The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum sprawls across 1,200 acres of gardens, woods, and prairies in Chaska, Minnesota. As the state’s largest public garden, it showcases thousands of plant species and offers visitors a chance to connect with nature year-round.
No matter if you’re a plant lover, photographer, or family seeking outdoor fun, the arboretum delivers unforgettable experiences through its diverse landscapes and seasonal displays.
1. Japanese Garden
Stepping stones guide visitors through this tranquil space where Eastern design principles create perfect harmony. Carefully pruned trees, a reflective pond, and authentic stone lanterns transport you to another world.
Spring brings cherry blossoms, while fall transforms the garden into a tapestry of red and gold. The gentle sound of flowing water invites quiet contemplation, making this garden a favorite spot for meditation and peaceful reflection.
2. Rose Garden
Fragrance fills the air in this dazzling collection featuring over 100 rose varieties. From classic hybrid teas to hardy shrub roses developed specifically for Minnesota’s challenging climate, the display showcases nature’s most beloved flower.
Peak bloom arrives in June and continues through September. Benches nestled among the plantings invite visitors to sit and enjoy the colorful pageant. Even rose enthusiasts discover varieties they’ve never encountered before in this meticulously maintained garden.
3. Three-Mile Drive
Nature unfolds through your car window along this scenic Minnesota route winding through the arboretum’s diverse landscapes. For those who prefer not to walk long distances, this drive provides access to spectacular gardens and natural areas.
Stop at any of the designated parking areas to explore further on foot. Seasonal highlights include spring flowering trees, summer prairie blooms, and spectacular fall color. Audio guides available at the visitor center enhance the experience with expert commentary about what you’re seeing.
4. Children’s Garden
Giant flowers, secret paths, and hands-on activities make this garden a magical place for young explorers. Kids can climb, dig, build, and discover while learning about plants and nature through play.
The garden changes with the seasons, offering new experiences throughout the year. A treehouse provides a bird’s-eye view of the surroundings, while child-sized garden tools encourage budding gardeners. Parents appreciate the thoughtful design that balances fun with educational opportunities about the natural world.
5. Sculpture Garden
In Minnesota, art meets nature as sculptures by regional artists dot the Landscape Arboretum’s grounds. Each piece is thoughtfully placed to complement its surroundings, creating delightful moments of discovery.
The works span materials from metal and stone to wood and glass, with styles ranging from abstract to representational. The rotating collection ensures that repeat visitors always encounter new artistic treasures. Many pieces invite reflection on our relationship with nature and the importance of environmental stewardship.
6. Spring Peeper Meadow
Once drained farmland, this restored wetland now teems with native plants and wildlife. Named for the tiny frogs whose chorus announces spring, this meadow demonstrates successful ecological restoration in action.
Boardwalks allow visitors to venture into areas that would otherwise be inaccessible. Interpretive signs explain the importance of wetlands for water quality and wildlife habitat. Bird watchers frequently spot species that depend on these increasingly rare ecosystems, making this area a favorite for nature photography.
7. Harrison Sculpture Garden
Perched on a Minnesota hilltop with sweeping views, this collection features 26 bronze sculptures set against a backdrop of rolling landscape. The works represent human figures from diverse world cultures, celebrating global artistic traditions.
Grassy pathways invite wandering among these larger-than-life figures, and many visitors find themselves drawn to pieces that seem to speak directly to them. The garden’s elevated position is especially stunning at sunset, when the bronze sculptures glow in the golden light.
8. Maze Garden
Unlike traditional hedge mazes, this creative labyrinth uses colorful annual flowers to form its winding pathways. The design changes yearly, offering a fresh puzzle for returning visitors to solve.
Children race through the paths while adults appreciate the artistic patterns visible from elevated viewing platforms. The maze looks completely different as seasons progress and plants mature. From above, the intricate design reveals itself as a living work of art that combines horticultural expertise with playful imagination.