Lilium ‘Njoyz’ (Asiatic lily) | Photo by Johanna DeBuhr
The Arboretum is an amazing place to visit all year long, but there’s something special about July on the gardens, grounds and trails. Despite the heat that might keep some visitors cooped up in air-conditioned spaces, that warmth and bright sunlight is just what many flowers, trees and shrubs need to reach peak bloom!
Roses are going strong now in the Arboretum’s three rose gardens, along with lovely lilies, which are hitting their stride, too, including Martagon lilies, daylilies and Asiatic lilies with colors that truly boggle the mind.
Meanwhile, the perennial gardens around the visitor center building, the landscape gems along the Bailey Shrub Walk and the wildflowers in the prairie along Three-Mile Drive are each worth a visit on their own, not to mention the incredible color palette in the Annual Garden, which is already showing an explosion of color that will only get larger than life as the season goes on. Prepare to get inspired and feel your heart lighten as you bask in nature’s wonders!
To see when your favorite plants are in bloom, check our Garden Highlights page, our Facebook and Instagram. And, if that’s not enough, read on to check out events and other attractions at the Arboretum, which is open 363 days a year (except Christmas and Thanksgiving).
Photo by Jason Boudreau-Landis
1. Sip and sample at Taste & Toast
We have great news: There are a limited number of tickets remaining for Taste & Toast — the ultimate foodie party of the summer from 6-9 p.m. July 26 — set in the stunning annual and perennial gardens of the Arboretum. This after-hours celebration features fresh, local cuisine, live music, and regional cider, beer and wine tastes, including some sips and samples from the Arboretum’s own Horticultural Research Center. Snap up these rare tickets today!
“Wohpe” by Marlena Myles | Photo by Bobby Twidale
2. Discover sacred stories through AR
Experience the fully launched five-stop Dakota Sacred Hoop Walk anytime during Arboretum hours. Featuring five augmented reality (“AR”) stops, this art exhibit by award-winning Spirit Lake Dakota Digital Artist Marlena Myles, shares sacred concepts of Dakota culture. The walk begins in the Harrison Sculpture Garden. Visitors use their mobile phones to download the Revelo AR app to then view digital images and audio at stops along the walk. This event is included with Arboretum daily admission tickets. Learn more about the app and how to experience the exhibit on the exhibit page.
Photo by Don Olson
3. Chill out with Music in the Gardens
Combine your love of the outdoors and live music this month at Music in the Gardens from 6-7:30 p.m. on select Thursdays and from 1:30-3 p.m. on select Sundays at the Arboretum. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and settle in to hear local bands and community groups. All performances are included with general daily ticketed admission, which is free for members and ages 15 and younger, and $15 for ages 16 and older. Scope out the lineup and make plans today!
Photo by Jason Boudreau-Landis, 2022
4. Walk with the lightning bugs July 6-8
There are still tickets left for the final weekend of Firefly Viewing Nights from 8:30-10:30 p.m. July 6-8 (Friday, Saturday, Sunday). This after-hours event lets you immerse yourself in the magic of lightning bugs with short hikes among the fireflies, talks by naturalists and learning opportunities for all ages. Advanced tickets are required and quantities are limited.
Photo by Norbert Lucas
5. Learn about growing fruit, vegetables and crops
Come out to the Arboretum with family and friends for fun, hands-on learning experiences at the Farm at the Arb from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on July 15 (Soybean Day) or Aug. 12 (Tomato Day) for Family Fun at the Farm. Learn about Minnesota food growers and also see vegetables and fruit growing around the farm. Visitors will enjoy plant-to-plate cooking demonstrations, samples, interactive exhibits, games and hands-on activities. This event is included with Arboretum admission tickets.
The “Ballad of the Blue Heron: The Carved Paintings of Kristen Lowe” exhibit is on display in the Reedy Gallery through Aug. 20. This piece is called “Perched High Above the Minnesota River.”
