Home Destinations USA Massachusetts Boston Sights Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University

Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University Review

Read our Boston sights reviews. Or post your own.

Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University

Fodor's Review:

This 265-acre living laboratory is incongruously set in a dense urban area. Established in 1872 in accordance with the terms of a bequest from New Bedford merchant James Arnold, it contains more than 4,000 kinds of woody plants, most from the hardy north temperate zone. The rhododendrons, azaleas, lilacs, magnolias, and fruit trees are eye-popping when in bloom, and something is always in season from early April through September. In October the park puts on a display in blazing colors. Peters Hill has a grand view of the Boston skyline and local surroundings. The Larz Anderson bonsai collection, with individual specimens imported from Japan that are more than 200 years old, includes a 3½-acre Leventritt Shrub and Vine Collection. In the visitor center is a 40-to-1 scale model of the arboretum (with 4,000 tiny trees), plus an exhibit on "Science in the Pleasure Ground," a kind of "green" history of the landscape. If you visit during May, Lilac Sunday is an annual celebration of blooming trees, Morris dancing, and picnicking. The arboretum, 6 mi from downtown Boston, is accessible by the MBTA Orange Line or Bus 39 from Copley Square to Forest Hills; then follow the signs at the T station.

  • Cost: Free
  • Open: Grounds daily dawn-dusk; visitor center weekdays 9-4, Sat. 10-4, Sun. noon-4. Tours Sat. at 10:30, Sun. at 1, Wed. at 12:15, and Fri. at 6; call to confirm
  • Metro: Forest Hills
Find more sights in Boston »

Member Reviews and Ratings

Be the first to review this property

Get Advice From Other Travelers

Visit the Travel Talk forums for help on planning your trip



Get the Fodor's Newsletter

For more travel ideas, tips, and deals, sign up for the Fodor's newsletter here. Read the current issue. Browse previous issues.




Copyright © 2009 Fodor's Travel, a division of Random House, Inc.