Holden Arboretum photo
ParkOhio, US

Holden Arboretum

Holden Arboretum offers a breathtaking escape into one of the largest arboreta and botanical gardens in the United States, spanning over 3,600 acres.

About

Holden Arboretum offers a breathtaking escape into one of the largest arboreta and botanical gardens in the United States, spanning over 3,600 acres. It's a living museum dedicated to connecting people with the wonder, beauty, and value of trees and plants, fostering a deeper understanding of nature and inspiring action for healthy communities. With its diverse landscapes, from cultivated gardens to natural forests and wetlands, it serves as a significant center for conservation, research, and education in Northeast Ohio.

Visitors can explore over 20 miles of well-maintained trails leading through various habitats and curated collections. Iconic attractions include the Murch Canopy Walk, an elevated walkway swaying 65 feet above the forest floor, and the Kalberer Emergent Tower, offering a 120-foot climb for panoramic 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape, sometimes even extending to Lake Erie. The arboretum also boasts specialized gardens such as the Eliot and Linda Paine Rhododendron Discovery Garden, the Helen S. Layer Rhododendron Garden, the Arlene and Arthur S. Holden Jr. Butterfly Garden, the Myrtle S. Holden Wildflower Garden, and extensive collections of Crabapple, Lilac, Viburnum, and Conifers.

Whether you're seeking tranquil moments amidst vibrant blooms, an exhilarating climb above the treetops, or an educational journey through diverse plant ecosystems, Holden Arboretum provides an unforgettable experience. Its commitment to showcasing a wide array of woody plants, including specimens from similar climates around the world like China and Korea, makes it a unique destination for gardeners, photographers, and anyone looking to immerse themselves in the natural world throughout all four seasons. Be ready to snap and learn! Get the Snappit app to identify any nature species you find here.

The Holden Arboretum was envisioned by Albert Fairchild Holden, a mining industrialist and philanthropist with a lifelong passion for botany. Originally contemplating Harvard University's Arnold Arboretum as his beneficiary, he was persuaded by his sister, Roberta Holden Bole, that Northeast Ohio deserved its own arboretum. Holden established a trust for the arboretum in memory of his deceased daughter, Elizabeth Davis Holden, who passed away at the age of 12 in 1908. Though Holden died in 1913 at 46, his vision came to fruition with the formal establishment of The Holden Arboretum in 1931, approved by the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas. Roberta Holden Bole played a crucial role, donating 100 acres in Kirtland Township that formed the core of the arboretum. Initially managed by the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, the arboretum separated in 1952 to become an independent, not-for-profit institution. Significant land acquisitions, including a 556-acre parcel of Baldwin Farm, and the dedicated support of figures like Warren H. Corning and Albert Holden's grandson, R. Henry Norweb, Jr., allowed the arboretum to grow to over 3,500 acres by 1956. In 2014, the Holden Arboretum integrated with the Cleveland Botanical Garden to form Holden Forests & Gardens, becoming one of the largest public gardens in the country.

What to do here

Hike over 20 miles of trails, including Conifer Trail and Pierson Valley trails.

* Enjoy a guided tram tour (May-October) for an additional fee, which is wheelchair accessible.

* Explore specialized plant collections and seasonal blooms.

* Go birdwatching – the arboretum is an Important Bird Area.

* Participate in seasonal events like Wildflower Weekends, Fall Forest Fest, or Goblins in the Garden.

* Kids can enjoy Buckeye Bud's Adventure Woods and borrow Discovery Packs.

* Visit the current art exhibit, such as the *Pollinator Express* with miniature trains and botanical sculptures.

Seasonal info

Spring: Vibrant blooms of wildflowers, rhododendrons, and lilacs. Expect potentially muddy trails.

Summer: Lush greenery, active wildlife, peak butterfly garden viewing. Longer days allow for extended exploration.

Fall: Breathtaking fall foliage, especially from elevated structures. Special fall events and "Leaf Trail" activities.

Winter: Good visibility for birding, peaceful atmosphere. Check for specific trail conditions due to snow or ice.

Accessibility

Holden Arboretum is committed to accessibility.

* Manual wheelchairs are available for complimentary use, and electric convenience vehicles (ECVs) can be rented for a daily fee at the Corning Visitor Center.

* The Corning Visitor Center, Display Garden, Norweb Tree Allee, and Rhododendron Gardens feature complete or partially paved paths suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.

* The Murch Canopy Walk is wheelchair accessible to the first platform.

* Guided tram tours are wheelchair accessible and offer a great way to see the grounds.

* Accessible parking and restrooms are available.

Don't miss

1

Murch Canopy Walk

A 500-foot-long suspended bridge system 65 feet above the forest floor.

2

Kalberer Emergent Tower

A 120-foot tall tower providing 360-degree views.

3

Eliot and Linda Paine Rhododendron Discovery Garden & Helen S. Layer Rhododendron Garden

Extensive collections of rhododendrons and azaleas.

4

Arlene and Arthur S. Holden Jr. Butterfly Garden

Filled with pollinator-attracting plants.

Wildlife you might spot

12

Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.

Snap map for this place

Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.

Loading map…

Good to know before you go

Wear appropriate footwear

** With over 20 miles of trails, some unpaved, sturdy hiking shoes are recommended, especially for longer walks or after rain.

Bring water and snacks

Stay hydrated, particularly on warm days. A water bottle refill station is available in the visitor center. You can also bring a picnic to enjoy at designated areas.

Plan your visit in advance

Check the official website for current hours, admission prices, special events, and what's in bloom, as these can vary seasonally.

Arrive early for popular attractions

The Kalberer Emergent Tower and Murch Canopy Walk can have lines, especially on busy days, due to capacity limits. Visiting earlier in the day can help avoid waits.

Utilize the tram tour

If you want to see a lot of the grounds without extensive walking or have mobility concerns, consider taking a guided tram tour (available May-October).

Check for ticks

As much of the arboretum is natural woodland, it's advisable to check yourself and your clothing for ticks after your visit.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, leashed dogs are welcome in almost every part of the Holden Arboretum, with exceptions including the indoor areas of the Corning Visitor Center, the Myrtle S. Holden Wildflower Garden, the Murch Canopy Walk, and the Kalberer Emergent Tower. Water bowls and Mutt Mitts are available.
Key attractions include the Murch Canopy Walk, offering views 65 feet above the forest floor, and the Kalberer Emergent Tower, which provides a 120-foot high panoramic vista. Additionally, visitors can explore various themed gardens like the Rhododendron Discovery Garden, Butterfly Garden, Wildflower Garden, and numerous hiking trails through diverse natural areas.
Yes, the Holden Arboretum offers several accessibility features. Manual wheelchairs are available, and ECVs can be rented. Paved paths are present in many garden areas, and the Murch Canopy Walk is accessible to its first platform. Guided tram tours, operating from May through October, are also wheelchair accessible.

Recent snaps at this place

View all