Arnold Arboretum Park

Address: 125 Arborway (Arnold Arboretum), Jamaica Plain / Boston, MA 02130, USA

Website: https://www.arboretum.harvard.edu

Hours: Daily sunrise-sunset

Admission: Free

The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University is a 281-acre living collection and research institution in Boston, Massachusetts, established in 1872.

It contains extensive collections of trees and shrubs from temperate regions of the world arranged for study and public enjoyment, with paved and unpaved paths that traverse collections and specimen plantings.

The Arboretum functions as both a public park and a research arm of Harvard, offering year-round access without an entry fee.

• Size and ownership: Occupies 281 acres and is part of Harvard University, combining living collections, research facilities and public access.
• Founding and access: Founded in 1872 as a public arboretum and research collection with free year-round access for visitors and researchers.

The Arnold Arboretum is in the Jamaica Plain neighborhood of Boston and is best reached by MBTA. Take the Orange Line to Forest Hills station; the arboretum’s main entrances are then a short 5-10 minute walk from the station. By car it’s only a few miles (about 6-7 km) southwest of downtown Boston-use Huntington Avenue/Centre Street or follow signs to Forest Hills for on-site parking.

• Visit in spring for flowering collections or in fall for peak foliage; those seasons showcase the Arboretum's planted collections best.
• Use Forest Hills (MBTA Orange Line) and walk in from the nearby entrances to avoid limited parking; several pedestrian gates give direct access to main features like Peters Hill and Bussey Hill.
• Arrive on weekday mornings to avoid weekend crowds and to experience quieter walking routes and research collections.