Arboretum of the Barnes Foundation

The Barnes Arboretum at Saint Joseph's University offers a peaceful escape into a living botanical collection. This 12-acre arboretum, once part of the Barnes Foundation's original Merion campus, is a horticultural treasure showcasing thousands of rare and significant plant species amidst serene landscapes. It stands as a testament to Laura Barnes' passion for horticulture, complementing her husband Albert C. Barnes' renowned art collection and serving as a unique educational resource in the Delaware Valley.

Visitors can explore diverse collections, including the vibrant Magnolia Collection that bursts into bloom each spring, the fragrant Lilac Collection, and the extensive Laura L. Barnes Fern Dell, featuring nearly 100 varieties of hardy ornamental ferns. The arboretum is also home to a National Hosta Display Garden, recognized as the largest in the region, and boasts impressive rare trees such as the intriguing Monkey-puzzle tree, a towering Redwood, and the elegant Dove Tree. Pathways wind through formal gardens, woodlands, open lawns, and past a tranquil pond and stream, revealing a botanical diversity of over 2,500 woody and herbaceous plant taxa.

More than just a collection of plants, the Barnes Arboretum offers a restorative experience, inviting quiet reflection and a deeper connection with nature. It provides a stunning backdrop throughout the seasons, from spring blossoms to vibrant fall foliage, making it a memorable destination for nature enthusiasts, students of horticulture, and anyone seeking beauty and tranquility just outside Philadelphia. Take the ultimate field guide with you: use the Snappit app to identify birds, plants, and animals on your trip.