Tickets

General Daily Admission Tickets

Online tickets are required in advance for all visitors except donor-level members.

Additional Ticket Details

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For Donor-Level Members

Donor-level members with Friend, Supporting, Sustaining or Associate memberships can access the Arboretum using the EZ Pass Lane to the left of the gatehouse. Simply scan your current donor-level membership card to enter the Arboretum anytime the grounds are open. Learn more about Arboretum membership levels.

EZ Pass Lane Update
The EZ Pass Lane entrance will close one hour prior to the grounds closing time to help our staff better manage end-of-day visitors. Visitors should enter through the main gate lane for that last hour.

For Members

Members must register online and sign in to receive tickets at the member price. Check out our step-by-step guide to registering your account. If you have questions about your membership, call 612-301-1257 or email [email protected].

For Groups

  • Group admission tickets (10 or more adults) are available by calling 612-301-6775.
  • Group tour packages (10 or more adults) are available by calling 612-301-4353.
  • Businesses, organizations and care centers with special memberships should call 612-301-6775 to book tickets.

For Passes, Special Admission and Volunteer Access

The following individuals and groups receive complimentary admission, but must call 612-301-6775 to book tickets:

Volunteer Access
Active Arboretum & Master Gardener volunteers receive complimentary gate admission. Please refer to your volunteer leader/program for details.

VIP and 2-for-1 Passes Update
As of Sept. 1, 2023, VIP and 2-for-1 passes that were distributed several years ago are no longer accepted at the Arboretum. 

Before Your Visit

  • Check the Hours & Admission page to see what is open.
  • Please arrive within your 30-minute entry window. There is no limit on the duration of your visit while the grounds are open.
  • Present the barcode from your ticket or have the email ticket available to scan on your phone. Screenshots or saved photos of the barcodes do not scan properly. 
  • Dogs are not allowed on the main Arboretum grounds, except for on the Dog Commons On-Leash Trails with any membership. Registered service dogs are welcome. 
  • In winter, check the Winter Conditions page in case of inclement weather.
People sitting in the woodland azalea garden
2 women biking by the crabapples
Couple looking at dahlias

Frequently Asked Questions

Ticketing & Memberships

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How do I get a ticket?

Can I call to book tickets?

Yes! Call 612-301-6775 to book tickets over the phone. You may need to leave a message. 

 

Why are tickets required?

Timed admission tickets provide a significantly faster entry process — eliminating long wait times (and traffic backups on Highway 5) to reach the Arboretum gatehouse. It also removes the added delay of processing on-site sales transactions. Timed entry also provides predictable access for entry and available parking. This is particularly beneficial on busy days and for those attending programs and events with a start time they don’t want to miss. If you’re having trouble with the online ticketing system, call 612-301-6775 to book your tickets over the phone. You may need to leave a message and wait for a call back. Tickets can’t be sold at the gatehouse.

What if I can’t use my tickets?

Tickets are not refundable and not exchangeable and can’t be transferred or resold. If you are a member who can’t use your tickets, please email [email protected] with your order information and we can release the time slot for others.

Can we arrive in separate vehicles?

Yes, please have the visitors in the car behind you with barcodes ready for each person, or forward the barcode link to the visitors in the other vehicle, designating which barcode is theirs to be scanned upon entry.

Can I apply my Arboretum admission to a new membership?

Absolutely! The Membership team can apply your daily admission to a new membership (restrictions apply). Please call Membership at 612-301-1257 or stop by the Membership desk. Learn about membership levels.

Amenities

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Where can I find a map of the Arboretum?

Check out our map page and select whether you’d like a print or digital version. You can find building maps on our Location Finder page. If you’re looking for specific plants, tours or memorials, check out the Plant Finder.

Which pathways at the Arboretum are accessible?

Three-Mile Walk is entirely paved and was designed to meet ADA standards. Most of the pathways in the gardens near the Oswald Visitor Center are paved and accessible. This map, which we are in the process of updating, shows accessible areas as well as obstacles. Trail conditions can vary, especially in the winter. Visit our Winter Conditions page for updates.

Can we walk on Three-Mile Drive?

Only cars and bicycles are allowed on Three-Mile Drive due to safety precautions. Three-Mile Walk is a fully-paved walking path that allows walkers easy access to the gardens and collections along Three-Mile Drive. You can find the entrance to the path in the Sensory Garden near the entrance to the Dayton Wildflower Garden, where parking is available.

General Questions

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What's the weather like at the Arb? How do I know if severe weather is in the forecast?

In winter, check the Winter Conditions page in the case of inclement weather. Please check with local news stations or visit the Weather Channel website for weather-related information in Chaska, Minnesota.

What do I do if I have an emergency while at the Arb?

In any emergency situation, please call 911. For other issues, contact the Arboretum Information Desk at 612-624-2200.

Why isn't the Arboretum free like a public park?

The Arboretum is one of the largest botanical gardens in the country at 1,200 acres and a vast majority of the Arboretum’s operating budget comes through ticket sales, memberships and donations. Ticket sales enable staff to keep the gardens and grounds maintained year-round, conduct important research, protect the Arboretum’s one-of-a-kind plant varieties and artwork, pay staff and more.

Do you have free days?

We do not currently have any free days at the Arboretum.

Do you have free admission options?

Visitors who are Reciprocal Gardens Program members, current University of Minnesota students and Indigenous peoples are eligible for waived admission by calling 612-301-6775.

Do you have free admission options for people in need?

The Arboretum’s ArbAccess program provides no-cost memberships/access to many of Minnesota’s underserved communities. Qualified applicants have an existing relationship with their county of residence to receive local government assistance. To see if your county participates in this program and to submit an application for Arb membership, please contact your county caseworker directly. All applications are received and processed through the individual counties. Call the Arboretum Membership team at 612-301-1257 with questions.