Matthaei Botanical Gardens Reviews

Nice trails, but not very extensive or long. Great place for a moderate walk in any season, very close to Ann Arbor. Nice tended gardens and greenhouse as well.

The University of Michigan Matthaei Botanical Gardens is a place the whole family can enjoy. The greenhouse is surrounded by acres of beautiful gardens and nature trails which take you through the best that Michigan has to offer. Everything is lush with life as nature puts on a display of beauty you will remember during those cold months of winter. You pay for parking and there is a request for some type of donation but other than that the whole family can enjoy this wonderful spot. i have included some photos of the delights you will see.

A free experience for the family offers hiking trails, a children's garden and play area, early vegetable garden plantings and three indoor gardens ranging from desert to tropical plantings. It was a pleasant afternoon outing for a large group of 8 with an age range of seniors to young children and it was free (except for self-service parking). We missed the blooming spring bulbs so there wasn't much to see "flower-wise" in May.

I just love this place. Clean, beautiful trails and full of Birds (it has maximum number of Birds reported when compared with any place in the whole Washtenaw county)
The Huron river flows through the edge of this park and is really nice to be there.

There are many smaller themed gardens that make up this 1-2 hour attraction including prarie, coastal, perennial, medicinal, rock, etc. Loved the bonsai garden and the three indoor biomes (tropical, temperate, and desert). The showiest flowers are in the gateway and children's gardens, and there's even a delightful, child sized hedge maze!

Great for prom or other special occasion photos, IF you don't mind some dust. Natural habitats, bridges, rocks, backgrounds.

This natural habitat was such a nice get-away! We left the bustling town area and spent some very tranquil time here and enjoyed the indoor and outdoor plant life. The indoor facility was phenomenal with the various distinct climate controlled rooms. It's also a romantic place for couples to enjoy natural beauty.

My husband and I enjoyed our stop in at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens. We especially enjoyed the tropical area which was so warm and sunny - a great get-away from the winter. Worth a stop if you're in the area. On a warmer day, it would be nice to hike the trails.

Beautiful relaxing day walking trails along the Huron river and wonderful gardens to explore. Great family outing destination.

This garden in not huge and walking you could spend a couple of hours, depending on how many of the outer trails you use. As a photographer I was there three hours without doing any of the outer trails.

The grounds are well maintained and it has a couple of interesting spaces. The kids garden is huge and has lots of different things for kids. The bonsai tree collection is unusual. I really enjoyed the water sculptures in the garden to the left of the entrance. Outer trails are among the trees and fields.

In addition to flowers, I saw lots of insects, butterflies and a hummingbird. Also a hawk and some song birds.

While there are picnic tables and there is a gift shop where you can purchase bottled drinks there are no other food options other than a vending machine. The garden is away from other things so pack food if you plan to go for a while.

I was trying to think back and remember if I visited the botanical gardens as a student at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor before visiting... I couldn't remember until I was standing there and realized it was where my beloved Practical Botany class' lab was senior year! To be fair we got on the bus on campus and got off the bus at a greenhouse and I wasn't paying much attention to my surroundings when I was younger (and this wss before smartphones!). We spent countless hours in the greenhouses learning about and cultivating plants and it was one of my fondest memories from the four years at the University.

Returning as a family was amazing as it is now a destination for nature in the area. There are many family friendly activities for all ages. In addition there are countless trails and gardens where you can wander around by yourself aimlessly for hours.

The conservatory (greenhouse) is divided into tropical, temperate and desert climates with plants that represented each. Absolutely stunning. Large collection of bromeliads, some gigantic. There was an agave in bloom - its flower stalk was so tall that glass had to be removed from the roof to allow for it to full extend. The theme gardens (formal knot, perennial, native Michigan, childrens, etc) were well mainatained and beautifully designed. Impressive bonsai display. Lots of paths for hiking. Just a wonderful place. Shakespearean plays are performed there also.

Let's clarify that although affiliated, the Botanical Gardens and the Arb (as we affectionately call it!) are TWO different attractions.
The Botanical Garden is an underestimated delight in Ann Arbor, since it is kind of off track -but this works to the advantage of us peace seekers, because it is never ever crowded...
The small but luscious conservatory features tropical flora, ferns, shade plants, cacti and succulents, and even a tiny pond with mischievous koi fish... Come in the winter to pretend it is warm for a while, or spend a while sitting in the benches or tables inside, which make a sweet spot to work or read.
The premises around feature sample medicinal and fragrant gardens from all over the world (arranged by region!), beautiful blooming perennials a fern collection that needs more tending and a prairie with native species. There is a cute pergola to sit in lounge chairs and enjoy up close the many birds who come to visit the feeders. The Botanical Garden hosts annual exhibits of daffodils and violets and also sales.

The Arb is a green dream in the heart of Ann Arbor, barely steps from UofM Hospital if you need some respite!, and a great spot to have lunch when the sun shines or catch up with friends. There are trails in which the fanatic exercise and the contemplatives contemplate, a river to dip toes in, and a general vibe of expansive delight amongst the visitors. Do not miss the long line of golden daffodils stretching up and down the hills in early spring, nor the luxury of the Peony Garden in bloom (late May-early June): this remarkable collection will take your breath away!

The conservatory was nice and had some very pretty orchids and cactus blooming. The cost is free but you pay for parking. You just have to guess how long you will be there because you pay by the hour before you tour!

Change of scenery. My son liked walking the trail...or as he called it "The Adventure Trail" we'll definitely be back again this summer for a stroll.

This is a great spot to take kids. My wife and I brought my grandson and granddaughter for a week day outing.
The gardens do not charge an entrance fee but do charge for parking which is fair as they need a revenue source. The main building has three gardens from different ecosystems. I would visit soon as the century plant is blooming and it is amazing.
The kids love the children s area and all of the activities that are offered. I would have liked a little more volunteer involvement with the kids.
The hiking trails are great very well laid out and most of the trees are identified.
We spent a very enjoyable morning at the gardens and would recommend them for every age group.
One word of caution there are quite a few wetland areas and it is a nature preserve so there are critters. They have been known to spot rattlesnakes so be a little cautious with young children.

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit. The variety of botanical treasures is impressive, the grounds are kept beautifully, the staff members are helpful, friendly and cheery. Lovely flowers, foliage, cacti, agaves, bonsai and much, much more, including a children's area and Michigan native plant garden. Can't wait to return.

