Matthaei Botanical Gardens in Ann Arbor

This 300-acre living museum of plants will make you happy all year long.

Just minutes from downtown Ann Arbor, Matthaei Botanical Gardens offers a fabulous mix of curated gardens, playscapes, and wild natural areas, plus a plant-happy glass conservatory that will take your senses to someplace that is not Michigan.

Inside the Conservatory
The conservatory is the crown jewel – especially during Michigan winters. Walk through three distinct climate zones without even putting on a coat:

(1) Tropical House:
Lush rainforest vibes with towering palms, colorful flowering plants, and a small pond filled with big carp that will swim right over.

(2) Temperate House:
Plants from milder climates worldwide create a perfect “not too hot, not too cold” atmosphere.

(3) Arid House:
Desert plants – massive cacti, strange succulents, and other interesting looking items.

*They provide portable stools so you can plop down anywhere that catches your eye. Grab a book, find a quiet corner among the greenery, and just breathe. It’s impossibly peaceful.

Outdoor Trails and Gardens
Definitely visit the gazebo and the bonsai. Then, explore nearly three miles of trails wind through prairies, woodlands, and wetlands. The outdoor gardens showcase everything from medicinal plants to bonsai collections to native Michigan species.
Kids love the children’s garden with its playful elements, while the campus farm shows sustainable agriculture in action.

Visit Details
Closed Mondays. Open Tuesday-Sunday from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM (Wednesdays until 8:00 PM)
The gardens are completely FREE to visit – you just pay for parking ($2.20/hour or $5 all day).

This is absolutely a must-visit Ann Arbor spot, whether you’re a plant lover or just someone wanting a beautiful escape.