Worth looking into when you are in Brainerd. Off the beaten path but great facility and grounds. Looking forward to cross-country skiing with the lights...but we need some snow in Brainerd.Hiking paths are perfect.
We just hiked through the arboretum last week and it was one of the high lights of our two and a half week trip to the Brainerd Lakes area. It is a delightful conservatory for wilderness species and gives you an idea of what the area was like before it was settled. The trails are really fun to hike on - although SANDY - so not easy, and could be challenging for anyone with walking issues. Of all the places we visited in the area, the arboretum was the buggy-est - so bring DEET.Have fun!
This was a fun little place to stretch our legs. We have a 4 1/2 and a 1 1/2 year old and the boys loved looking around. The paths are well taken care of and there are some fun gardens too. Our boys pretended we were on a bear hunt - it's all what you make of it. We enjoyed it!
We went to the Arboretum during the Christmas holiday and loved seeing the annual lights display. You are able to drive through the Arboretum and enjoy the various displays with your car lights off. With Christmas music playing over the radio, it provides a wonderful family tradition!
We had a great hike at the arboretum. There are lots of trails and the fall leaves are beautiful right now. The lady that talked to us in the building was friendly and informative. She went over the trail map with us which was great! It's only $3 for non members and worth it! We saw squirrels, some yellow racer snakes and an awesome beaver nest. Don't panic about the snakes! I wouldn't have seen them but my daughter spotted them. They were on the edge of the trail and slithered away when we got too close. We were excited to see them! I would go again and again!
This Arboretum is beautiful. I grew up in the north country and to see all the white birch was wonderful. The grounds are very well kept and the indoor exhibits are very educational.
A true Brainerd / Baxter gem. Well worth the membership for walking, enjoying the beautiful gardens and walking trails.
Wear shoes you can get muddy because that may happen, and use mosquitoe repellent if easily bitten, although we didn't have a problem with them when we were there. Is very centrally located right behind the main highway in the center of town! Worth a visit -- staff very eager to help you.
This was a decent trail, but not a ton of wildlife and near roads throughout. There are some decent things to look at, but nothing spectacular.
We skinnyskied this area. it was like a winter wonderland with all the snow. the trails were groom perfect. the sun was out and it was a great minnesota afternoon. i will be back to ski this area.