Matthaei Botanical Gardens
1800 N. Dixboro Rd.
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Join us for free, guided nature walks
Matthaei Botanical Gardens hosts free guided Wonder Walks on select Wednesdays and Sundays throughout the season, with occasional additional walks and special-topic programs offered on other days. Walk themes, times, and formats may vary.
Wonder Walks are designed for all ages to inspire curiosity and learning from each other through activities that encourage observation, exploration, and connection with nature. If we have a sizeable mixed-age group, we may split into two groups to deliver the same content at different engagement levels.
Wednesday walks begin at 5:00 pm. Sunday walks begin at 1:00 pm unless otherwise noted. We recommend gathering about 10 minutes before the start — inside the lobby at Matthaei Botanical Gardens, or outside the Reader Center for walks held at Nichols Arboretum.
Wednesday Walks
Wednesday walks typically begin at 5:00 PM. We recommend gathering at the front entrance steps of Matthaei Botanical Gardens at 4:50 PM.
Sunday Walks
Sunday walks begin at 1:00 PM. We recommend gathering at the front entrance steps of Matthaei Botanical Gardens at 12:50 PM.
June
Saturday, June 6: AT NICHOLS ARBORETUM, 11:00 AM The Wonder of Peonies
Join us for informal Wonder Walks through the W.E. Upjohn Peony Garden during peony season. Each walk offers a broad overview of the garden and the many stories peonies can tell through color, fragrance, petal forms, and names. Depending on the timing of bloom, you may catch early varieties opening, peak display, or later-season favorites. These relaxed walks are a chance to spend time in the garden, learn more about the collection, and enjoy the season as it unfolds.
Sunday, June 7: AT NICHOLS ARBORETUM, 11:00 AM The Wonder of Peonies
Join us for informal Wonder Walks through the W.E. Upjohn Peony Garden during peony season. Each walk offers a broad overview of the garden and the many stories peonies can tell through color, fragrance, petal forms, and names. Depending on the timing of bloom, you may catch early varieties opening, peak display, or later-season favorites. These relaxed walks are a chance to spend time in the garden, learn more about the collection, and enjoy the season as it unfolds.
Sunday, June 14 AT MATTHAEI BOTANICAL GARDENS, 1:00 PM: Japan Week: Bonsai with Carmen
Join us for a special Japan Week Wonder Walk exploring the art and practice of bonsai. Learn about the history, aesthetics, and care of these carefully shaped trees while taking a closer look at selections from the bonsai collection. This informal walk invites curiosity, conversation, and observation for all ages.
Wednesday, June 17 AT MATTHAEI BOTANICAL GARDENS, 5:00 PM: Meet your Neighbors
Get to know our neighbors. It's always good to meet your neighbors and build community! Invertebrates like centipedes, wasps, and wood roaches are great neighbors, too! Learn about some of the most amazing, social insects and how we can support our insect neighbors that are critical to our shared ecosystem. Join doctoral candidate Joey Caldwell to learn about social insect behavior, amazing research, and take a bug-walk to see who our neighbors are at Matthaei!
Wednesday, June 24 AT MATTHAEI BOTANICAL GARDENS, 5:00 PM: CANCELED
Photos