6. See Arboretum-influenced art
Inspired by countless hours on the Arboretum grounds and in natural areas nearby, Kristen Lowe presents an innovative, large-format exhibition, “Ballad of the Blue Heron: The Carved Paintings of Kristen Lowe.” Using acrylic paints, charcoal and a type of basswood often used in Japanese printmaking, Lowe creates works that appear to emanate light from within, captivating viewers along with birds and mammals nested delicately into dark, yet ethereal landscapes. See the exhibit through Aug. 20.
“The Landscapes and Flowers of Stephanie Spencer” shows in the Cafe Gallery through Aug. 20.
6. Bask in colorful landscapes indoors
Defined by rich hues and sumptuous scenes, Stephanie Spencer’s creations show what’s possible with just a paint, a palette knife and a passion for art. See this immersive exhibit, The Landscapes and Flowers of Stephanie Spencer, through Aug. 20 in the Cafe Gallery, just outside the Eatery at the Arboretum.
Photo by Jason Boudreau-Landis
7. Experience YouBetcha one last time
The super-fun four-year run of the YouBetcha Stick Sculpture is coming to an end. Installed in May 2019 by acclaimed artist Patrick Dougherty, the willow-branch structure became a fast favorite for families and photographers, who explored and captured its beauty in all seasons. See the sculpture soon, as it is expected to come down before the end of the year. It was originally scheduled to be removed after Father’s Day, but its run was temporarily extended.
8. Explore the library
On the last Friday of each month, children and families are invited to StoryTime in the Andersen Horticultural Library at 10:30 a.m. July 28, Aug. 25 and Sept. 29. Celebrate plants and nature and foster a love for books and reading. StoryTime is recommended for ages 0-5, but all are welcome — or come back anytime to explore the children’s collection (above) color-coded by learning areas and topics.
Photo by Susie Hopper
9. Plan a day out with your dog
All About Dogs Day at the Arboretum has moved from June to August, due to canine influenza. Dog lovers and their pets are welcome to toe Arboretum 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12 at the Arboretum’s Dog Commons. Dog owners are invited to cruise a 40-vendor pet expo, walk the trails of the Dog Commons, pose for photos, enter contests, try dog yoga and meet other dog-lovers. You can book your tickets today. Advanced registration is required.
Arb Glass Pumpkin Patch 2022 | Photo by Sara Pace
10. Get excited about autumn
Fall is one of the most popular times to visit the Arboretum, thanks to the spectacular fall color produced by thousands of maples and other trees; the nationally recognized Ornamental Grass Collection; the beloved Dahlia Trial Garden and more! And that’s not to mention that the AppleHouse (which opens in mid-to-late August) will be packed with apples, strudels, pies and merch. Top fall events include the third-annual Arb Glass Pumpkin Patch (Sept. 15-17); an Autumn Yoga Retreat (Sept. 16); and the Arboretum’s annual Pumpkin Displays (Oct. 1-31). Make sure to mark your calendar to make time for the Arboretum.
Photo by Scott E. Feuer
11. Take a course or class
Autumn and winter Arboretum adult, child and family class options are open for registration, including Creating a Home Landscape: Sustainable Design Basics for Homeowners (a series starting in September)! Check out class schedules for Adults and/or Kids, including a fascinating array of topics, including Art, Crafts & Literature, Food & Wine, Gardening, Guided Walks/Tours/Nature Appreciation, Online & Virtual Photography, Pollinators, School & Homeschool, Special Access Experiences and Youth & Family.
Photo by Johanna DeBuhr
12. Win a one-of-a-kind quilt
The 2023 Arboretum Auxiliary fund-raising quilt — "Minnesota Woodlands" — features a whimsical collection of woodland creatures, flowers, animals and birds of Minnesota. It measures 59" x 75", and is on display in the Oswald Visitor Center Great Hall. Raffle tickets are on sale now for $2 each in the Great Hall of the Oswald Visitor Center (pictured above). The drawing will be held in the Snyder Auditorium on Oct. 7 as part of the Auxiliary's Annual Harvest Sale.