The Crosby Arboretum — Attraction in Picayune

I went to the Crosby Arboretum in Mississippi when the native azaleas were popping off, and y’all — it was like nature threw a party and forgot to tell the humans. The blooms were wild, and black swallowtail butterflies were fluttering around like they owned the place. I just stood there like, "Oh my gosh, would you look at that? I mean, just look at it!"

The trails are a whole adventure. One minute you’re out in an open savanna, feeling like you're in some nature documentary, and the next, you’re in a shady forest stumbling across plants you’ve never even heard of. It’s like a treasure hunt, but for plant nerds (which, let’s be honest, is the best kind of hunt). And the coolest part? So many of those plants are out there doing the hard work — feeding wildlife, protecting the soil, and just keeping everything in balance like quiet little superheroes.

The gift shop is adorable, packed with nature-inspired goodies, and they host plant sales and seminars where you can learn all about growing native plants. So if you’re itching to turn your yard into a buzzing, fluttering wildlife hotspot, this is the place to get inspired.

Crosby Arboretum is one of those places you need to visit more than once because every season brings a new surprise. So grab your comfy shoes, bring some snacks, and get ready to fall in love with Mississippi’s wild side. And if you leave with a car full of native plants and big dreams for your backyard? Well, welcome to the club — it’s a pretty great...

Excellent hidden gem. This is a beautiful place that is 65 acres of wonderful upkept beautiful trails. Several pavilions and benches and sitting places throughout. This is also a pet friendly place. Your dogs are welcome on leash of course. The trails are very well upkept smooth enough for a stroller or a wheelchair easily. If it has been raining right before you come, you may want to wear rain boots as some pieces of the trails stay a little wet but are very easily passable in approximately 1 in or so of water. There is lots of wildlife and sights to see. This is not a place you want to miss. It cost $5 for adults per day $2 for children. Or they have a yearly family pack for only $45 for the entire family. It is an excellent value. They are closed on Monday and Tuesdays but are open throughout the rest of the week 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. There are excellent places all around to have picnics or get-togethers. Everyone is required to wear masks to check in at the gift shop upon arrival. On the day I was there, everyone else that was there was social distancing, wearing masks, staying safe. Please remember we are still in a pandemic. Everyone please get vaccinated when you can and stay safe continue wearing masks and social distancing and of course hand washing. There is light at the end...

Crosby Arboretum is always a great place to visit. They have many different native plants marked so you know what Your looking at. They have a gorgeous natural pond with setting benches around it so you can enjoy the water. It's breathtakingly beautiful. Also their trails are wide and flat with pea gravel so folks with limited mobility can still venture out in nature safely. One thing you may not know about the Arboretum is they host many wonderful educational programs at the big outdoor colloseum Such as beekeeping Forest baithing Yoga Mushroom identification walks Kids arts and crafts Pollinator info Plant sales And much much more The Crosby Arboretum is a hidden Jewel of Pearl River...