Secrest Arboretum

Secrest Arboretum is a botanical garden in Wooster featuring hundreds of acres with trees, shrubs, and flowering plants arranged in themed sections. Visitors walk through different garden areas where each space showcases specific plant collections and seasonal displays.

The facility was established by Ohio State University to support research and teaching in horticulture. It developed as part of a center focused on agricultural research and advancement.

The arboretum hosts regular programs that help visitors learn about plants and gardening throughout the seasons. These activities connect people with local nature and show practical ways to grow things at home.

The grounds are free to visit and have wheelchair-accessible paths for all visitors. It works best to come during daylight hours and wear comfortable shoes for walking.

The arboretum tests new growing methods and experiments with rare plant species to learn how they adapt to different climate conditions. These test areas represent ongoing scientific work that many visitors do not notice.