Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a 1,200-acre horticultural garden and arboretum located about 4 miles west of Chanhassen, Minnesota at 3675 Arboretum Drive, Chaska, Minnesota.
attractions: Tashjian Bee and Pollinator Discovery Center | Farm at the Arb, restaurants: The Eatery at the Arboretum
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Description
The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a 1,200-acre horticultural garden and arboretum located about 4 miles west of Chanhassen, Minnesota at 3675 Arboretum Drive, Chaska, Minnesota.
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You need more than a day to take in all of its vast 1,200+ acres, 28 variety gardens, 18 stunning displays, and rolling landscapes. That is not to mention its dining options, gift center, walking pathing, and multiple plant collections. It is a great way to identify local plant species and varieties that I consider for my own gardens. Be sure to take in the horticultural field laboratories and public seasonal display areas in the countryside. It is worth going multiple times to catch different seasons. They do a remarkable job of having something blooming Spring, Summer, and Fall. The rhododendrons are stunning starting in March. In summer months I love the roses and lush beds on bright annuals blooming. The camellias are in full bloom in early May. We went recently as a group and had an enjoyable time driving through the various gardens. It’s nice this is well laid out and marked as it is too much to walk for some guests and time frames. We took in lunch but by 1:15 PM most salad options were gone and few sandwiches available too. So, I really recommend going early. Staff is helpful at the lobby’s front desk. In previous years when I had an annual membership, we picnicked more often here. Tables are available at the Ordway Picnic Shelter and nearby Trex Deck. You can also access them easily if you drive to the Sensory Garden parking lot. As it’s Google Knowledge Graph announced, reservations and purchasing entrance tickets are a requirement. Lots of parking, but it can still be challenging on popular days, like warm weekends. Check out parking lots past Parking Lot 1 and Parking Lot 21, where most people first arrive. It was posted years ago that people could go for FREE on the third Tuesday of each month. However, the Arboretum staff confirms that it is not offered today. I recommend that you order your tickets online before going. They do not let you purchase at the entrance. The app requires your personal details before you can buy a ticket - and it charged me double the cost. This a place MN residents can be really proud of - we are grateful to have it! The fall color image was shared with me by my friend Ed.
Jeannie HillJeannie Hill
30
I recently had a chance to visit the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum and it was truly an amazing experience. The well-curated 3-mile walk is full of attractions to appreciate, ensuring there's never a dull moment during your visit. One thing to note, however, is the lack of shade throughout the path. So if you're planning a visit, be sure to have a hat and sunscreen handy, as the sun can be quite intense at times. Water stations are primarily located in the visitor center, so carrying a water bottle would be a wise choice. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Arboretum scores high on convenience and organization, especially when it comes to parking. Even during busier times, the parking situation was managed smoothly, thanks to their effective shuttle service. Remember, the shuttles do stop running at 5 PM, and walking back to your car after this time can be a bit of a hike. The Arboretum is a great place for people of all ages, including older or disabled individuals, thanks to its accessibility. And it's not just about walking around; there's a quaint farmers market and various handmade crafts available, adding an extra layer of charm to the visit. In summary, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a must-visit if you're in the area and fancy a lovely walk in a beautifully maintained park. Don't forget your hat, sunscreen, water, and comfortable shoes. The blend of nature, accessibility, and charm warrants a well-deserved five-star rating from me.
Baibhav BhattaraiBaibhav Bhattarai
60
Beautiful, clean, and informative, the Minnesota landscape arboretum is a perfect location for wandering on a beautiful day and a picnic. "Like going to the zoo without feeling bad about any of the animals." There is an admission cost or membership required for entry so you'll want to spend some time to get your money's worth - thankfully there is plenty to see. With different flowering happening at different times of the growing season, there is also some value to going back. Having looked through the flower and rock gardens and koi pond(s), we ended up logging about 12000 steps and elected to set another visit to come out and do the three-mile walk or drive (with different stops and themes including a maze). Accessible paths available through all of the gardens close to the visitor's center, additional meanderings available winding through, but the accessible path never felt like we would miss out - too much to catch it all anyhow. Recommended.
Peter HeeringaPeter Heeringa
30
I was at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum for their Winter Lights Show. Each ticket for this experience costs $25 per person. They scan each ticket immediately at the drive through entrance, so plan to be prepared for that. The tour starts inside of the main building and follows a one mile walk. There are signs inside that show the path to follow, but nothing that you can physically hold onto and have on your person. I recommend taking a picture to keep on your phone. Each area with lights has a number to help guide you around. The light show has some solid elements to it. I really enjoyed the water lilies and butterflies, as well as the weeping willow. The poinsettia tree in the building was very beautiful. Other areas left more to be desired. There are firepits at stop that is called Smore's Village , but they charge money for a smores kit and don't offer anything else to enjoy. The price feels a little bit much for the experience offered.
Andrew AllenAndrew Allen
00
Not at all impressed, especially when it came to "customer service." First of all we were unaware that the U of M Arboretum had still required advance reservations AND STILL DO (8/7/22)! Whether you're a member or not! What a pain...especially when you're a member. Last I checked we had Covid under control, plus you're in a vehicle or wandering around on foot across acres of land and can easily keep your distance from others (insert negative shake of head & face plant here). When we finally got in... The gardens were very lovely and well kept. A nice variety of plants and blossoms that were well organized and labeled in their own sections. My nephews loved the water features, pools and fountains. They even tried catching some frogs. Sadly though there were very few butterflies to be seen. I know the Arboretum changes things out for the seasons which I think is great. But, the only thing that would bring me back would be my nephews.
Audra Tschida DietzAudra Tschida Dietz
130
It was a beautifully perfect day for a hike around the Arboretum. The colors were really starting to turn brilliant yellow, red, orange. There is a lot for the young'uns to be interested in as well as us elders. We hiked around the lake and the bog. We visited the "Sensory Garden," one of the Rose Gardens, and the Japanese Garden We chose to drive the "3 Mile Drive." The drive encompasses so many different gardens, from the Larch Garden, the Pine Tree Garden, the Crab Apple Garden, the Shrub Garden. It goes on & on. Sensory overload. You need to be a member or a guest of a member to get in during this Covid time. You also must make reservations for a time to enter ahead of time. It was full of families and couples on this glorious fall day. But parking was plentiful. There is a center but we chose not to go inside because of the crowds. Almost everyone was wearing masks and keeping social distance.
Costas StavrouCostas Stavrou
00
Nearby Attractions Of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Tashjian Bee and Pollinator Discovery Center | Farm at the Arb
Tashjian Bee and Pollinator Discovery Center | Farm at the Arb
4.7
(112)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
The Eatery at the Arboretum
The Eatery at the Arboretum
4.0
(2)Click for details
Reviews
Overview
4.8
(2.8K reviews)
Phone
(612) 624-2200
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Website
arb.umn.edu
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A deep dive into Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
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