The University of Michigan's Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum, with its hundreds of publicly-available collections, vast informational resources, and knowledgeable and friendly staff, is regarded as one of Ann Arbor's greatest nature destinations. Nichols Arboretum, a 123 acre nature area, is tucked alongside the Huron River between the University of Michigan's North and Central campuses. The Matthaei Botanical Gardens, on Ann Arbor's east side, is a 300 acre property containing numerous formal gardens, a 10,000+ square foot indoor conservatory, and miles of hiking and discovery trails.
Whether you're pursuing a leisurely stroll through our display gardens, a self-guided hike through a glacier-carved glen at the Arb, a picnic overlooking our world-renowned Peony Garden, or taking your Scout group on a day-long, docent-guided field trip, the Botanical Gardens and Arboretum is the place to be.