the location – unless – there is an event in progress. If so – go early or go late to ease the parking problem. Events include special bonsai sailes, orchids sales and others.

The arboretum is a real treat. They have a nice selection of standards and rarities of plants. They are arranged tastefully and the entire enclosure is attractive. They have thre water features. A waterall, large metal tank and an oblong pond at the base of a trickling wall.

Two of the water features have fish in them. Their Koi are especially beautiful and the goldfish are some of the largest I have seen.

By far their desert plant and arid plant display is one of the greatest. The plants are in excellent health and placed in an easy viewing manner. I was especially pleased to view the ‘living rocks’ that are there.

It doesn’t stop there however. Out back during the warmer months there is an extraordinary garden of flowers. The breadth of species that grow in Michigan is quite astonishing. Along with that there is a large outdoor play area for children. Still more awaits afield as there are prairie grounds to observe and an adventurous hiking trail along a...

I love the Matthaei Botanical Gardens! I only went to their indoor space, but it was beautiful! I loved seeing all the gorgeous tropical plants and trying to guess what they were before looking at the name placards on the ground

The free admission is a nice perk, but be sure to at least bring a few small bills to donate as your "admission price," as I believe the gardens run on donations and (possibly?) grants from U of M

You do have to pay for parking, so be aware that the whole thing isn't completely free. There's a discount after 4 or so hours, so you can make a day of it, do the indoor and outdoor gardens, and pack a picnic. There are public bathrooms inside the building, so you don't have to worry about portable toilets, either

The gift shop is really cute! My husband and I bought an air plant for just a few dollars to take home a memory of the day. It didn't die after a week, so you can rest assured that they're taking care of the plants they're selling and they won't randomly die on you as long as you take care of...

This was my 1st visit. I WILL be back. The grounds are extremely beautiful!!!!! I love flowers! There was an abundance of them! Some on the trail I was on, but mostly in the arboretum. I took a walk around part of 2 ponds, where I thoroughly enjoyed the birds (crane, blue birds, etc), turtles, and some bullfrogs. Several of the shrubs were blossoming & they had such a lovely smell.

I loved the arboretum! Interesting trees and fruit. The Bonsai are so amazing. I think the Children's garden is AMAZING!!! Kids can harvest and eat during select times. There is a sand area and a brook to play in.

There are benches to sit, relax, watch, and listen. There are covered tables w chairs outside the conservatory. They have clean Restrooms & Water fountains to refill bottles or just to drink. (Water wasnt very cold.)

FYI: There is a small cost to park. Hourly rate ($2.40/hr.) & $6 daily (6/2025). Pay the machine - Credit card or Cash.

I look forward to...