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West Lakes
COMMUNITY GUIDE 2026
Arboretum blooming with activities
Located southwest of Lake Minnetonka in Chanhassen, the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum stands as one of the region’ s premier outdoor attractions and a destination for visitors of all ages. Spanning more than 1,200 acres, the Arboretum features an expansive collection of public gardens, model landscapes and natural areas that highlight plants well-suited to Minnesota’ s climate.
Established in 1958 from the University of Minnesota’ s Horticultural Research Center, the Arboretum has grown into both a world-class public garden and a leading horticultural research facility. As part of the University of Minnesota’ s College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences, it continues to serve as a hub for plant science, environmental education and conservation, while welcoming thousands of visitors each year.
Visitors can explore approximately 12 miles of garden paths and hiking trails that wind through a wide variety of landscapes, from formal gardens to native plantings and wooded areas. Many guests begin near the Oswald Visitor Center before continuing along the scenic Three-
Mile Drive, which provides access to key features such as the Harrison Sculpture Garden, the Maze Garden and numerous specialty collections located throughout the grounds.
In addition to its gardens, the Arboretum offers a variety of indoor and educational spaces that support year-round programming. The Oswald Visitor Center includes a café, gift shop and gathering spaces, while the Snyder Building and Marion Andrus Learning Center host classes, exhibits and community events. Seasonal programming and special events take place throughout the year, including popular winter and holiday experiences that draw visitors from across the region.
Whether exploring the grounds on foot, attending a class or simply enjoying the scenery, the Arboretum offers a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the area in a thoughtfully designed setting.
The Arboretum is located at 3675 Arboretum Drive in Chanhassen, off Highway 5. For more information, call 952- 443-1400 or visit arboretum. umn. edu.
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