Nichols Arboretum is located in Ann Arbor very close to the main UM campus. Definately find the time to go for a walk in any season. One tip is if you have a loved one at the hospital and you can find time for a break, the Arboretum is very close. And if it's spring you must go to see the peonies!
Matthaei Botanical Gardens is located out of town off of Dixboro road. Both places are wonderful.

A great place to take your family to go and learn about local fauna. Nice for relaxing or taking a hike.

My wife and I visit a lot of botanical gardens in our travels. This is well worth the trip if you like that kind of stuff. Indoor settings, outdoor gardens, and a quiet walk along a brook.

Matthaei Botanical Gardens is one of the most tranquil and scenic parks that I have been to in the midwest. The conservatory is absolutely splendid and the trails are teeming with wildlife. There's nothing negative that I have to say about this gorgeous place. You could spend quite some time simply strolling through or taking pictures. Highly recommend.

Due to COVID the buildings are closed on Friday (the day we went), which limits what guests can see to the trails.

That said, we enjoyed walking the trails for an hour and taking in nature.

I would defiantly go back.

Great experience. Facility if free except for parking. There are indoor and outdoor exhibits and everything is very clearly marked so you can tell what you are looking at. Very much like a zoo but for plants!

I have been to several events here and it is a beautiful venue. I also enjoy coming to visit with family and friends. The arboretum is a wonderful indoor venue and the trails outside can provide hours on nice hiking.

Loved these gardens and will definitely be back. It cost $1.50 an hour to park and the garden and building are free. The grounds had several different walking trails and some around ponds. They also had a children's garden behind the buildings that I saw a lot of kids enjoying.

Great place to spend a few hours. Most impressive are the bonsai trees! Also, gardens of this caliber usually charge-free here!

The Gardens are a great place to take a hike along a river or through the fields or woods. It is rarely crowded and the paths are well maintained.

The gardens are on the Eastern side of Ann Arbor and are in a relatively quiet location. Parking requires payment, after which you have your choice of indoor gardens under a greenhouse roof, an outdoor garden with several sections to visit, or several nature walks around the surrounding forest and fields.

We visited all three sections and were particularly impressed with the bonsai exhibit. The gardens and natural areas can be thoroughly visited at a leisurely pace in about three hours, or in about 90 minutes at a quick pace. There is an area to have lunch on a paved deck/patio, but nowhere that I saw to sit indoors. Cold drinks are sold in the onsite gift shop.

This is a great place to bring children and there are many areas to run, climb over things, and play in a natural setting. There is running water, a vegetable garden, and other exhibits which are designed to engage and entertain children. They do ask that kids be in sight at all times. Don't miss the walk along the local creek and through the forest.

I don't know why these are together - they are in different locations. The Arb is absolutely beautiful with several trails, a river and a beautiful Peony garden. It's right by campus and has a student vibe. The Botanical garden had an old 1970's feel, it charges for parking and in my opinion is struggling. Go to the Arb but maybe skip Mattaei.

I have learnt about this attraction from Trip advisor and had an opportunity to visit today with my spouse Vijaya L , son Aravind and his spouse swetha. Its well maintained and one can see a variety of flowers, Plants ( Which includes Bonsai) and big trees.
Walking trails are an added attraction.
There is a children park too.

We visited Matthaei's gardens late April, so the outdoor plants are still dormant, but we saw a grater snake, and rabbits. The conservatory is very nice and the volunteers are friendly and knowledgeable.

We only got to experience the interior atriums, but we definitely plan on returning to do the exterior trails. Well worth the few extra minutes across town to enjoy. Staff is super friendly and grounds were well taken care of. Thank you for a great afternoon and we look forward to returning!

My wife and I enjoyed an afternoon here at the beautiful Matthaei Botanical gardens . So much to see . Very relaxing and amazing . The staff are wonderful, as are the grounds . Very well kept. Definitely worth a trip . Will most certainly visit again .

Matthaei Botanical Gardens is small but nice for a town as small as Ann Arbor. Nichols Arboretum is a good place for a walk on a nice day.

Just to clarify that these two places are located in completely different locations! The Arboretum (Arb) is best visited in the summer and fall. There are plenty of walking/hiking trails and it's very dog friendly. We go there for picnics, hikes and runs! Don't miss it if you are in the area and love nature!
The Matthaei Gardens are beautiful as well. I love the outside area in the summer when flowers are in full bloom. It's absolutely gorgeous. In the winter it's nice to come here to relax or to study and be able to feel a small part of summer around you

Absolutely stunning indoor display of plants and flowers from around the globe. Be sure and look at the plants through the kaleidoscope they have set up indoors. The outdoor gardens are also lovely and varied. Easy walking both indoors and out. No entry charge, but parking is $1.50 per hour or $5 all day. We went mid-week and it was not at all crowded. Well worth seeing!!

Free parking at a lot near a trailhead. Walk along the scenic Huron River and you may observe ducks and other waterfowl. There are several trails you can follow along with a grassland area. Lots of people out running/walking for fitness. It is just a beautiful, quiet place to be. Especially beautiful in the Fall.

Visited on a cold Saturday afternoon and were very impressed. The Garden is well laid out and has excellent signage for the various plantings. Plants were well maintained and the public places were very clean. The tropical exhibit was appreciated on this cold day. Looking forward to viewing the outside gardens in the summer.

We went to a party at the arboretum. The food was excellent. It was a good space for this event. We wandered the grounds. This seems like a pocket arboretum. Of course, I am comparing it to the Morton Arboretum or Chicago Botanical Gardens. It is a nice small space.

This place is great. My one complaint is that you now have to pay for parking but other than that the place is free. The indoor green house is wonderful with many exotic and native plants, hidden pools and room to sit and reflect. The children's garden is a great place for little kids to run and play (make sure your children know not to pick up snakes though because I heard there are rattlesnakes in the woods). There are at least 3 miles of light hiking trails and ponds with lots of wild life. The last time I was there the tiny tadpoles had just come out of the water and there were tiny little toads everywhere. Winter or Summer there is always something to do or see here.

So happy to be back in Ann Arbor for class reunion and back to one of my favorite places. The weather was perfect and the leaves are turning color. We walked around the loop and It was so refreshing, serene, and relaxing. We even spotted a deer in the wood. Try to take shortcut off the regular path and you will be presented with great sights and surprises of nature. Love it!

This hidden gem is worth the drive of les than 10 minutes from downtown. Admission is free but you will need to pay for parking. After walking through the Conservatory, you will be able to spend time touring the garden areas that include a small, but impressive Bonsai Garden. All areas are well marked with information about the many different plants. Very enjoyable....there is also a Children's Garden.

What a welcome break from the Polar Vortex! Heat, humidity and some seriously beautiful plants, flowers and art.

