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Chadwick Arboretum & Learning Gardens

4.6
·58 reviews·Columbus, United States

Discover a peaceful campus oasis showcasing diverse native & non-native plants, trees, and themed gardens.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring mornings

Blooming flowers galore!

CrowdLow
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Annabelle

Chadwick Arboretum & Learning Gardens

Best Time

Spring mornings

Blooming flowers galore!

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover a peaceful campus oasis showcasing diverse native & non-native plants, trees, and themed gardens.

4.6
(58 reviews)

"A gem right in the middle of the city, always educational with wonderful variety."

Vertical photo
TIP

Pack a Picnic 🍕

Enjoy lunch amidst the greenery; picnic tables are available.

Volunteer Opportunities 🌱

Learn about volunteering and join a virtual orientation.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 58 reviews

Type

Botanical Garden

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lane Avenue Gardens

Lane Avenue Gardens

Near Lane Avenue

Discover a charming labyrinth and a giant praying mantis sculpture amidst diverse flora.

Trial Garden

Trial Garden

See the latest plant selections side-by-side, showcasing their unique attributes.

Conifer Collection

Conifer Collection

Wander through a serene collection of evergreen trees, offering beauty year-round.

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Planning Your Visit

Best Time to Explore

Visit during spring for blooming flowers or fall for vibrant foliage. Weekday mornings offer the quietest experience, avoiding weekend crowds and construction noise.

Getting Around & Parking

Street parking is available, but can be limited. Consider public transport or biking to campus. Check for ongoing construction that might affect access.

Best Times

When
Spring mornings
Why
Blooming flowers galore!
Crowd
Low
When
Fall afternoons
Why
Vibrant foliage colors
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Avoid crowds & construction
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🌷🌷🌷Interested In learning about volunteering at Chadwick Arboretum? Join us for a virtual volunteer orientation, held monthly starting March 30, 2022. Click the link in our bio to RSVP or go to: go.osu.edu/volunteeratchadwick 🌷🌷🌷
osuchadwickarboretum
46 likes • 934 views

Pack a Picnic 🍕

Enjoy lunch amidst the greenery; picnic tables are available. Instagram

Volunteer Opportunities 🌱

Learn about volunteering and join a virtual orientation. TikTok

The other day I was in the area and decided to check out part of @osuchadwickarboretum ! . 🌳 The Lane Avenue Gardens is a beautiful spot! I loved the labyrinth and the giant praying mantis! . These gardens are free and open to the public!
whatshouldwedotoday_cbus
76 likes • 3.9K views
Pack a picnic and spend a few hours in one of these 7 Free Public Gardens. 📍Chadwick Arboretum & Learning Gardens: 152 Howlett Hall, 2001 Fyffe Court, Columbus 📍Columbus Park of Roses: 3901 N High St, Columbus 📍Franklin Park (behind the conservatory): 1838 Franklin Park S, Columbus 📍Gardens at Gantz Farms @grovecityparks @grovecityohio: 2255 Home Rd, Grove City 📍Inniswood @cbusmetroparks: 940 S ...
saynplaycolumbus
56 likes • 3K views

Check for Events 📅

Look out for seasonal walks like the winter solstice event. Instagram

Wear Comfy Shoes 🥾

You'll want to explore all the different garden areas. Reddit

#AlumniSpotlight: Zoe Eads-Scofield, Class of 2020 After studying Sustainable Plant Systems with a Horticulture specialization, Zoe came to work as an Assistant Horticulturalist here at Ohio State’s Chadwick Arboretum. Learn a bit about her journey into #horticulture and her advice for current students!
osu_hortcropsci
37 likes • 913 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Pack a Picnic 🍕

Enjoy lunch amidst the greenery; picnic tables are available. Instagram

Volunteer Opportunities 🌱

Learn about volunteering and join a virtual orientation. TikTok

Check for Events 📅

Look out for seasonal walks like the winter solstice event. Instagram

Wear Comfy Shoes 🥾

You'll want to explore all the different garden areas. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(58 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Chadwick Arboretum for its educational value, diverse plant collections, and peaceful atmosphere. It's considered a hidden gem on the OSU campus, perfect for a relaxing stroll or a picnic. Some note ongoing campus construction, which can occasionally affect access.

