Nichols Arboretum

Nichols Arboretum is a botanical garden in Ann Arbor featuring approximately 400 plant species arranged along rolling paths near the Huron River on the University of Michigan campus. The collection spans a large property with diverse growing areas and natural settings.

This garden was founded in 1907 when Esther and Walter Nichols donated their farm to the University of Michigan. The donation established a space dedicated to botanical education and scientific study.

The garden hosts outdoor theater productions staged throughout its natural landscapes without artificial platforms or lighting equipment. These performances make use of the existing terrain and plantings as part of the viewing experience.

This garden offers free public access year-round with parking available near its entrances. Visitors should wear appropriate footwear since the paths are rolling and conditions vary with the seasons.

The W.E. Upjohn Peony Garden holds one of North America's largest collections of heirloom peony varieties in a dedicated section. This specialized area displays over 350 different cultivars developed across generations.

Location: Michigan

Location: Ann Arbor

Inception: 1907

Operator: University of Michigan

Opening Hours: sunrise-sunset

Website: https://mbgna.umich.edu/nichols-arboretum

GPS coordinates: 42.28130,-83.72330

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:52