Matthaei
Botanical Gardens
Explore unique outdoor gardens, nearly three miles of trails, and an indoor multi-climate conservatory.
Closed Mondays
Visiting Information
1800 N Dixboro Rd. Ann Arbor | MAP ›
Free admission
Metered parking
Nichols
Arboretum
Embark on an adventure through scenic trails, captivating collections, and diverse natural areas.
Visiting Information
1600 Washington Hts. Ann Arbor | MAP ›
Free admission
Limited metered parking
Upcoming Events
Featured Stories
Protecting the Eastern Massasauga
At Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum, our mission is rooted in ecological resilience. We focus on sustainability, climate-forward practices, and biocultural diversity. One species that perfectly encapsulates our efforts is the Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake. We are committed to restoring and protecting the habitats these snakes and other wildlife depend on.
Rooted in Maize and Blue
Aligned with the University of Michigan's values, we support transformative research, hands-on education, and proactive community initiatives. As an eco-centric hub, we provide a space where students, faculty, alumni, and the wider community converge to explore the natural world and develop critical solutions for tomorrow's environmental challenges.
Anthony Kolenic Ph.D.
Director
Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum
From the Director
Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum is committed to catalyzing equity and justice, and will continue to reckon with itself and the history of living collections to do so.
This strategic plan is our road map for how that commitment is turned into action; how MBGNA will continue to thoroughly examine and combat its participation in systemic injustices, and how we will co-create new ways forward with historically excluded communities through the years ahead.
Our Mission
Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum is a transformative force for social and ecological resilience through the waters and lands we steward. We turn this commitment into action by:
Positioning humans as active participants within the natural world and compelling the university community and our publics to negotiate the full complexity that entails.
Advancing partnerships, programs, user experience, and all that we steward to catalyze equity and justice in a radically changing world.
Emerging as University of Michigan’s premier partner for research, teaching, and public impact in sustainability, climate-forward practices, and biocultural diversity.
Promoting healthier communities, cultures, and ecosystems through active care and cultivation of the gardens, fields, natural habitats, and dynamic systems that sustain our world.
525,000 visitors
Trailing only Michigan Medicine and UM football in attendance.
841 Acres
Across four sites including the gardens, arboretum, a bog, and a nature area.
30 Percent
of the University of Michigan’s physical footprint in Ann Arbor.
Miles of Trails
Including the popular Matthaei Botanical Gardens Trail.
4000 Early Learners
Engaged through youth education and other programs for young people.
3,200 Students
Reached through more than 40 different classes.