Holden Arboretum
A 3,600-acre horticultural haven with lakes, trails, gardens, and unique elevated walkways.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Holden Arboretum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 3,600-acre horticultural haven with lakes, trails, gardens, and unique elevated walkways.
"One of the best US arboretums based on my first visit’s impression. Variety of gardens, landscapes and features is stunning."
🎟️ Book Tickets in Advance
Advance sales offer a discount, though senior prices aren't available for advance purchase.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
With miles of trails, good walking shoes are essential for exploring the vast grounds.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Murch Canopy Walk
Forest floor
Walk among the treetops on a 500-foot elevated walkway, 65 feet above the forest floor.
Emergent Tower
Forest canopy
Climb for panoramic 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape and fall foliage.
Butterfly Garden
Cultivated gardens
A stunning combination of gardens and ponds, buzzing with pollinators.
Buckeye Bud's Adventure Woods
Children's area
A whimsical playground for kids with balance logs, a nature theater, and zip lines.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Explore Beyond the Highlights
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Tickets in Advance
Advance sales offer a discount, though senior prices aren't available for advance purchase.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
With miles of trails, good walking shoes are essential for exploring the vast grounds.
🌳 Explore Beyond the Canopy
Don't miss the diverse gardens, ponds, and art installations scattered throughout the arboretum.
📸 Capture the Views
The Murch Canopy Walk and Emergent Tower offer incredible photo opportunities, especially during fall. 
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tickets in Advance
Advance sales offer a discount, though senior prices aren't available for advance purchase.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
With miles of trails, good walking shoes are essential for exploring the vast grounds.
🌳 Explore Beyond the Canopy
Don't miss the diverse gardens, ponds, and art installations scattered throughout the arboretum.
📸 Capture the Views
The Murch Canopy Walk and Emergent Tower offer incredible photo opportunities, especially during fall.
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Fun
Buckeye Bud's Adventure Woods is a hit with children, offering interactive play areas.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Holden Arboretum for its stunning natural beauty, diverse landscapes, and unique attractions like the Canopy Walk and Emergent Tower. Many highlight the peaceful atmosphere and the abundance of pollinators. Some wish for more time to explore the vast grounds, and note that certain seasonal attractions have limited operating periods.
"I wish we had more time to spend at this wonderful garden. We ended up doing the tower and tree canopy! Absolutely amazing! Definitely coming back so we can walk the entire grounds. The amount of pollinators flying around was a sight to behold."
Sophie B
"One of the best US arboretums based on my first visit’s impression. Variety of gardens, landscapes and features (canopy walk, Emergent Tower, etc) is stunning. It’s a pleasure to walk along numerous ponds and Corning Lake, but the best combination of gardens and pond for me is in layout of Butterfly Garden.
Arboretum was created as a living memorial to Elizabeth Holden who died at the age of 20, daughter of mining magnate Albert Holden. The trust made sure that future arboretum had become a reality and was opened to public in 1937."
Mike Z
"I’ve always wanted to visit. So it was a gorgeous Saturday afternoon and I went for it! Upon entering in Sperry Road, the view of the trees and land is very beautiful. The road winds around and it’s a picturesque drive to the main entrance. I didn’t realize they were having a concert, but the line went really fast. The workers at the booth entrance were very nice. He provided a map of the entire place. There’s gardens, walking/hiking trails, ponds, public restrooms, artwork, fields of flowers, trees, and bushes. They also offer a tram service too. There’s plenty of parking. There were people walking with their dogs, children, people having a picnic, It was very peaceful and just a wonderful experience. If you like flowers and plants or just want a cool place to visit, then the Holden Arboretum is the place."
Gwen Penn
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Holden Arboretum is located at 9550 Sperry Rd, Kirtland, OH 44094.
Yes, there is plenty of parking available for visitors.
Yes, a tram service is available for visitors who wish to explore the grounds without extensive walking.
Some trams offer wheelchair access, and many of the walking trails are gravel or dirt, making them suitable for scooters.
Dogs are welcome at Holden Arboretum, and many visitors enjoy walking them on the trails.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Holden Arboretum is generally open Tuesday-Sunday from 9 AM to 5 PM, with the last entry at 4 PM. Mondays are typically members-only. The Canopy Walk & Emergent Tower are open from 10 AM to 4:45 PM.
Admission is $20 for adults and $14 for kids aged 3-12. Children under 2 are free.
While not strictly required, purchasing tickets in advance can offer a discount.
Yes, Holden Arboretum often features seasonal exhibits. Skeleton Grove is open until November 2nd, and the Pollinator Express exhibit runs until September 8th.
The Murch Canopy Walk is open on weekends through November.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the Murch Canopy Walk for a unique perspective among the trees, the Emergent Tower for panoramic views, and the beautiful Butterfly Garden.
Absolutely! Holden Arboretum boasts miles of walking and hiking trails through diverse landscapes, including ponds, gardens, and woods. +1
Buckeye Bud's Adventure Woods offers a whimsical playground with balance logs and a nature theater.
Yes, many visitors enjoy picnics on the grounds, taking advantage of the peaceful atmosphere and beautiful scenery.
Yes, Holden Arboretum is renowned for its spectacular fall foliage. The Emergent Tower and Canopy Walk provide excellent vantage points.
📸 📸 Photography
The Murch Canopy Walk offers unique treetop perspectives, while the Emergent Tower provides sweeping panoramic shots. The Butterfly Garden and various ponds also make for beautiful photography.
With its diverse flora, fauna, and varied landscapes, Holden Arboretum is an excellent location for nature photography year-round.
Yes, there are art installations spread throughout the arboretum, adding an artistic element to your photos.
Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones.
Drone usage is typically restricted at arboretums and natural areas to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety. It's best to check Holden Arboretum's specific policies.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The Pollinator Express exhibit is also a hit during its run. Beyond these dedicated areas, the numerous walking trails and the chance to explore the Murch Canopy Walk offer engaging experiences for children of all ages. Remember to bring comfortable shoes and perhaps a picnic to extend the fun. 🚶♀️ Nature Enthusiasts & Hikers
You can explore diverse ecosystems, from woodlands to meadows, and discover various ponds and lakes. +1 Consider planning your route to include a mix of cultivated gardens and wilder trails for a comprehensive experience. 📸 Photographers
+2 The Butterfly Garden and various water features also present beautiful subjects. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Murch Canopy Walk & Emergent Tower Experience
+1 It's a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the forest canopy and observe the ecosystem from a different angle. Complementing this is the Emergent Tower, which allows visitors to climb even higher for breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape. This is particularly spectacular during the fall season when the foliage is in full display. +1 Many visitors rave about the awe-inspiring views from both of these elevated attractions. Exploring Holden Arboretum's Diverse Landscapes
It features a remarkable variety of cultivated gardens, serene ponds, and miles of walking and hiking trails. Seasonal Wonders and Special Exhibits
+2 other times of the year hold their own charm. Visitors can enjoy blooming flowers in late summer and the Pollinator Express exhibit provides engaging fun for families during the summer months. Always check their website for current exhibits and events to make the most of your visit.
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