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Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

3675 Arboretum Dr, Chaska, MN 55318 · Chaska, MN

Why you should go…

The University of Minnesota's sprawling arboretum covers more than 1,100 acres of display gardens, hardwood forest, prairie, and famed plant-breeding grounds, the university fruit program based here produced the Honeycrisp apple. Drive or bike the Three-Mile loop past crabapple and lilac collections, wander the Japanese and rose gardens, then browse the conservatory. Every season delivers: spring bloom, summer color, blazing fall canopy, and glowing winter lights. Advance tickets ($20 adults) are recommended; kids 15 and under are free.

  • #gardens
  • #nature
  • #trails
  • #flowers
  • #day trip

Good to know

General sport & outdoor guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Weather calls the shots

    Check the forecast the morning of and keep an indoor backup in your pocket for the day it turns.

  • Shoes, water, sun cover

    The three things that decide whether you last the whole outing or cut it short after an hour.

  • Parking and launches fill early

    On a nice weekend, lots and trailheads are often full by mid-morning.

  • Daylight shrinks in shoulder season

    Spring and fall visits need an earlier start than the same trip in July.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Tours
    Iconic

    Paisley Park

    $50+

    Step inside Prince's private studio and home, recording studios, costumes, motorcycles and all that purple.

    2.5 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    Minnesota Renaissance Festival

    $25–$50

    Seasonal outdoor Renaissance festival near Shakopee with costumed entertainers, shopping and feasting.

    7.9 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Shopping
    Local Gem

    General Store of Minnetonka

    Free

    A two-story gift and general store in Minnetonka with an on-site cafe, family-run since 1984.

    8.5 mi awaySwitch it up: Shopping

  • Attractions
    Family favorite

    Valleyfair

    $25–$50

    Minnesota's big amusement park since 1976, 40+ rides, eight coasters, and the included Superior Shores Waterpark on the Minnesota River.

    9.1 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Museums
    Iconic

    Walker Art Center & Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

    Under $25

    Cutting-edge contemporary art beside the famous Spoonbridge and Cherry in the free Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.

    18 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Iconic

    Minnehaha Regional Park

    Free

    A 53-foot waterfall tumbling through a leafy city park, Minneapolis's most photographed natural wonder.

    20 mi awayMore like this