"This is a great teaching garden filled with awesome trees, shrubs, annuals and perennials. Seasonal highlights include the trial garden where some of the newest selections are put side by side showcasing the best attributes of each."

Karl Gercens

"Always educational, wonderful variety. Lots of construction right now. Many different gardens and worth visiting in different seasons. Only saw the south part today."

Jerry Jacobs

"The garden is small but beautiful."

Faye

What People Like

Educational teaching garden
Wonderful variety of plants
Beautiful learning garden

What People Dislike

Lots of construction

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Chadwick Arboretum & Learning Gardens are located on the Ohio State University campus at 152 Howlett Hall, 2001 Fyffe Court, Columbus. Street parking is available, but can be limited. Public transport or biking are good alternatives. InstagramReddit

Yes, there are a few street parking spots available near the gardens. However, it can get busy, especially on weekends. Reddit

The arboretum is on the Ohio State University campus, which is well-served by public transportation. Check local transit routes for the most convenient options.

While many paths are paved, some areas might have uneven terrain. It's best to check with the arboretum directly for specific accessibility information.

No, the Chadwick Arboretum & Learning Gardens are free and open to the public. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The gardens are generally open to the public during daylight hours. Specific hours for certain collections or buildings may vary. It's always a good idea to check their official website for the most up-to-date information.

No, tickets are not required as Chadwick Arboretum is free to enter. Instagram

Yes, guided tours led by Master Gardeners are sometimes available. These offer a great way to learn about the diverse plant collections. Reddit

There can be ongoing construction on campus that may affect access. It's advisable to check for any advisories before your visit. Reddit

The arboretum is spread across parts of the Ohio State University campus. The main address is 152 Howlett Hall, 2001 Fyffe Court, Columbus, but various gardens are accessible from different points.

🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience

Don't miss the Lane Avenue Gardens with its labyrinth and praying mantis sculpture, the seasonal Trial Garden, and the peaceful Conifer Collection. Instagram

Absolutely! The diverse plant life, seasonal blooms, and unique sculptures make it a picturesque location for photography. Instagram

Typically, pets are not allowed in botanical gardens to protect the plants. Please check the official Chadwick Arboretum policy for confirmation.

Restroom facilities may be available in nearby campus buildings. It's recommended to inquire upon arrival or check the arboretum's visitor information.

You'll find a wonderful variety of native and non-native trees, shrubs, annuals, and perennials, with seasonal highlights in the trial garden. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no dining facilities within the arboretum itself. However, there are picnic tables available if you wish to bring your own food. Reddit

Yes, bringing your own food for a picnic is encouraged, and there are picnic tables available for visitors. InstagramReddit

Being on the Ohio State University campus, there are numerous dining options available in the surrounding campus area and nearby Columbus neighborhoods.

Generally, alcohol is not permitted in public gardens. It's best to adhere to campus policies regarding alcohol consumption.

For any event hosting inquiries, it's recommended to contact the Chadwick Arboretum administration directly to discuss possibilities and policies.

📸 📸 Photography

The labyrinth in the Lane Avenue Gardens, the diverse plant collections, and seasonal blooms offer fantastic photo opportunities. Instagram

Drone usage is typically restricted in public spaces and on university campuses. Please check the official Chadwick Arboretum and Ohio State University policies regarding drones.

For professional photoshoots, it's advisable to contact the arboretum administration to inquire about any permit requirements or guidelines.

Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best natural light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and capturing softer tones.

While generally welcoming to visitors, be mindful of other guests and avoid disturbing the plants or wildlife. Respect any posted signage.

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