Eastern Gray Squirrel
ParkPennsylvania, US
The Arboretum at Penn State
The Arboretum at Penn State is a stunning 370-acre botanical haven adjacent to the University Park campus.
About
The Arboretum at Penn State is a stunning 370-acre botanical haven adjacent to the University Park campus. This peaceful oasis, often recognized as a "Great Place in Pennsylvania," seamlessly blends academic rigor with natural beauty, serving as a vital center for plant scholarship, education, and public enjoyment. It offers a refreshing escape and a profound connection to the natural world, fostering discovery and renewal for all who visit.
The jewel of the Arboretum is the H.O. Smith Botanic Gardens, encompassing 10 acres of intricately themed spaces designed to captivate and educate. Explore the vibrant Rose and Fragrance Garden, boasting hundreds of roses and tree peonies that fill the air with intoxicating scents, alongside an elegant iris walk. Children delight in the whimsical Childhood's Gate Children's Garden, featuring playful animal sculptures, a limestone cave, a wading stream, and a glass house for educational programs. Discover the vital ecosystem of the Pollinator and Bird Garden, designed to attract local insect pollinators and birds with diverse habitats and "bee hotels." Don't miss the serene Oasis Garden with its aquatic plants and the striking Soaring Waters fountain.
More than just beautiful gardens, The Arboretum at Penn State is a dynamic destination that welcomes over 250,000 visitors annually for relaxation, learning, and celebration. Whether you're seeking a quiet stroll amidst breathtaking flora, engaging educational programs, or lively seasonal festivals like Pumpkin Fest and Winter's Glow, the Arboretum offers a memorable experience. It's a place where every season unveils new wonders, inviting visitors to return again and again to witness its evolving beauty and diverse offerings. Enhance your adventure: download the Snappit app to identify the local species you encounter.
The vision for an arboretum at Penn State dates back to the university's early leaders, with land first set aside for such a purpose in 1914. Despite this long-standing goal, securing funding for the ambitious project remained a challenge for decades, with various plans unable to come to fruition. The dream finally began to materialize in 2007, thanks to a pioneering $10 million gift from alumnus Charles H. "Skip" Smith. This significant donation enabled construction to begin, and the initial phase of the H.O. Smith Botanic Gardens, named in honor of Skip's father, officially opened to the public in 2009. Subsequent donations have allowed for continuous expansion, including the opening of the Childhood's Gate Children's Garden in 2014 and the Pollinator and Bird Garden in 2021, further enriching this cherished university landmark. In 2024, the new Palmer Museum of Art also opened adjacent to the Arboretum, forming a cultural district.
What to do here
Stroll through diverse themed gardens, enjoy seasonal floral displays, engage with interactive elements in the Children's Garden, observe pollinators in action, walk the natural lands and the Bellefonte Central Rail Trail, attend educational workshops, or simply find a peaceful spot to relax.
Seasonal info
Spring/Summer: Peak blooming season, children's programs, outdoor art exhibitions like "Penn's Woods Outdoor Art Exhibition," and outdoor performances.
Fall: Vibrant autumn foliage, and the popular Pumpkin Fest in October.
Winter: Beautiful snowy landscapes, and the festive "Winter's Glow" light display in December.
Accessibility
The Arboretum is wheelchair-friendly, with all major walkways accessible. Wheelchairs, motorized carts, baby carriages, and strollers are welcome. ADA parking spaces are available in the Lewis Katz Building lot.
Don't miss
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The H.O. Smith Botanic Gardens, Rose and Fragrance Garden, Childhood's Gate Children's Garden, Pollinator and Bird Garden, Oasis Garden, Soaring Waters fountain, and the Overlook Pavilion.
Wildlife you might spot
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Snap map for this place
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Good to know before you go
Arrive early
Especially on weekends or during special events, to secure parking and enjoy quieter moments.
Wear comfortable shoes
The grounds are expansive, with many walking paths to explore.
Check the events calendar
The Arboretum hosts numerous events, workshops, and festivals throughout the year.
Utilize the ParkMobile app
Download it in advance for convenient parking payment in the Lewis Katz Building lot.
Bring water and snacks
While there may be food trucks during events, it's wise to carry your own refreshments for general visits.
Explore beyond the manicured gardens
Don't miss the opportunity to walk the natural lands, including Hartley Wood and the Bellefonte Central Rail Trail, for a different natural experience.
Frequently asked questions
- Yes, admission to the H.O. Smith Botanic Gardens and the larger Arboretum grounds is free for all visitors.
- Visitor parking is available in the Lewis Katz Building lot, located across Bigler Road from the Arboretum. There is a fee for parking, typically $1.00 per hour, which can be paid at a pay station or via the ParkMobile app.
- Key highlights include the H.O. Smith Botanic Gardens, the vibrant Rose and Fragrance Garden, the interactive Childhood's Gate Children's Garden, and the ecologically rich Pollinator and Bird Garden.
Recent snaps at this place
Jun 6, 2026
i
Photo attribution
no rights reserved
License: CC0 1.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
Jun 6, 2026
i
Photo attribution
no rights reserved
License: CC0 1.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
May 27, 2026
i
Photo attribution
(c) Cecil Smith, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
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Jun 7, 2026
Jun 7, 2026
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