The Honeycrisp apple was developed at this site through the University's apple breeding program in 1991.
It maintains one of the largest collections of cold-hardy azaleas and rhododendrons in North America.
The Arboretum features a sensory garden designed specifically for visitors with visual impairments.
It manages over 100 acres of reconstructed tallgrass prairie, a critical ecosystem for regional biodiversity.
The site is a major trial location for the All-America Selections, testing new plant cultivars for regional performance.
The Arboretum’s collection includes over 5,000 unique species and cultivars of plants suited for northern climates.
It serves as a primary research facility for the Minnesota Plant Introduction Station.
The University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a 1,200-acre horticultural garden and research site located west of Minneapolis. It serves as the largest public garden in the Upper Midwest, functioning as a research unit of the University of Minnesota’s College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences. The site features over 1,200 acres of display gardens, woody plant collections, and restored prairie and wetland habitats. Visitors can traverse more than 12 miles of hiking trails and a Three-Mile Drive that accommodates both vehicles and bicycles. The Arboretum is internationally recognized for its apple breeding program, which developed varieties such as Honeycrisp and First Kiss. Specialized collections include the Minnesota Hosta Society’s display, a crabapple collection, and extensive conifer gardens. The site operates as a living laboratory, focusing on cold-hardy plant research and sustainable landscape practices. Seasonal exhibitions often include extensive winter light displays and spring tulip festivals.
The bench overlooking the Japanese Garden during peak seasonal color.
Use the Three-Mile Drive if you have mobility limitations or are visiting with young children.
Check the Arboretum website for the 'Bloom Report' before visiting to see which flowers are at their peak.
Bring binoculars if you plan to visit the woodland trails, as the area is a documented hotspot for migratory birds.
Do not attempt to walk the entire 12 miles of trails in one visit without adequate water and sun protection.
Open year-round, but specific display gardens may have limited access during winter months.
Stay on designated paths to protect research collections and do not pick flowers or fruit.
