WACONIA
COMMUNITY GUIDE 2024
Arboretum blooming with activities
From Lake Waconia Regional Park to the Carver Park Reserve , citizens in the Waconia area are fortunate to have many opportunities to enjoy the best that nature has to offer . One not-to-be-missed attraction is the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum , which boasts more than 1,100 acres of beautiful public gardens , model landscapes , and natural areas with extensive collections of northern-hardy plants .
The Arboretum was born out of the University of Minnesota Horticultural Research Center and established in 1958 , with the Men ’ s Garden Club of Minneapolis credited with promoting the arboretum idea , raising funds and looking for a site . The Arboretum is part of the College of Food , Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences . As for the gardens , the Arboretum has 32 display and specialty gardens , 45 plant collections and more than 5,000 plant species and varieties . This collection has made the Arboretum one of the country ’ s premier horticultural field laboratories .
Visitors to the Arboretum often enjoy a tour of the facility ’ s 12.5 miles of garden paths and hiking trails . Many people choose to walk the gardens that are close to the visitors center and then bike , walk or drive Three-Mile Drive to see the
Harrison Sculpture Garden with 25 modern artworks by international artists , plus the Maze Garden and more gardens and collections .
The professionals at the Arboretum strive to provide a community and national resource for horticulture and environmental information , research and public education ; to develop and evaluate plants and horticultural practices for cold climates ; and to inspire and delight all visitors with quality plants in well-designed and maintained displays .
Gardens and landscapes are only part of the fun at the Arboretum . There are always fun and interesting attractions located in the Oswald Visitor Center with its restaurant and gift store , plus the Snyder Building , and Marion Andrus Learning Center . There ’ s even an art gallery . Special events are held year-round at the Arboretum , including a winter holiday spectacular .
The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is located just east of Waconia at 3675 Arboretum Drive in Chanhassen , off the north side of Highway 5 . To learn more about the Arboretum , including information on current or upcoming exhibits or events , contact ( 952 ) 443-1400 or visit www . arboretum . umn . edu .
Creating a Healthy Carver for a Lifetime
Carver County Public Health works to improve and protect the health of the community while fostering a sense of belonging .
• Prevent the spread of disease
• Protect against environmental hazards
• Prevent injuries
• Promote and encourage healthy behaviors
• Plan and respond to health emergencies
• Ensure the quality and accessibility of health services through community assessment , planning and engagement
Thank You !
The staff of the Patriot would like to thank all the businesses and civic organizations that participated in the Waconia Area Guide . Without their support , the guide would not be possible .
If you would like more information on promoting your business or civic organization
in next year ’ s edition , please call Mike at
952-442-6819
952-361-1329 public-health @ co . carver . mn . us www . carvercountymn . gov / publichealth
8 Elm St . S ., Waconia | 952-442-4414 www . sunpatriot . com
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