I loved our visit to Matthaei! I took my 9 & 7 year olds with me and they were engaged the entire time we were there. We spent over three hours going through the gardens and could have easily stayed longer. We didn’t get to walk any trails, so there was definitely more to do. There was still plenty in bloom during our October visit and I’d like to visit during another season. If we’re ever in the area again, we’ll go back!

We loved our visits to Matthaei Botanical Gardens! Beautiful and fragrant blooming plants; interesting and educational exhibits; creeks ponds, and streams; and well groomed walking trails filled with native trees plants and wildlife. We enjoyed a wide assortment of song birds, geese and ducks (both with young), giant crayfish, garter snakes, and dragonflies. The gardens are free and the gardens are well worth the parking fees. Don't miss the bonsai exhibit or the conservatory.

This is a wonderful botanical Garden. The children's garden is cute. My favorite part were the hiking trails along the creek. The is a very easy hike. Small gift store too with Fairy Garden supplies.

The Matthaei Botanical Gardens tied into the University of Michigan campus are a stunningly beautiful collection of gardens that are so easy to get lost in both the nature trails as well as the types of things that are there. One can easily guide yourself through the various types of flora and fauna from herbs to the prairie to a unique children's garden as well. I really appreciated the section which is devoted to the health food part which explains how the various plants can help all parts of the human body. Parking is by the hour at a unique parking meter & I would recommend a good pair of shoes to walk through the garden since it will take some time to go through. Overall, this is a must see stop if ever in this part of mid-Michigan.

This may sound like heresy, but my husband and I are not football fans. So, when we were in AA helping our daughter move into her new apartment last September, after "pre-gaming" with her and even playing some beer pong on game day, we slipped off to this peaceful spot while she went to the game with friends. It was empty (of course, everyone else was at the game), quiet and exquisite. Even if you like football, check out this lovely botanical garden when you have the chance.

Marvelous foliage and wonderful trails, year round. Old growth rhodies and beautiful new plantings, e.g., daffodils in Spring. Huron River and Amtrak are fun things and connection to Gallup Park and Island Park

Inside and outside are fascinating plants and flowers. Lots for kids to do (e.g.: scavenger hunts) plus a kids garden. Love to bring visitors here.

We've gone walking on the trails here for many years. They wind through the woods and along the water. The scenery changes with each visit and season.

New parking payment system is confusing and staff are unhelpful & just don't care. Will not provide any assistance.

The Nichols Arboretum has many trails thru the wooded areas and near the river. Parking was a little bit of a challenge for us visitors not from Ann Arbor. We did find some staff who were more than willing to get us a parking pass. And we were very close to the entrance. We were too late for the rhododendron and too early for the wildflowers. We were treated to an interpretation by 2nd to fifth graders of a Midsummer Nights Dream. Think we just were lucky with our timing. This is a haven in the middle of lots of concrete

Always a relaxing and beautiful experience. The staff are well-informed and always happy to answer questions. It's a lovely place for relaxing or for long walks. Highly recommend.

We have been trying to get our video gamers away from their screens more. This was one place we forced them to go that they really liked. The boys were 13, 11,and 9 my daughter was 5. It was easy to keep track of them in a public place. They loved playing tag in the little maze and especially liked the indoor hot houses of exotic plants. It is worth the generous free will offering we gave, but nice to know we could give less when money is tight.

The Matthei Botanical Gardens has a number of beautiful gardens and trails. The conservatory is a great place to visit in the winter to enjoy the beautiful plants. Nichols Arboretum has many outstanding trees and beautiful trails. It has the largest peony collection in the US. Both places are a treasure.

Now is a great time to visit Matthaei since our resident Agave Americana has decided to bloom after 80 years. Read about it in USA Today, ABC News etc. It is now going through the roof and the conservatory has removed part of that roof to accommodate it. Once it finishes the blooming process, it will die like a true Century plant. The gardens and conservatory are associated with the University of Michigan and Nichols is actually in the middle of campus. These are areas to view extraordinary botanicals and have a great time exploring as well. Periodically there are shows and workshops and educational classes and hikes. Because of our bitter cold winters, the other three seasons are all the more extraordinary at our gardens and arboretum and the very substantial parks and trails systems in Ann Arbor and throughout the state.

These are possibly the most stunning gardens that we have ever visited. the gardens are interesting and ever well kept but when you add to that the exceptional sculpture garden it is almost unbeatable. If in the local area do not miss it.

It took us a little bit to find the gardens but I'm glad we persisted. I just LOVE going though gardens! and I'd been waiting to visit this one for quite awhile. Although it wasn't what I was expecting (I don't mean that in a bad way) we thoroughly enjoyed exploring each section of the gardens. What a great time!!

These gardens are very well maintained, and have things of interest for all ages, including a kid's activity area. The Arboretum with tropical plants is a must see.

You can easily spend an hour or a day exploring the grounds of Matthaei Gardens, depending on how you prefer to interact with nature.

I took my mother here to see the beautiful environment created by the Botanical Gardens indoor setting. It was nice to be in a warm, moist tropical garden while it was cold and blustery outside. I was surprised that you have to pay for parking now however!

Very nice area for a hike around the area. Nice pathways, flat and wide make for an easy hike. Easy to find and plenty of parking.

The Gardens are beautiful and unusual. This is a great place to spend an afternoon with friends or family of any age. Wonder walking trails

Just a typical botanical garden. Nothing much to see. For locals, it is a nice place to walk around and show kids exotic plants.

We loved bring on the conservatory, it was warm and had so many beautiful plants in bloom. I look forward to walking around the outside gardens this summer.

If you would like to find a quiet refuge.for a few hours - you couldn't find a more suitable place. Wander the paths, take your kids to the kid- friendly trail or enjoy the truly splendid enclosed botanical garden. There is a really thoughtful shop to find a special present to take with you or a waiting at home child.

On the edge of town, a great place to escape the hustle and bustle. Admission is free with paid parking. Very nice gift shop with clean restrooms. A few different rooms in the conservatory, like most places offering tropicals, catcti etc... Worth a stroll, but the main attractions are outdoors. The outdoor gardens are breathtaking. Many perennial beds to lazily stroll through. Amazing bonsai section offering dozens of specimens. Woodland paths lead through towering trees offering benches for relaxing. Even has a small hands on children's area to let the kids explore. Will definitely return when in the area again.

