The last will and testament of whaling merchant James Arnold was clear: Harvard University would inherit a portion of his estate for creating and maintaining the Arnold Arboretum, which "shall contain, as far as practicable, all the trees [and] shrubs…either indigenous or exotic, which can be raised in the open air." Founded in 1872, the 265-acre Arnold Arboretum has kept true to the original mission. The nation's oldest arboretum offers a reinvigorating environment of more than 15,000 ornamental trees, shrubs, and vines from around the world. And the flowers are pretty spectacular, too.
Shutterbugs can catch great shots year-round at the arboretum. In the spring, dogwood, azaleas, rhododendrons, honeysuckle, and hundreds of lilac varieties bloom. Roses and tulips have their heyday in summer. About 130 kinds of maples color the palette of fall foliage. And the boughs of conifers and deciduous trees cradle snow each winter. Other picturesque treasures include two small waterfalls, a rustic log bridge, and an impressive view of Boston from the top of Bussey Hill.
One can bike (in certain areas) and jog along the arboretum's paths. To learn the story of the arboretum's genesis, check out the Science in the Pleasure Ground exhibit at the attraction's Hunnewell Building. Guided walking tours of the grounds, beginning at the Hunnewell Building, last about an hour.
Location
The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University is located at 125 Arborway in Boston's Jamaica Plain neighborhood.
Hours of operation
The Arboretum's grounds are open year-round from sunrise to sunset. The Hunnewell Building, closed on holidays, has two seasons of operational hours: From November through February, it is open weekdays, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; and weekends, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. From March through October, hours are weekdays, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; and weekends, noon-4 p.m.
Cost
There is no admission charge for visiting the Arboretum but donations are welcome. Guided walking tours also are free.
The Plant Information Hotline, at (617) 524-1718 ext. 127, is operational every Monday, 1-3 p.m., for questions about woody plants suited for the Boston area.
Additional information
Food is allowed at the arboretum only one day each year-on Lilac Sunday in May for picnicking.
The arboretum's botanical collection is crucial to Harvard University's horticultural research and education institution
Please note
Cost, hours of operation, or other information about this attraction is subject to change without notice. We suggest you confirm with the attraction prior to your visit.
