Trail Update (1/24/12):  Due to insufficient snowfall, the ski and snowshoe trails are closed. 

Enjoy 11 miles of cross-country ski and snowshow trails that meander along 1,000-plus acres of woodland, prairie, wetland, and open fields. 

The Arboretum offers a variety of trails to accommodate a range of skill levels. The trails are groomed when there is an adequate base of snow. The recent donation by Polaris of an energy-efficient utility snowmobile has greatly improved the Arboretum's trail-grooming capability.  Ski trails begin and end at the east end of the Snyder Building in the staff parking lot. To inquire whether trails are open, and what their condition is, please call 612-625-9793.

About the Trails
Lost Pond Trail (0.7 K) - Gently rolling hills through the woods and bog areas.
Green Heron Trail (2.0 K) - Beginner's trail, one short hill to start, then flat. Circles the bog area and Green Heron Pond. Starts at trail head.
Ridge Trail (2.4 K) - More difficult trail through the Arboretum's tree-study areas, with a few challenging hills.
Arboretum Trail (3.1 K) - Challenging trail with many hills. Combines many of the Arboretum's hiking trails, tree collections, prairie and wildflower areas. Accessible from the Ridge Trail.
Spring Peeper Trail (3.0 K) - Intermediate trail through the meadow and over the Oak Knoll. Begins off the Green Heron Trail.
Snowshoe/Hiking Trail (6.7 K) - A gently rolling trail through mature forest, the wildflower garden, Arborvitae collection, prairie & wetland.

Download the ski trail map or snowshoe/hike trail map

For Walkers
3-Mile Drive is closed to vehicles but plowed for walkers. Salt is not used - it is harmful to plants. Please watch for ice.
please, no hiking on ski trails!

For an Indoor Break
The Oswald Visitor Center, Snyder Building & Gift Store are open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Winter hours: Mon. - Sat., 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Sun., 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

The Arboretum Restaurant serves hot beverages and lunch. Winter hours: Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. The Andersen Horticultural Library offers thousands of books and periodicals on horticulture, botany, natural history, gardening and more. The Library also has an extensive children's section.  It is a non-lending library furnished with comfortable tables and chairs for visitors' reading pleasure.  Winter hours: Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Sat. & Sun. 11 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Stop by for the weekly StoryTime for the young and young-at-heart  every Thursday at 10:30 a.m.

Take a stroll through the Meyer-Deats Conservatory in the Snyder Building to enjoy the beauty of tropical plants from all over the world; and Reedy Gallery in the Oswald Visitor Center to view paintings and art.

A brief reminder:
The Arboretum is a research facility, so plants must remain undisturbed. The trail of even one skier can damage plants.
• Please stay on the groomed trails and follow directional signs.
• Arboretum trails are designed and groomed for traditional skiing only. No skate-skiing.
• Snowmobiling and horseback riding are not allowed on the Arboretum grounds.
• Please do not hike, snowshoe or bring sleds or dogs on ski trails as damage to the trails will result.
• There are separate routes for snowshoeing/hiking.

For your Safety
The Arboretum does not have a ski patrol or staff available to ski to an emergency on the trail. We strongly recommend that you not ski alone. In case of emergency, go to the Oswald Visitor Center Information Desk. The Arboretum requires that you ski during times that the Visitor Center is open. The entry gate is locked at 5:30 p.m. every evening.

Please stay on groomed trails.