The garden is a living museum exhibit of historic peonies that is open free for all - See more at:
http://mbgna.umich.edu/peony/
Breathtaking aromas and a vivid display of contrasting colors is welcoming yearly a plethora of visitors from all over the world.This is a must have experience that could be combined with an artistic event taken place in the vicinity as the Chinese choir performance or Shakespeare in The Arboretum.(Historic cultivars can be purchased in the Spring - see the website.)A little down the road fron this expo is a Faeries garden for children where they can build their own houses from materials found on the grounds,and even further is a nice spot to watch the Gallup River (walk in the river,on the stones for a good foot massage!)
Adittional info for Ann Arbor (aka A2).Please enjoy !!

http://nymag.com/travel/weekends/annarbor/
http://www.lsa.umich.edu/mbg/see/

I was looking for the garden and went to the arbatorium first. but they are only minutes away from each other. I wanted to see the peony garden and it was impressively large but unfortunately had just started to bloom, another week and it would have been glorious. The garden was part of a huge park with hiking trails and woods. One side of the garden was the UofM children's hospital and the other side was a cemetery. There was no charge for parking at the garden but there was at the arbatorium. If I had just scheduled another week I think both places would have been spectacular.

We really enjoyed the few hours we got to spend here. Great hours (open until 8 pm on a Sunday). The conservatory portion was fantastic, with a few fruits from trees available to look at (now I know what a cacao fruit looks like!). The outside grounds were also really enjoyable. There were signs posted about the presence of the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake, which we would have loved to have seen. Admission to the grounds is free, with a suggested donation to visit the conservatory. We did not pay for parking because our conservatory membership offers reciprocity here.

Definitely stop here if you are in the area.

Spring was breaking and we attended an African Violet show at the Botanical Gardens this past weekend. We enjoyed the show, the outdoor pond with wildlife, and inside gardens. Having been through the outside gardens in the past, I can comment that they were a lovely stroll and exploration as well. Each visit seems to be different than the last with items cycling through their phases and gardeners changing some things up from visit to visit. Parking requires payment, even for handicapped, unless you are a member of the gardens but the rates are reasonable. A nice place to visit for an hour to a few hours. I always learn or see new things when I go.

The Gardens are one of my favorite places to walk. There are several marked trails of varying lengths. An interesting one is the 0.6 mile Sam Graham Trees Trail which shows trees native to Michigan. Several different types of habitat are seen along the trail, for example wetlands, swamp, forest, and the pine-aspen loop. Note that the trail can be very muddy after rainfall. There is also a new 2 mile paved trail for walkers and bikers connecting Matthaei to Parker Mill Park. From here you can continue along to Gallup Park and to the Border-to-Border Trail. Near the parking area are the greenhouse, outdoor plantings, gift shop and meeting spaces. Note that parking is pretty expensive at Matthaei (a hefty $1.60 per hour with a $5 daily maximum) but there is no admission charge to the gardens. Also, if you have a University of Michigan parking pass, it is not valid at Matthaei.

My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our quick trip to the botanical gardens to see the agave. The agave is blooming for the first time in it's 80 year lifetime. It is quite the attraction in Ann Arbor. We forgot how much we enjoyed the plants and flowers indoors and the grounds outside. It is a hidden gem in Washtenaw County. Parking is $1.40 an hour and unless you want to donate, there is no other cost. Take time to walk the grounds and stroll through the building. What a fantastic want to de-stress!

Nice conservatory with three separate houses for tropical, temperate and arid plants. A variety of gardens to explore including bonsai, perennials and great lakes gardens including dunes and prairies. Nature trails for nice hikes/walks and these are open until sunset. Conservatory and gardens close around four. There is a nominal parking fee. A nice place to visit if in the area.

we made a quick trip around the trail system and enjoyed that, then we spent some time inside and in the garden areas....very nice

Beautiful place, colorful I will back. It was a great day with temp in the 60s.. layout was great.. right off the highways and close to hotels

I stop by whenever I can for a moment of zen. There are many activities throughout the year, a refreshment corner, paid parking, and a little gift shop. Check out the trails and galleries inside/outside, too!

I'm not sure why these are listed together - I suppose they're operated by a single entity. The Botanical Gardens are northeast of Ann Arbor, and the Arboretum (or "The Arb" as we locals always call it) is in town on the east side. Both are great places to go spend an afternoon in a curated natural area, peaceful and pleasant. Matthaei also has a very nice conservatory.

The botanical gardens are a little ways outside of Ann Arbor, but they are definitely worth a visit! The university has collected an enormous amount of plants from all over the world. The desert plant area in particular was amazing - a lot of the cacti were flowering when I visited.

The arboretum is next to campus, and it's nice if you're looking for a spot to take a walk or have a picnic in the afternoon.

When our Michigan winters get the best of us, we head here for a taste of "summer" Does the spirit and mind well to see some green. Nice variety of different plants, trees, and cacti. Also has a nice little gift shop as well.

I visited the conservatory and the arboretum in May. I Have to say that is the perfect time to visit. The bloom time around the trails, the fragrance in the air and evergreen plants variety in the conservatory were tje highlights on the visit.
Entry was free which was amazing, but after seeing the maintained garderns, I could not stop myself but to donate my share to the community.

MUST GO place if you are in Ann Arbor area.

The gardens were lovely, but the place was packed. It was hard to navigate, with so many people all over the place. The greenhouse was especially cramped, with narrow walkways, and tons of people stopping randomly to take pictures. There were lots of amateur photographers sprawling out all over the place to take pictures, taking up a lot of room for sometimes a considerable amount of time. While it's not the fault of the property, tripping over and being blocked by these guests did detract from the experience.

There was a wedding going on at the same time, so that likely contributed to the crowd, as part of the space was reserved for the wedding, and there were likely extra guests. There was also what appeared to be a tour bus in the parking lot, so I don't know if there's a better time to go where you can avoid the larger tours.

The Gardens are technically free (donations are encouraged), but you will need to pay for parking. The machines are all near the building, so plan to walk over there before starting your trip through the gardens.

This is a very nice place to walk on the trails and just explore the wild life of Michigan. I came here for my birthday! It was lots of fun and we truly loved it.

The botanical gardens' conservatory is a great escape from cold and snowy winter weather. Whether looking at tropical rainforest plants or exploring the aird area with many cacti (usually some in bloom) it is full of interesting and different plants. If you have a group and contact them in advance they will arrange for a docent-guided tour but there are usually people around to answer questions and the labeling of plants is well done.

We love going to Matthaei to see the outdoor gardens! Such great inspiration, and the tropical plants in the conservatory are well cared for also. Great place.

