The Arboretum at Penn State

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The Arboretum at Penn State

The official page of The Arboretum at Penn State The gardens alone are expected to serve more then 200,000 visitors annually. Phase I of the H.O.

The Arboretum at Penn State is being built on an undeveloped, 370-acre parcel of land adjacent to the University Park campus of The Pennsylvania State University in State College, Pennsylvania. When fully developed, the Arboretum will include 29.5 acres of botanic gardens and more than 340 acres of environmentally sensitive landscape and restored woodlands. Smith Botanic Gardens was dedicated in A

pril 2010, and a children's garden was opened July 2014. Phase I contains more than 700 species and cultivars of plants arranged in several striking gardens and collections. Current annual attendance is estimated to be more than 65,000.

05/29/2026

Discovery Drop-In Programs are back! Most weekdays, June 8–August 28 | 10:00 a.m.–Noon

Children of all ages are invited to discover our region’s history, geology, plants, and animals through hands-on learning, craft activities, and nature play experiences. Drop by our Childhood’s Gate Children’s Garden for programs led by Arboretum, community, and University educators.

Weekly favorites include:
📖 Story Circle | Mondays
🎨 Nature Sketching for Young Artists | Thursdays
🫐Harvest Tasting | Fridays

🗓️ Plus special weekend editions on: June 13, July 25, August 8

ℹ️All minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Activities are weather dependent.

➡️ Click the link to learn more and plan your visit! https://arboretum.psu.edu/events/

05/26/2026

Reset your week with Yoga in the Gardens 🧘‍♀️☀️

Join us for a peaceful yoga experience amidst the beauty of nature, with instructor Nicole Harmon.

🗓️Wednesday’s May 6–September 30 | 6:00–7:00 PM
ℹ️Bring your own mat (a limited number available if needed).

Pricing:
•$15 standard | $12 students & volunteers
•Save more when you book multiple sessions.
•Drop-ins welcome, or reserve your spot in advance.

➡️Link to register: https://arboretum.psu.edu/events/

05/22/2026

One of our long-blooming favorites, Nepeta racemosa ‘Walker’s Low’ (Catmint)🪻

Commonly known as catmint, this herbaceous perennial brings lavender-colored blooms from spring through early fall and is a favorite among pollinators. Part of the Lamiaceae family, which includes mints, it grows about 2–2.5 feet tall.

You’ll spot this plant throughout the gardens, including at the entrance to The Arboretum and Palmer Museum of Art, the Overlook Pavilion and the Rose and Fragrance Garden.

➡️ Find these locations and explore more using our Arboretum Explorer tool https://psu.arboretumexplorer.org/

05/19/2026

🌿 Voting is officially OPEN for Centre County Favorites!

We’re honored that The Arboretum at Penn State has been nominated in several categories this year, including:

✨ Favorite Family Attraction
💍 Favorite Wedding Venue
📚 Favorite Tutoring / Educational Services
🎃 Favorite Annual Event / Festival (Pumpkin Fest)

From peaceful gardens and educational programs to seasonal traditions and special celebrations, the Arboretum is proud to be a place where community, learning, and nature come together.

🗳️ Voting is open through June 5 at 5 p.m.
🔗 https://www.votecentrecounty.com/

Thank you for supporting the Arboretum and the experiences that help make Centre County so special! 💙

05/17/2026

Finishing out our scavenger hunt for with one of our favorite trees: the Quercus alba (White Oak), also known as The Hosler Oak 🌳

Snap a photo of YOUR favorite tree or plant and share it using and
don’t forget to tag us so we can see what you find!

Did you know? 📚💡The Hosler Oak tree has witnessed the Arboretum’s growth while honoring the late Dr. Charles Hosler, senior vice president for research, dean emeritus of the graduate school, and professor emeritus of meteorology, along with his wife, the late Anna Rosa Hosler. The tree was donated by Penn State alumnus George Biemesderfer, whose career was deeply influenced by Dr. Hosler.

05/15/2026

Looking for a fun way to get outside with the family? Join us for an Arboretum Explorers Family Hike! 🥾🌳

We’ll venture beyond the gardens to explore some of the Arboretum’s lesser-known spaces, including Hartley Wood and our prairie lands. After a short welcome at the Overlook Pavilion, we’ll head out on the trails together for an afternoon of discovery. 🌿

📅 Friday, May 22, 2026
🕜 1:30–2:30 p.m.
📍 Overlook Pavilion
🎟️ Free, but registration is required

Wear comfortable shoes for the trails and dress for the weather!

The hike will take place rain or shine unless severe weather pops up. Children must attend with a parent or guardian, and we ask that pets stay home for this program.

➡️ Register via the link! See you there! 🌳 https://arboretum.psu.edu/events/arboretum-explorer-family-hike-9/

05/12/2026

It’s and we’re continuing the scavenger hunt with this time to find a pond!

Located near the Pollinator and Bird Garden, you’ll find a small pond tucked into the landscape. Take a stroll along the boardwalk or cool off in the shade under the Orchard Shade Trellis while you explore.

📸 Snap a photo and share it using and don’t forget to tag us so we can see what you find!

05/11/2026

It’s and today’s scavenger hunt challenge is to find a bird or nest! 🪺🐦

We spotted robin-blue eggs brightening the gardens. Can you find a bird or nest while exploring?

📸 Take a photo of your find and share it using and , and don’t forget to tag us so we can see what you find!

Address

University Park, PA

Telephone

+18148659118

Website

http://www.arboretum.psu.edu/

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