Learning Beyond the Walls

Tours of the conservatory and trails at Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum are available throughout the academic year.

Inquire or book your field trip!

Schedule

  • Virtual field trips Monday-Thursday 9 am-1 pm
  • In-person field trips Tuesday-Friday 10 am-noon

Trail tours are conducted in most weather conditions. Please dress for the weather. In case of heavy rain, guided field trips include an indoor activity in addition to the conservatory tour.

Self-guided field trips

Self-guided tours are led by the teacher and chaperones, and can include exploration of both Matthaei’s trails and conservatory. Topics that can be investigated at Matthaei include native Michigan plant and animal species, plant parts and functions, adaptations, pollination, and ecosystems. Learn more ›

Cost

  • One hour conservatory or trails: $3.00/person (2 free admissions per classroom)
  • Two hour conservatory and trails: $6.00/person (2 free admissions per classroom)
  • Field based programs such as Wetland Explorers, Great Lakes Ecosystems and Bugs are Beautiful are $8.00/person and include all materials.

Deposit

A deposit, based on the number of students, is required when booking a field trip. The balance is due upon arrival.  Cancellations at least 3 weeks prior to the field trip date receive a refund of 50% of the deposit. No refunds for cancellations less than 3 weeks prior to the field trip.

Title one subsidy

Schools with Title One status are eligible for field trip scholarships. Scholarships are available on a first come basis, based on availability of funds. Please inquire about a Title One subside when scheduling a tour.

Guided programs

Guided field trips cover a variety of topics, including native Michigan plant and animal species,  plant parts and functions, and adaptations, biomes & ecosystems including Great Lakes plant communities,  and human impact on the environment.

When you arrive

  • Bus drivers and parents drop students off at the main entrance.
  • Bus drivers pick up parking hang tags from visitor services desk and park in west lot. For guided school tours there is no bus parking charge. For self-guided tours, there is a $15 charge for bus parking, per bus, per day.
  • Individual drivers park in west lot and pay at kiosks ($2.00/hour).
  • Teachers stay with students or float among groups.
  • Special permission required for collecting materials of any kind.

You should know...

Self-guided tours are led by the teacher and chaperones, and can include exploration of both Matthaei’s trails and conservatory.

Topics that can be investigated at Matthaei include native Michigan plant and animal species, plant parts and functions, adaptations, pollination, and ecosystems.