There are very nice hiking trails and gardens to admire. We spent about 2 hours walking today and saw views of the river, people watching, dog watching and more. It was a lovely way to get some fresh air and exercise.

Loved the conservatory filled with trees and flowers. The desert area was enjoyable as well. It was too cold but the walking trails and outdoor gardens will need to wait for my next visit. Cost free except for parking but you can make a donation.

We where here on June 29. There is parking in front of the entrance and next to it. You have to pay the parking fee at the machine ($1.4/hour - $5 day) before you enter the building. It is a small conservatory, but there is enough to see. You can watch it also from a balcony. They just added a new garden with bonsai's. We did not visit the arboretum.

I went there in the winter and the summer time and it is always worth a visit. In the summer it was a little more crowded, but the lush green surroundings and peaceful atmosphere mad up for the amount of people. In the winter it is very romantic and quiet.
Worth a stroll!

free admission, super beautiful, and very peaceful. Went for a walk with my family near the river. later took my nephew to the gardens (very kid friendly) with a kids section showing them how to plant tomatoes, etc. also got to walk through the japanese mini tree/flower section, which was spectacular. would def recommend. only have to pay for parking.

Private banquet room was nicely appointed for my sister's memorial. The building is accessible, has a gift shop, and plenty to look at, even in winter.

We love going here every time we visit Ann Arbor. Absolutely lovely. Plants are beautiful and well marked. Well taken care of.

Have your kids grab a back pack from the entrance and it has free fun stuff for kids to do as you walk. I love it and go here at least once a week you only pay for parking!

Such a nice place to bring the kids to explore nature. The roving guides tell their own, unique story. Loved the living rock

Last time we were there, we spent about 4-5 hours there, even though the conservatories were closed. We walked about 5 miles around some of the trails and the outdoor gardens. There's a kid's garden, a few large central gardens, a bonsai garden, and lots of trails outside. There's also a picnic area. Inside there are I believe 3 conservatories. We hope to go back this weekend to see those and to take another trail walk. It's only $5 to park for the whole day. Obviously what plants are in bloom are going to depend on the time of year, but they have a lot of plants and flowers that bloom all spring and summer long. It's a beautiful place. If you don't intend to use the trails, it probably would only take 1-2 hours walking around the main "attractions" if you take your time.

The gardens and grounds were beautiful. Many plants and trees were labeled by UM staff. Winding walking trails everywhere and several great lookouts. Saw several joggers and it is a great place for a run. Hard to find a place to park. Also a good bit of wildlife. Saw hares and several different types of squirrels.

The botanical gardens have some interesting and unique plants. The overall experience is very good. There are lots of plants and such a wide variety. The grounds are beautiful and worth stopping to walk through the area.

We drove up from Toledo to see the gardens and conservatory. My husband grows Bonsai so that was the highlight for us. The grounds are in great condition, and the gardens are nice, if a bit young. The Children's Garden is fantastic. We didn't have kids with us, but I still thought that ranked right up near the Bonsai garden. Nice paths and trails to explore.

I've spent innumerable hours in the Arb in nearly every kind of situation. It's truly a magical place. Go any time of year, all times of the year and experience the changes of the seasons. Go with friends or go alone. It's an incredible space to explore and incredibly safe.

Surprisingly little going on at either of these gardens in early May. Also saw plenty of weeds, as if most of these places are still in winter mode. Hardly any spring bulbs and limited number of spring perennials, too. If you don't mind the drive, go to Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids and see what a garden can look like even in early May in Michigan.

This is a large well-maintained park that's very convenient to the university. The signage is very good and the trails vary from flat to steep and smooth to rugged. Portions go along the river and others wander through wetlands and meadows. For a relaxing quiet stroll or a strenuous hike/jog this is a great - you may even learn the names of some trees if you take time to read some tags and signs.

My daughter got married at the gardens. Beautiful setting for a beautiful wedding.... Helpful staff at the gardens .... Perfect day with cute little umbrellas to protect from the sun.

the botanic building is bit too small. good outside garden and walking trails in the forest area nearby

I took my college students here every semester for about 8 years to observe their Solar house and to experience the gardens. For many it was their first time at an indoor greenhouse actually observing the different biomes represented. An awesome place for adults, children and youth to relax, rejuvenate, educate.

Very nice! Attended both 2018 & 2019 orchid shows and was very pleased. Nice collection of vendors and exhibits. No admission but parking is $1.70 per hour or $5.00 all day.

The staff bent over back wards to help make our daughters wedding and reception just perfect. Having a cold room for the cake and champagne and other refrigerator items was just wonderful. We will be telling everyone we know about this venue.

We were in Ann Arbor for a wedding, with time to kill and looking for an outdoor attraction. We found this place on tripadvisor. The botanical gardens are some of the best we have visited on the east coast. The trails are very nice also and there are a number of options of length and difficulty.

We were in town for a medical visit and looking for inexpensive things to do so didn't expect this to be so great. It was beautiful and interesting. If we had known ahead of time how great it was, we would have planned to spend more time there. The children's gardens were amazing, education and fun.

Situated on 200 acres of hardwood forest, wetlands and prairie, the University of Michigan received this property as a gift from the Matthaei family in 1957 and it has been developed all those years as a beautiful spot for walking, birding and enjoying nature. It has a fabulous greenhouse with temperate, tropical and desert sections. I love the cacti and orchid collections. They have a small gift shop and also have well attended plant sales periodically during the year. This is a destination spot. Take your grandmothers.

Operated by Univ of Michigan, great tropical and subtropical collection of plants in conservatory. Children's garden and outdoor gardens not in full operation till June. Free admission, donation suggested, gift shop and small parking fee. Many things in bloom here in late April

Great place to hike, however can be busy @ times. Very beautiful place:) Every Season has something to offer @ this place.

My favorite are the Tropicals greenhouse. I took many beautiful pictures there! I also like the trail but tho it's small compared to other ones in Michigan

It's free to visit here, but please consider making a donation. There is so much to see, especially in the warm weather months.

I love their bonsai collection as well as the succulents.

They have special activities and areas just for kids.

Parking is $1.70/hour, with a $5 max. Very reasonable especially since admission is free.

Went during gray, sloppy snow flurries. Inside, past the threshold we were treated to colors, aromas, and peace of a warm, lush, dense tropics, then quiet temperate woods, finally exploring exotic and otherworldly desert cacti and other rock and sand dwelling plants. The air matched the lands as you discover and the staff are extremely friendly and helpful. Will report on outdoor gardens when they wake up.

