Widow Skimmer
ParkOhio, US
Chadwick Arboretum
Chadwick Arboretum is a stunning 60-acre botanical garden and living laboratory nestled within The Ohio State University campus in Columbus.
About
Chadwick Arboretum is a stunning 60-acre botanical garden and living laboratory nestled within The Ohio State University campus in Columbus. It serves as a vibrant urban green reserve, dedicated to providing extensive and diverse plant collections for education, research, and public enjoyment. This expansive arboretum offers a serene escape, inviting visitors to explore meticulously designed gardens and natural landscapes year-round without an admission fee.
The arboretum boasts an impressive array of specialized gardens and collections, each offering unique horticultural interests. Highlights include the vibrant Learning Gardens, featuring extensive displays of perennials, annuals, tropical plants, and trial plantings. Visitors can wander through the Lane Avenue Gardens, home to the notable Van Wade Hosta Collection and a meditative Chartres-style Labyrinth Garden. Further exploration into Arboretum North reveals a diverse Willow Collection, a collection of 1,000 native Ohio trees, a 3.5-acre Research Lake, and a vital Monarch Butterfly Waystation. Even Howlett Hall features a sustainable 12,000 sq. ft. Green Roof, showcasing innovative horticulture.
Chadwick Arboretum is a memorable destination for its tranquil beauty, diverse flora, and commitment to environmental education and research. Whether you're seeking inspiration for your own garden, a peaceful setting for reflection, or a dynamic outdoor classroom, the arboretum provides a rich experience. Its ever-changing seasonal displays, from spring blooms to fall foliage and winter vistas, ensure there's always something new and captivating to discover with each visit. Planning to visit? Download the Snappit app to identify the wildlife you spot in real-time.
The Ohio State University Chadwick Arboretum was officially established on July 11, 1980, and dedicated in May 1981. It was named in honor of Dr. Lewis C. Chadwick, a respected faculty member of the Department of Horticulture at OSU from 1929 until his retirement in 1967. Dr. Chadwick was renowned worldwide for his contributions to landscape horticulture, particularly in bringing arboriculture to professional status. The arboretum began with several acres of gardens along Lane Avenue and has since expanded to its current 60 acres, evolving into a significant urban green reserve within the university campus.
What to do here
Enjoy peaceful walks, discover diverse plant species, engage in photography, picnic in designated areas, or birdwatch. Catch-and-release fishing is permitted in the 3.5-acre Research Lake in Arboretum North. Check the arboretum's website for information on guided tours and seasonal events.
Seasonal info
Spring brings a burst of color with various flowering trees and early perennials. Summer showcases extensive annuals and perennials in full bloom, especially in the Cultivar Trial Gardens. Autumn transforms the landscape with rich fall colors from the diverse tree collections. Winter provides serene views, and the annual Winter Solstice Celebration offers a unique luminary-lit experience.
Accessibility
The arboretum generally offers paths, paved surfaces, and lawn areas for walking. Visitors with disabilities can request accommodation, and pets on leashes are permitted on paths, provided they are kept out of garden beds.
Don't miss
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Don't miss the tranquil Chartres-style Labyrinth Garden, the vibrant seasonal displays of the Learning Gardens, the extensive Colour Columbus 1,000 Native Tree Collection, and the diverse Willow and Conifer Collections. The Monarch Butterfly Waystation in Arboretum North is also a significant attraction.
Wildlife you might spot
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Snap map for this place
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Good to know before you go
Wear comfortable shoes
** The arboretum encompasses 60 acres with various walking paths, so comfortable footwear is recommended.
Plan for parking
Parking is available in surrounding lots via Pay-n-Display machines or the ParkMobile app. Parking can be tricky on weekdays due to the university's active campus, so weekends might offer easier access. Check the website for the most current parking information.
Check for current events and construction: The Trellis entrance is currently undergoing renovation (as of June 2026), which may affect access or display areas. Always check the arboretum's website for updates on events, closures, and specific garden schedules.
Bring a camera
With diverse plant collections and scenic landscapes, Chadwick Arboretum offers abundant photography opportunities.
Respect garden etiquette
Help preserve the beauty of the arboretum by staying on marked paths, refraining from collecting plant materials, and keeping pets leashed.
Explore all three sections
Make sure to visit the Learning Gardens, Lane Avenue Gardens, and Arboretum North to experience the full diversity of the arboretum's collections.
Frequently asked questions
- No, admission to Chadwick Arboretum & Learning Gardens is completely free for all visitors, and it is open year-round from dawn to dusk.
- Chadwick Arboretum features numerous notable collections, including the Van Wade Hosta Collection, the Colour Columbus 1,000 Native Tree Collection, a diverse Conifer Collection, and the extensive Learning Gardens with annuals and perennials. The Chartres-style Labyrinth Garden and the Monarch Butterfly Waystation are also popular highlights.
- Yes, well-behaved dogs are welcome at Chadwick Arboretum. They must be kept on a leash and remain on designated paths, out of garden beds, and owners are asked to clean up after their pets.
Recent snaps at this place
May 11, 2026
May 11, 2026
May 11, 2026
May 11, 2026
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May 11, 2026
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