Coneflowers and black eyed Susan in the Sensory Garden

About Us

Welcome to the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

Founded in 1958, the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a 1,200-acre public garden in Chaska, Minnesota, that attracts nearly 700,000 visitors per year. Best known for its beautiful display gardens, nationally recognized tree collections, protected natural areas and research activity, the Arboretum is easy to explore via paved paths, such as Three-Mile Walk and Three-Mile Drive, which are open year-round. Many miles of wooded trails, stone pathways and routes for cross-country skiers and snowshoers provide access to the healing power of nature in all seasons.

Collections & Buildings

The Arboretum has grown dramatically over the years to include...

28 specialty gardens
44 plant collections
More than 150 permanent works of art
300+ staff members
5,900+ unique species, cultivars and hybrids

The Oswald Visitor Center and Snyder Building at the Arboretum include the Gift & Garden Store, Rootstock cafe, three art galleries, a conservatory, event spaces and a horticultural library with rare books. The Farm at the Arb, which sits on a high hill on the grounds, is home to a restored red barn, a bee and pollinator center and the new Myers Education Center.

Collections & Gardens

Education

As part of its mission, the Arboretum offers educational classes — in person and online — for more than 20,000 adults and children every year.

A dedicated learning center on Arboretum grounds — and outreach to area schools — provides children with fun, hands-on, K-6 science standards-based school programs that use plants and nature as inspiration. Popular online programming and outreach programs spread the Arboretum’s reach across the state among all ages. A professionally facilitated Nature-Based Therapeutics program based at the Arboretum connects visitors at the Arboretum as well as those in the community to experience measurable improvements in their health and well-being.

Educational Classes

Research

As a part of the College of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) at the University of Minnesota, the Arboretum is world-renowned for woody plant and fruit breeding research programs, including the commercial introduction of the Honeycrisp apple and more than 160 cold-hardy plant varieties developed at the Arboretum’s Horticultural Research Center.

The Plant Conservation Program based at the Arboretum works to promote the conservation of rare and native plant species in Minnesota, including a seed bank for plants native to Minnesota such as terrestrial native orchids, carnivorous plants, cacti and more.

Research at the Arboretum

Support

Every year, the Arboretum relies on its visitors, donors and members (more than 30,000) to fund its operating budget. Nearly 1,000 volunteers give their time generously every year in the gardens, throughout the buildings and at special events to make the Arboretum a fun and engaging place 363 days a year.

Donation Opportunities

Our Values

Expand all

We generate and share exemplary knowledge, experiences and spaces.

We cultivate exploration, inquiry, learning and the joy of discovery.

We leverage co-creation and a diversity of skills, experiences and expertise to amplify our impact.

We build community connections and welcoming environments that foster belonging.

We steward environmental, financial and social resources to empower future generations.

For additional information about our mission, vision and organizational goals, check out our 2025-2030 strategic plan

About Us

Our Values

Accreditations & Memberships

The University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum connects people and plants for the planet.

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About Us

Our Values

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Accreditations & Memberships

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