It's a relatively small botanical garden (but free) with plenty of public parking spaces but it's very well maintained. There's a play area for kids with sandboxes, logs, large and small rocks to climb, cute sculptures, etc. It's also a nice place to picnic. There's also a gift shop with lots of interesting things to buy as a souvenir. Tips: need to pay for public parking fee; stroller friendly for the most part; great for little kids to walk along the outdoor trails; clean bathrooms; vending snack machines.

The place was very beautiful with lot of peony flowers. Good for weekend trekking and water games with friends and family.

If you want to experience an exotic and unique atmosphere in Michigan - take a tour of the Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum. They have wonderful displays and tour guides. They have many rare and almost extinct plants and flowers - some are quite amazing. A trip to these gardens is not just for school field trips. This is an enjoyable experience for people of all ages.

This jewel is gorgeous at any season, but at the very best during the dead of Michigan winters. Imagine walking through tropical gardens when it's sub-zero just beyond the glass.

What a wonderful place to visit - especially in the winter! When everything else is dormant or dead outside, life is green and lush and teeming in the botanical garden. A lovely gem right in our backyard, many people forget about all it has to offer - lush environment, heavenly scents from blooming flowers, dry, arid cacti and the soothing sound of falling water. Pay it a visit, you won't regret it!

Met a friend to spend some time together catching up. It was only my second visit, and many years since my first visit. Under the aegis of the University of Michigan, admission is free, so it begs for more frequent visits to enjoy the conservatory and the gardens at various times of the year. The Conservatory comprises a Tropical House, a Temperate House, and a Desert House. We saw some very unusual cacti and other plants, including "living stone" plants!! We strolled outdoors through the Perennial Garden, the Children's Garden, and more, including some wooded trails. Thoroughly enjoyed the art installed throughout the gardens. If you like nature art, check out the exhibit inside the Visitor Center and the mosaic art outside the west entrance. Hope to return soon!

You could miss this place driving on Dixboro Road. This is a University of Michigan facility, which has a conservatory (with various "climates" and a wide range of plants) to enjoy, followed by numerous trials and exhibits outside. There are many scheduled events (special events, talks, workshops, plant sales, etc.). There is a charge for parking, but if you sign up as a member (small fee), parking is free and you get on the mailing list. Well worth it. A new walkway (blacktop) extends south of the Matthaei Botanical Gardens all the way to Geddes Avenue (near Parker Mill Ranch). Great for dog walking.

This is a real gem of a find outside of the main part of Ann Arbor, We went for a meeting but was really impressed with the gardens and operation. Come on U of M. Paid parking? Really?

Daughter's preschool class went here for a field trip. Lots of different species to look at and the kids got to do a take home terrarium. Staff was all super friendly. Will have to come back with the other kids too.

I used to work in a greenhouse and this was one of my favorite spots to go and relax. It was always warm, humid and earthy smelling.

We love to go and visit the Matthaei Botanical Gardens because of their beauty and peaceful atmosphere.

The conservatory makes such. A nice stop during Michigan winters. And in the warmers seasons the outside gardens are beautiful. This is one of my favorite destinations in Ann Arbor.

Beautiful and peaceful. Walk through at your own pace. A great sanctuary for wildlife, flora and people.

we stop by often to see what is new. The air smells like spring and feels balmy. Some of the plants change and some are old friends. Last spring our 5 year old granddaughter loved it, and spend her time looking at the displays and finding things on a children's game form. I especially love the pond and waterfall.

Lovely place for a walk in the woods, where you can hear a variety of birds, try to spot deer tracks, and possibly see cool critters like beavers as they swim down the stream. It's free to walk around the grounds, though parking is $1.50 per hour, and it's open from sunrise to sunset. I highly recommend going there if you like nature and being outside.

We went here the first week of January. We had read about the "fairy" and "bug" exhibits. We enjoyed wandering about the inside conservatory. A nice place for moms and kids to visit during the winter. And it is free! (Donations accepted)

This was a nice surprise and a fun way to spend a few hours. We saw lots of wildlife, flowers and enjoyed the exercise walking through the paths. The store is cute, and the staff is very nice.

I would like to say that there rattlesnakes in the gardens so be careful where to step. I've never been there before though I heard a boy got bite by one the rattlesnakes.

Spent a great afternoon exploring the greenhouse and some of the beautifully planted gardens. Parking is easy, with a maximum daily charge of $5. The gardens are free to enter.
The gardens are well looked after and saw many plants, particularly in the tropical section, that I hadn’t seen elsewhere.
Loved the kaleidoscope succulent planter in the tropical area of the greenhouse.
The perennial garden is planted in an English style and was a good reminder of my home country. The herb knot garden was charming and very peaceful. Lovely areas to sit and take in your surroundings or chat with friends. Will be back again to explore further.

I didn't know what to expect when I went here, but I was pleasantly suprised. This park backs up to the river and is beautiful and peaceful. Good walking trails. Lots of holes so it's a good workout. Nice scenery. I'm looking forward to going back and exploring more.

Took a few hours and visited the gardens. I like taking macro photos of textures, and had a wonderful time. They currently have a cool show of ceramic pieces by Susan Crowell. The exhibit is titled "Hidden Worlds- The universe of pollen revealed in large-scale ceramic sculptures. It is a fun exhibit thru out the conservatory.

The koi pond was definitely my favorite part, but I also enjoyed all the desert-related plants off towards the back. I would definitely go back again.

This is a beautiful nature area with all kinds of nature areas and are easily walkable and the year round indoor exhibit is really beautiful and relaxing but be aware there are Massasaga Rattlesnakes there but there small and not agressive

The Matthaei Botanical Gardens contains several types of feature:
- A large indoor greenhouse, with (among other things) a variety of tropical and desert plants.
- A large set of outdoor gardens.
- Several walking paths.
- An outdoor bonsai display.

The gardens are located on the outskirts of Ann Arbor, so parking is easy (although you will be charged for parking).

The children's section of the botanic garden was amazing! I gleaned many wonderful ideas to take home to Colorado as I plan the play space in my back yard.

The Matthaei Botanical Gardens keep improving. In the dead of winter you can hang out in one of the three greenhouses and breathe summer air while enjoying the beautiful plants and bonsai. Spring, summer and fall offer scenic trails, assorted blooming gardens, lovely trees and paths. Small children enjoy seeing the huge fish in the greenhouse pond. Sometimes there is a nice art display in the corridors .of the main building There are gorgeous nature scenes depicted in mosaic pieces on the outside of the main building towards the larger parking lot.

This is a great place to bring visitors to Ann Arbor, who want to get away from the bar and shopping scene. This place has great botanicals, displayed in a very interesting and attractive way, and great trails.

