Connecticut · Est. 1931
Connecticut College Arboretum
A 750-acre living laboratory and botanical garden offering a quality of life and a conservation classroom unique among liberal arts institutions.
Founded
1931
Size
750 acres
Hardiness Zone
USDA Zone 7a
Best Season
May through October
About Connecticut College Arboretum
The Connecticut College Arboretum is a 750-acre botanical garden and arboretum located on the campus of Connecticut College in New London. It features a diverse collection of native plants, landscaped campus grounds, and natural areas including the Bolleswood Natural Area and Mamacoke Island. The Arboretum serves as a living laboratory for teaching, research, conservation, and public education, and is accredited as a Level III Arboretum by ArbNet.
History & Heritage
The Arboretum was established in 1931 on 64 acres of land owned by Connecticut College, with Dr. George S. Avery, Jr. serving as its first director. The initial tracts included a grove of mature hemlock trees, which was a main feature in the early years. Over the decades, under the leadership of directors like Dr. Richard H. Goodwin and Dr. William A. Niering, the Arboretum expanded significantly to its current 750 acres, emphasizing land conservation and long-term ecological studies.
Signature Feature
Native Plant Collection
The Native Plant Collection spans 30 acres and features woody plants and wildflowers indigenous to eastern North America. It includes a wildflower garden and the Plant Collections Network accredited Nancy Moss Fine Azalea Collection. This area is a focal point for both casual visitors and academic study, showcasing the beauty and ecological importance of regional flora.
Photo Gallery
Lush greenery in the Native Plant Collection.
A scenic view of the natural areas within the Arboretum.
Beautiful botanical displays in the Caroline Black Garden.
Notable Collections
Campus Landscape
120 acres of trees and shrubs from around the world integrated into the college campus.
Native Plant Collection
30 acres of woody plants and wildflowers indigenous to eastern North America.
Caroline Black Garden
A three-acre garden featuring a diversity of mature woody plants in a landscaped setting.
Natural Areas
Over 200 acres dedicated to observational research, teaching, and recreation, including the Bolleswood Natural Area.
Plan Before You Go
Hours, Parking & Accessibility
Hours & Seasonal Timing
Open daily from sunrise to sunset, 365 days a year.
Best seasonal window: May through October
Parking & Arrival
Parking is available along Williams Street for the Native Plant Collection, or at 33 Gallows Lane and the South Parking Lot on the main campus.
Check the official visit page for event-day parking changes and arrival instructions.
Accessibility
All trails are suitable for hiking or casual strolling, with limited areas available for running.
Contact the garden before visiting to discuss route conditions, mobility equipment, or support needs.
Visitor details are reviewed from the garden's public information and were last checked May 2026. Policies, prices, and route conditions can change; confirm final arrangements directly with the garden.
Recognition & Awards
- Level III Accreditation through ArbNet
- ACUI Facility Design Award for excellence in student-centered facilities (Connecticut College)
Editorial Standards
This profile was prepared by the BotanicalGardens.blog editorial research desk using official garden pages and other named sources where available. Hours, admission, and access details can change; confirm them with the garden before a special trip. This profile was last reviewed May 2026. If you notice an inaccuracy, please contact us.
Plan Your Visit
May through October
Address
270 Mohegan Avenue, New London, CT 06320
Phone
860-439-5020
Hours
Open daily from sunrise to sunset, 365 days a year.
Admission
Free to the public.
Parking
Parking is available along Williams Street for the Native Plant Collection, or at 33 Gallows Lane and the South Parking Lot on the main campus.
Accessibility
All trails are suitable for hiking or casual strolling, with limited areas available for running.
Insider Tips
- 1Download the Camel Tour on your smartphone for a self-guided audio tour of the Native Plant Collection.
- 2Join a free guided public tour on the first and second Sunday of each month from May through October.
- 3Visit the Caroline Black Garden for a peaceful stroll among mature woody plants.
- 4Check out the informational brochures available in the lobby of the Arboretum Office building at 33 Gallows Lane.
Nearby Attractions
- Lyman Allyn Art Museum (0.5 miles)
- United States Coast Guard Academy (1.0 miles)
- Ocean Beach Park (4.5 miles)