Yakima Area Arboretum

The Yakima Area Arboretum is a botanical garden with a learning center located on expansive grounds in Washington. The grounds include collections of native and exotic woody plants, natural wetland areas, and sections running along the Yakima River.

The land was originally wetland and became farmland in the 1800s before being transformed into an arboretum by the Yakima Metro District in the 1960s. This transformation shows how a former agricultural site was reimagined as a place for plant education and conservation.

The site displays Japanese and English garden styles that visitors encounter while walking through its different sections. These themed areas invite people to spend time observing how various plants are arranged and displayed in their specific settings.

The grounds are easy to explore on foot, with marked trails leading through the various plant sections. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and allow time to discover all the collections at their own pace.

The grounds also host an early childhood education program where young children learn directly through contact with plants and natural spaces. This combination of learning opportunities for all ages makes the site distinctive from typical botanical gardens.

Location: Washington

GPS coordinates: 46.58690,-120.47300

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:42