This is a nice place to slow down, get away from your cell, and experience nature. Busy on weekends, a treat during the week.

Weny to a wedding in the small courtyard and it was very pretty. The water fountains and little ponds make it really nice. There were a lot of bees...but it also had a ton of beautiful wildflowers!!

Matthaei Botanical Gardens
We did not use the trails due to lack of time and because the trees have not leafed out yet. The "gardens" near the headquarters conservatory building did not look that interesting this time of the year either. Hopefully we can visit during the summer so we can experience the true beauty of the various areas. They do not charge an admittance fee but there is a $1.40/hour parking fee (with pay machines).

Nichols Arboretum
The University of Michigan Web site address for this arboretum which we used on our GPS device and it led us to the pedestrian entrance on Washington Hts. There was no parking area there as shown on the UM map. We drove around a few times and left. UM needs to have a better map and address for where you can park a car. Parking spaces on all the area streets were all full.

Although my visit took place on a cold, blustery day, there was much warmth in the visit to these gardens. I was first impressed with the colorful mosaics decorating the entryway, then made my way in to the arboretum to enjoy the natural colors. The building is divided into climate-centered zones from arid with dozens of types of cacti to a handful of 45+ year bonsai. From there I ventured outside to do the blue trail, about 1.5-2 miles, again through a range of trees, bushes, and back to view the herb garden right outside the building. I would love to visit again in the summer but pleased to have had a pleasant afternoon in nature.

Botanical Gardens Trails are nicely done, it's so peaceful here. The children's garden is perfect of young children to explore. The greenhouse has a large variety of tropical plants, and a lot of cacti,

The conservatory has an impressive collection of exotic plants from all over the world. Don't miss the sausage tree. The bonsai collection is outstanding. The garden is free but they suggest a donation.

Went here as a big-kids sibling gettogether, and we all had a really great time. The regular plants on display were great, and varied - liked how they have them sectioned off into different growth areas, like desert, tropical, etc. Special exhibit when we went were a display of clothing made out of plant materials! They had real human sized "clothing" - from elaborate ball gowns to a men's suit jacket- then they also had fairy clothing! It was scattered and hidden throughout the whole facility, so you really had to keep your eyes open to spot them. There was a lot of "Did you see this one yet?" being called out as we split up. There is a small art exhibit along the hallways outside the gardens as well which was also a pleasure to see. Not a big facility by any means, but was a pleasant day outing. Bathrooms are spacious and handy, and the coat room was MUCH appreciated. The gift shop has lovely items. Would visit again!

Matthaei Gardens offers guests options for both indoor experiences in the conservatory (and classrooms for special programs) as well as the outdoor trails. There is a space for special events (weddings, private parties) indoors that is connected to a beautiful patio garden.

Nice place to spend the morning or afternoon. If you have any interest in plants, trees, ground cover, etc. , this place is not to be missed.
I look forward to coming back in the spring/summer when the outdoor gardens are open.

Amazing venue for an outside wedding in Ann Arbor. The flower gardens were a great backdrop and were great for pictures before and after.

The Botanical gardens are wonderful to visit. I have been to several formal evening events in the atrium and enjoyed their plant sales that are open to the public. It is fun to come visit & walk the trails on the grounds. This is a wonderful Ann Arbor treasure.

I can't believe this place is free. We would probably still be there if it weren't so hot out. We came in to see Ann Arbor and this was a stopover. Beautiful place. The flowers are ALL beautiful. All you do is pay $ 1.40 hr for parking or $ 5.00 for the day. We left a considerable donation at the desk. Everything helps. We saw the Century plant (Agave) in bloom. It was 80 years old. The girl at the front desk was very helpful as well as the volunteer at the kids garden. They really love their jobs and show it. I wish we had more time here but there is so much to see in Ann Arbor. We enjoyed it completely

I went here with my friend. We loved that it's free. It was really cool. I especially loved the succulent area. I learned some cool facts and loved being there and didn't want to leave.

Since I only went to the Matthaei Botanical Gardens, that is all I will be reviewing. Per the name, I thought they would be more closely linked. If I wanted to go to the Arboretum, I would have had to get in the car and go there.

Matthaei was a decent place. There was a greenhouse for Cacti and tropical plans. Only spent about an hour or so (did not think it was big enough to spend more than 2 or 3 anyway and would think that would be a stretch). Parking is paid (by the hour), entrance is free.

The University has both an arboretum close to central campus and a botanical gardens near North Campus. The arboretum (the Arb) is a great place to walk and explore. You can go to the Huron river, and see lots of nature. In May there is a Peony garden display as well as tons of wild flowers.
The botanical garden has both indoor and outside displays including a childs garden designed for kids to play.

Beautiful outside Gardens are absolutely stunning the Landscaping is amazing the naturally occurring flora and fauna is just beautiful the interior areas are perfect we'll set up well done well maintained

Had a couple of hours to kill in Ann Arbor, so stopped in to the conservatory. No entry charge (donations requested), though they bizarrely charge for parking (which we ignored, since there were only 4 or 5 other cars in the lot). The displays were gorgeous, diverse, and well tended. Everything was labeled, of course, but there wasn't much in the way of educational material readily available (though the gift shop had a number of books). Had a particularly impressive agave plant getting ready to flower - the 8' stalk was massive. Particularly enjoyed the display of cactuses and other arid-environment plants. Driving by the gardens, I imagine they are really impressive later in the year.

I love this place , so relaxing and fun . We go there all year long !!!! Good place for whole Family !!!

I brought my boys here on a midwinter break from school. It was just the thing we needed. There is so much lush greenery and beautiful colors to see. There are several park benches to sit and enjoy the view. We saw many artists with their own chairs sketching the beautiful plants and trees and flowers. The Koi fish are quite nice as well.

We didn't walk the grounds as it is winter, was cold and snowy. But I know the grounds are also lovely. Best part it's free admission, you can donate when you enter and it's up to you how much. Parking is $1.50/hour. You won't be disappointed.

Love the botanical gardens. Great place to take out of town visitors if you live in the area or are visiting yourself. Wonderful trails to hike, amazing childrens garden where kids can dig in the dirt, sand, play and build with logs, play on an outdoor stage or in a top or under a bush secret hide out. Beautiful indoor atrium gardens always make me feel like I'm really in the tropics. Love to go in all seasons. Highly recommend.

I lived right up the road from the gardens for many years, and have watched the transformation through time. I love both the greenhouses and the trails, and am happy to see that the university has added a gift shop. There is no fee for admission, but donations are always appreciated.

