Winter at the Arboretum

Woman on a winter walk with frosted trees
Photo by Jason Boudreau-Landis

Winter is a great time to visit the Arboretum! Visitors can check out Three-Mile Walk or Three-Mile Drive to explore the grounds. Please note that all visitors need a general daily admission ticket to use the trails and trail conditions are subject to change based on the weather. We do sand and salt roads/walkways, but travel is at your own risk. 

Current Conditions

Ski/Snowshoe Trail Map

Map of winter trails at the Arboretum.

Download a PDF of the ski/snowshoe trails 

 

WALK | Once again this year, Three-Mile Walk is open throughout the winter, as conditions allow. The popular walk leads through much of the same terrain as Three-Mile Drive, but the pedestrian-only, paved trail is tailored to walkers. The new paved Farm Trail, leading up to the Farm at the Arb, is also maintained throughout the winter. If there’s little or no snow, the Arboretum’s 12 miles of hiking trails also provide plenty of ways to connect with nature.

DRIVE | If you feel like taking a drive through the Arboretum grounds, we plan on keeping Three-Mile Drive open to vehicles as conditions allow.

Please note: For the safety of all visitors, Three-Mile Drive is open to vehicles only.

Snowshoe

Cross-Country Ski

Winter FAQ

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When does the current conditions report get updated?

The current conditions report is updated daily by 8 a.m. and throughout the day if needed.

Can I snowshoe or ski off the marked trails?

No. For the safety of plants, animals and humans, please stay on the marked trails only. 

Are the ski trails groomed?

The ski trails are natural and not made with snow machines. Snow coverage depends on natural snowfall and weather conditions.

What size snowshoes are available?

We have small (up to 125 lbs), medium (up to 175 lbs) & large (up to 225 lbs) snowshoes. Small snowshoes can be worn by children ages 10 and up for rentals.

I don't have access to snowshoes. Can I walk on the snowshoe trails in boots?

Yes! The snowshoe trails can be walked with boots. The ski trails are for cross-country skis only.

How do I drive to the Farm at the Arb and where do I park to access the ski trails?

During the winter months, visitors have two options to access the ski trailhead at the Farm at the Arb:

Three-Mile Drive: Use Three-Mile Drive to travel to the Farm at the Arb. The drive may be closed during adverse weather conditions (see Current Conditions, above, for the status).
 
Farm at the Arb Entrance: Skiers can access the Farm via the gate off 82nd street (3210 W 82nd Street, Chanhassen, MN 55317). Press the call button, wait for an attendant to answer and have your ticket number or membership card number ready to read. If no one answers, dial 24 and another attendant will answer to get your ticket number. Pay at the gate is not available at the Farm at the Arb gate – you must reserve a ticket in advance or use your membership card. For intermediate level trail access there is additional parking at the Hedge Collection. 
Red cardinal in a winter tree
Possum along the fence in winter
2 deer in winter under a tree grazing