Nichols Arboretum

Throughout the Arb you’ll find many special places to discover, including extensive but dispersed collections of native and exotic trees and shrubs masterfully crafted into a naturalistic landscape begun by O. C. Simonds in 1907. The Arboretum is jointly owned by the City of Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan as a resource for the entire community. As you explore you’ll find one of the richest landscapes in the region, as well as a complex glacial topography that presents vast panoramas, broad valleys, and intimate dales and glens. View and download a visitor guide and map of Nichols Arboretum. NOTE: Trails in the Arb cover diverse terrain and a variety of grades, some steep, for example, going down to the river or up from the river to the Washington Hts. or Geddes St. entrances.

Limited City of Ann Arbor metered street parking is available at Nichols Arboretum on Washington Hts. and on Observatory St. Street metered parking charges apply Mon-Sat 8 am-6 pm; free Sundays and holidays. Visitors may park in the University of Michigan blue lot M28 on Washington Hts. for free after 5 pm weekdays and on weekends. Visitors with University of MIchigan blue passes may park at M28 & M95 on Washington Hts. or in M34 on Observatory. For more information on parking on central campus and the hospital area visit the university’s parking site.

Your exploration begins at any of the three entrances:

• Geddes Avenue – features the ceremonial iron gates sporting the letters “UM,” the Geddes Avenue entrance sits atop the highest point in the Arb and offers a commanding view of North Campus.
• Washington Heights – this entrance is next to the James D. Reader Jr. Urban Environmental Education Center near the U-M hospitals. Located on the lower level of the Reader Center is our visitor center where you will find restrooms, maps, and information, as well as a small shop with snack, beverages, and gifts. The building is staffed seasonally mid-March through November. Just beyond the Reader Center lies the famed Nichols Arboretum Peony Garden, the largest collection of heirloom peonies in North America.
• Nichols Drive – If you walk downhill to the river, turn left when you’ve reached the river and follow the road along the water to the Nichols Drive entry. If you’re not near the river, just follow the drives and trails uphill along the valleys and you’ll thread your way to either the Washington Heights or Geddes Street entrance. Enjoy!