Arnold Arboretum
617-524-1718
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The Arnold Arboretum was established in 1872. It is the oldest public arboretum in North America and run by Harvard University.
The arboretum is 265 acres of flora and fauna collected from all around the world. It is situated between three Boston neighborhoods: Jamaica Plain, Roslindale and West Roxbury.
A beautiful Boston cityscape is easily seen from atop Peters Hill. Peters Hill is also the spot for dog owners to congregate.
The arboretum offers self-guided tours via personal cellphones as trees are marked with info on how to participate in the tour.
The annual Lilac Festival on Mother's Day weekend draws crowds from all around the world to see the more than 200 lilac bushes that provide heavenly aromas as you walk past them.
Classes of all levels of gardening and learning about plants are offered through the Hunnewell Building. Inside the Hunnewell, there is a scale model of the arboretum as well as a little book store.
The arboretum is also a part of the Emerald Necklace.
It is important to note that you are not allowed to take anything out of the Arnold Arboretum, such as flowers, branches, animals or anything else found in the Arboretum.
- Fax: 617-524-1418
- Hours: Daylight hours, but people commonly walk their dogs, exercise or commute through the arboretum at their convenience.
- Handicap Accessible: There are wide asphalt paths that allow access to much of the arboretum
- Founding Date: Jul 01 1872
- What makes this community special?: There are beautiful views around every corner, aromatic plants and flowers, rose gardens, bonsais as old as our country, it's a bird watching locale and the staff makes sure there's always something blooming.
- Parking: On-street: free
- Are there any interesting facts about this location?: The Arnold Arboretum is the oldest arboretum in North America. While much of the arboretum is manicured, there are many places that go untouched. Also, most plants are labeled with genus, species, origin, and more.
- Features: Benches
- Services: Gift shop, Restrooms, Tours
- Restrictions: No alcohol, No fires
- Wi-Fi: None
- Area: 265 acres
- Payments accepted: Cash, Debit Card, MasterCard, Visa
- Membership info: http://www.arboretum.harvard.edu/programs/membership.html
- Private events: Yes
- Trail types: Cross-country skiing, Hiking, Mountain biking, Paved
- Scenic views: Yes
- What is the best time of year and day to explore the trails?: There is no bad time to visit the Arnold Arboretum. Come in May for the Lilac Festival, sled down Peters Hill during the winter, or enjoy the magnolias in early spring.
