Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University
Arboretum · Jamaica Plain ·
281-acre botanical research institution and public park
Information
125 Arborway, Boston, MA 02130 Get directions
281-acre botanical research institution and public park
125 Arborway, Boston, MA 02130 Get directions
"Owned by Harvard University, this 281-acre Jamaica Plain escape combines serious horticultural study with peaceful parkland; it was created from a bequest by whaling merchant James Arnold and designed with input from Frederick Law Olmsted. Visitors can join guided tours, explore extensive plantings, and climb Peters Hill for skyline views." - Cameron Sperance
"I find the Arnold Arboretum worth the trip for its sprawling 281-acre nature preserve with over 2,000 tree species; it's free and open every day, offers guided tours or miles of trails for wandering, and features landmark attractions like a towering dawn redwood and the two oldest specimens of paperbark maple trees in North America." - Erika Adams
"A gorgeous 281-acre green space within Boston, Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University is the oldest public arboretum in North America (c. 1872) and the highlight of Frederick Law Olmsted's famed Emerald Necklace series of green space in the city. Prolific biking and walking trails zigzag past more than 16,000 accessioned plants, many meticulously marked with signs. The natural splendor is a feast for the eyes, which are able to spot the sheer diversity of trees and plants at every turn. QR-coded signs and the arboretum’s easy-to-use Expeditions app make it possible to dig deep into the environment." - Paul Rubio, Todd Plummer
"Founded as a public partnership between the City of Boston and Harvard University, this “living museum of plants” occupies 281 acres of land upon which grow 15,000 trees, shrubs, and vines that have been documented for research and education by Harvard students, faculty, Arnold Arboretum scholars, and visiting scholars from around the world. It’s free, open to the public 365 days a year, and has a jaw-droppingly beautiful collection of seasonal flowers, fruits, and foliage to view. There are free, guided, 90-minute tours on Saturdays, Mondays, and Thursdays at 10:30 AM, and Sundays at 1:00 PM, in addition to other seasonal walks and family activities coordinated through its visitor center." - MATADOR_NETWORK
"A living museum of trees and plants, part of Harvard University." - Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca is an award-winning journalist and co-founder of Be a Travel Writer, an online course for the next generation of travel journalists. Her photos, videos, and words have appeare