The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University is a 281-acre living museum of trees, shrubs, and vines spread across the rolling hills of Jamaica Plain and Roslindale. Established in 1872, it is the oldest public arboretum in North America and a link in Boston’s Emerald Necklace park system designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. Harvard owns and manages the collections, while the land is part of the City of Boston park system, and admission to the grounds is free year-round.
Curving carriage paths and labeled plantings make it equally rewarding for serious botanists and casual strollers. Signature collections include lilacs, magnolias, conifers, and a renowned bonsai and penjing pavilion. Peak Bloom for the lilacs typically draws large crowds each spring during the long-running Lilac Sunday celebration. Start at the Hunnewell Visitor Center near the Arborway gate for maps, restrooms, and seasonal exhibits before exploring the network of trails up Bussey Hill and Peters Hill.
Good to know
- Grounds are free to enter year-round; no admission ticket required
- Part of Harvard University and the Emerald Necklace park system
- Start at the Hunnewell Visitor Center for maps and restrooms
- Extensive paved and unpaved paths; expect hills toward Bussey and Peters Hills
Getting there
- Address: 125 Arborway, Boston, MA 02130
- Neighborhood: Jamaica Plain (extending into Roslindale)
- Nearest T: Forest Hills (MBTA Orange Line); Green Street (Orange Line) is also nearby