GUIDED TOURS

There are many ways to experience the Arboretum, with a guide or on your own, on foot or by car, bus or tram. Tours are conducted May through October and change with the seasons. Groups of 15 or more may choose from one of our seasonal Group Tour Packages. Advance reservations are required.  

GROUP TOUR PACKAGES

From bursting blooms of spring to autumn's blazing palette, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum delivers vibrant, postcard-quality experiences your group will be raving about all year long.   An increasingly popular destination for small and large-group visits, the Arboretum offers a multitude of sights and sounds to delight and inspire.

Choose our popular Basic Tour Package or design your own for a truly one-of-a-kind experience.  Add on a Morning Muffin Break, Flower Pot Lunch or an afternoon Lemonade in the Shade    The Arboretum's tour coordinators will help you choose the options that fit your group's exact specifications, then ensure that every detail is taken care of.

We offer a variety of ways to explore all the wonders that await your group at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.   You can choose from options for walking, tram or bus tours to customize your visit to meet your group's unique needs, interests and physical abilities. 

BASIC TOUR PACKAGE

For groups with limited time, enjoy a seasonal guided walking tour of the gardens or motorized Trumpet Creeper Tram tour of Three-Mile Drive - and a 10% discount in the Gift Store. 

$8/person (minimum of 15 guests).  Allow approximately 1.5 hours. $50 non-refundable deposit required when reservations are made.  

The Basic Tour Package includes the following:

• Free parking and gate fee
• 10% discount in the Gift Shop
• Tours led by expert guides
• Reserved private dining with food packages
• Tour operator and driver receive complimentary admission 

Choose from one of these tours:

WALKING GARDEN TOUR

Docent-guided walking tours focus on some of our most popular gardens and plant collections near the Oswald Visitor Center, including: dwarf conifers, roses, perennials, herbs, annuals, host glade, Japanese garden, and home demonstration gardens; 60 - 90 minutes.

A relaxed way to experience the garden and its beauty is to pick from one of the individualized tours:

• "Arboretum Highlights" Walk (45-60 minutes versions available) - Led by highly trained Arboretum Guides.  Guided walking tour visits seasonal gardens in peak bloom and includes the story of the Arboretum's misson and work.
• "Go Green With a Splash" Tour (60 minutes) - Led by highly trained Arboretum Guides.   Guided walking tour of summer 2009 "Waterosity" exhibition features.   Tour "Harvest Your Rain" (green roof, rain gardens, rain barrels), "Cutting Edge on Lawns" (low-input lawns, irrigation practices), "Rain Water Run off Model" (parking lot surfaces), selected juried design winners.

TRAM TOUR

Come on board our Trumpet Creeper Tram for a narrated tour of the 1000+ acres of trees, shrubs and theme gardens.    The tram accommodates 42 people with one wheelchair space.  Scheduled tram tour times are 10:30 a.m., noon, 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. May through mid-October. 
Reservations for groups of 15 or more can be made in advance with a $50 non-refundable deposit to confirm.   

BUS TOUR (transportation provided by group)

The views are unsurpassed and continually changing, including the beauty of the gardens, the woodland's green serenity, shrub roses, crabapples and other tree collections, and the Maze Garden.    A short stop for your group to go through a seasonal highlight is optional.

ADD ON:

Morning Muffin Break
Enjoy fresh morning muffins, hot coffee and tea in the Tea Room overlooking the gardens with Green Heron Pond in the distance.   May be scheduled before or after your tour or walk.   Minimum 20 guests.  Add on cost $3.00 per person.

Flower Pot Lunch
Sustain your energy with  our ever popular Flower Pot Lunches.  Served in a reusable recyclable flower pot your guests can take home.   Lunches served in the Tea Room and Terrace.  Minimum 20 guests.  Add on cost $10.60 per person.

Lemonade in the Shade
Quench your thirst with refreshing ice cold lemonade, iced tea and a snack in the Tea Room overlooking the gardens with Green Heron Pond in the distance.  May be scheduled before or after your tour or walk.  Minimum of  20 guests.   Add on price $3.00 per person.

Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance and are dependent on availability.   Please contact one of our group sales advisors at 952-443-1411 or email ARB-RESERVATIONS@lists.umn.edu.   A $50 non-refundable deposit is required to confirm reservations.    Final count for the flower pot lunches and afternoon snacks must be placed five days in advance by calling catering at 612-624-7173. 

Note: Prices are subject to change.

SELF-GUIDED TOURS

Each summer, the Arboretum presents a major outdoor exhibition that you can explore on your own, at your own pace. Be sure to pick up a visitor guide at the Oswald Visitor Center when you arrive-and check out the other self-guiding tour brochures for families, including a leaf tour, bog walk, and a bird walk.

As a partner of the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, the newly-remodeled Country Suites Chanhassen offers Arboretum visitors exclusive hotel discounts. The hotel is just a few minutes west of the Arboretum in downtown Chanhassen. Click here to book and save today!