Minnesota · Est. 1958
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
A 1,200-acre public garden featuring diverse plant collections, natural landscapes, and the iconic Farm at the Arb.
Founded
1958
Size
1,200 acres
Hardiness Zone
USDA Zone 4b
Best Season
May to October
About Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
The University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a premier public garden spanning 1,200 acres in Chaska, Minnesota. It features 49 gardens and model landscapes, 44 plant collections, and extensive natural areas that protect the surrounding watershed. The Arboretum is a leading center for horticultural research and education, attracting nearly 700,000 visitors annually.
History & Heritage
The Arboretum was founded in 1958 with an initial 160 acres of land. Over the decades, it has expanded significantly to its current 1,200 acres, incorporating historic sites like the Williams farm. The iconic Red Barn, built in 1920, stands as a testament to the area's agricultural heritage and is now the centerpiece of the Farm at the Arb.
Signature Feature
Farm at the Arb and Red Barn
The Farm at the Arb is centered around a historic Red Barn built in 1920, offering sweeping hilltop landscape views. This area celebrates Minnesota's agricultural history and features expansive green lawns, a Bee Center, and educational exhibits on farming and horticulture.
Photo Gallery
Vibrant spring blooms in the specialty gardens.
Lush greenery and walking paths through the arboretum.
Beautifully maintained plant collections and natural landscapes.
Notable Collections
Crabapple Collection
A major collection featuring numerous varieties of crabapple trees that provide stunning spring blossoms.
Hedge Collection
Features dozens of sheared and unsheared hedges of different heights, demonstrating various landscaping techniques.
Maze Garden
Designed by William Grace Frost in 2005, this fun garden features a diversity of plants arranged in an intricate maze.
Japanese Garden
A serene space designed with traditional Japanese landscaping principles, offering a peaceful retreat.
Plan Before You Go
Hours, Parking & Accessibility
Hours & Seasonal Timing
Hours vary seasonally; advance daily admission tickets are strongly encouraged.
Best seasonal window: May to October
Parking & Arrival
Free parking is available in various surface lots, with the main lot near the Oswald Visitor Center.
Check the official visit page for event-day parking changes and arrival instructions.
Accessibility
Accessible parking is available in the front rows of the main lot, and the grounds feature accessible pathways.
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
- Voted Best Botanical Garden in the U.S. by USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards (2017, 2019)
- Level IV accreditation through ArbNet
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 to October
Address
3675 Arboretum Drive, Chaska, MN 55318
Phone
612-624-2200
Hours
Hours vary seasonally; advance daily admission tickets are strongly encouraged.
Admission
Free for members; non-members require paid admission.
Parking
Free parking is available in various surface lots, with the main lot near the Oswald Visitor Center.
Accessibility
Accessible parking is available in the front rows of the main lot, and the grounds feature accessible pathways.
Insider Tips
- 1Book advance daily admission tickets online to guarantee entry.
- 2Visit the Farm at the Arb on weekends using the Highway 41 entrance.
- 3Explore the Maze Garden and Hedge Collection for interactive fun.
- 4Check the seasonal bloom schedule to catch the crabapples and magnolias in spring.
Nearby Attractions
- Paisley Park (3 miles)
- Lake Minnetonka (5 miles)
- Chanhassen Dinner Theatres (4 miles)