The Arb is one of AA's true gems. From the trails that follow along the Huron River to the stunning Peony gardens in the springtime it offers unparallelled sights, sounds & smells.

My fiance and I took our engagement photos at the indoor part of the Botanical gardens. It was wonderfully warm and humid with lots of greenery, exotic smelling plants and flowers. We enjoyed our time there and our pictures turned out beautifully.

If you like plants and flowers, go to the inside displays in the winter and get your fix. It smells and looks and feels like spring/summer all year long.

My sister and I stopped here on the first day of our nine-day Canada trip (2015 June), because it was about the right distance after lunch to break up the driving before we got back into the car and headed for the motel. I'm glad we did. It's much nicer than I expected.

The greenhouse portion contains several different climactic zones, ranging from very humid near the front to rather arid at the back, each containing a very nice selection of different plants, large and small, from various places around the world. I'm not sure how they regulate the humidity so effectively with the doors standing open between the sections, but apparently whatever they're doing works very well, because all the plants seemed quite healthy, and you could definitely feel the difference in humidity from each zone to the next. I don't know if they ever give guided tours with an explanation of how the place is maintained, but if they do that would be fascinating, at least to me.

Outdoors, near the main building, there are a variety of interesting things, including a perennials garden, a very nice bonsai exhibit, and a nice landscaped patio area with fountains. Further out there are other things, like a "grower's garden" (featuring the sorts of practical things people normally grow in gardens), a children's garden, a prairie grass garden, etc. I think there might even be some hiking trails, but we didn't explore all the way out.

You do have to pay for parking. I don't remember exactly how much, but it was reasonable, much less than I paid for parking at some other places later in our trip.

The location is also great. Honestly, I think getting off the highway to go past the botanical gardens and get back on the highway after might actually be shorter than following the highway (which goes through the city and kind of goes a bit out of its way to do so), if you're traveling north or south.

come take a stroll in the green house in the winter, a quick escape that will leave you rejuvenated with cactus vistas

It's worth an afternoon visit on a summer's day or inside the conservatory on a cold winter's one. There is a nice children's garden outside for the younger ones and lots of outside spaces to roam. I like going in the dead of winter and strolling around inside with coats off and pretending that is is spring already. They offer educational programs and fun free activities like fairy hunts and scavenger hunts for the kids or kids at heart. Great photo opportunities too! No fee for admission, but there is a parking fee.

really cool. the conservatory was well laid out with an amazing collection of plants. the nature walks were great and everything was labled and informative. the collections are great and the staff was friendly, informative, and knowledgeable.

We went to Matthaei in May and due to,our cold spring it was just a little early to see much outside except the bonsai displays which were excellent. However, the conservatory was very interesting and well labeled.

These gardens are a unique experience just in the outskirts of Ann Arbor. You feel like you are in the country. Many different species of plants of all varieties ; They also have a plant sale where you can buy some of the exotic plants from the gardens.

The garden is about 5 miles from the downtown area. Admission to the gardens was free. Because of that we didn't mind supporting them by buying a $25 t-shirt. Parking was easy in a lot close to the entrance. Parking was $1.60 per hour and you pay at a machine located near the front door as you are entering.

Not many people visit botanical gardens and they don't know what they are missing. I have been to lots of botanical gardens around the country. Matthaei's Conservatory was not huge by comparison to many others but it was interesting. It had lots of unique plant life that is well maintained. The perennial garden outside was amazing. Even though it was mid-August the garden was in full bloom, almost as if it'd been planted just for this time of year. There were no gaps in the blooms. It was a solid mass of color. There are lots of paths to take and different habitats to view. Depending on how much you want to walk outdoors (or not) you could spend anywhere from an hour to three hours here.

Matthei is both a garden and an arboretum. The garden is very nice, not large, and it includes both a good bonsai collection and an interesting herb garden. The trails are not long and offer a good selection of native trees, and there is a very pretty trout stream running through the park.

For a great hike, visit the Arb. Bring your pup (on a leash please). There are all sorts of terrains - grassy fields, garden areas, the river, wooded hills. You can spend half an hour or a whole day and get in touch with nature. Best for hiking - extremely hilly for biking - I'm not sure bikes are allowed.

I love visiting the botanical gardens throughout the year! They do an amazing job with her presenting the different types of plants and botanicals.
My favorite part, taking my three-year-old to the children's garden, where he can run play date and explore the different plants grown there.

nice mix of open terrain, woods, a stream. clean;quiet. Visitor center with drinks and facilities. benches by the river for sitting. a bit hilly so you can get a work out if you want!

My husband and I were in town visiting. We had some time to kill and came here for a visit. Since they close early during their "winter" hours, we only had an hour to spend, but it was lovely. We enjoyed walking around inside the greenhouse area and seeing lots of different plants and flowers. And the outdoor paths offer a lot of fun areas to view. The bonsai garden was fun; it's always interesting to see those little trees that seem to take a lot of dedication to upkeep. Next time we visit the area, I hope to come back and spend more time here and on the trails.

This is an easy place to get to and has great and diverse hiking trails! Parking can be tricky during the week, but you can park in the adjoining neighborhoods and access the park from the side opposite the parking lot.

Guys! How do you impress a first date at no cost! How can you take that certain someone to a warm tropical location in the middle of winter in a single day trip? Take a short drive to Matthaei Botanical Gardens.in Ann Arbor, MI. On Dixboro Road, right off of US-23. Educational, within proximity of any home in the Detroit/Toledo metro regions, and free! Wander the beautiful greenhouse with your loved one. Take pictures and then go to one of the many wonderful restaurants in downtown Ann Arbor. What a great date on a snowy afternoom..

The Garden has a small gift shop with a variety of live plants and garden themed merchandise. It rained so we weren't able to explore the trails but it looked lovely and we plan on going back when the weather is more accommodating.

Matthaei Botanical Gardens was a wonderful wedding venue. The staff were so wonderful and the setting perfect...If you are considering this venue, relax and enjoy...They'll take great care of you....

This attraction has two parts: the Botanical Garden (on Dixboro Road) and the Arb (near the School of Public Health and the hospitals). The Botanical Gardens has changing exhibits and (I think) is best appreciated in the middle of winter! Warm, green and humid -- wonderful in January. There are gardens outside of the greenhouse as well as a number of nice walking trails. There is a small charge for parking; members park free. The Arb is one of a kind -- a great place for long walks in all four seasons. A special attraction is the 100 year-old peony garden, in early/mid June. This place (places?) requires exploration, over and over.

Wonderful indoor gardens to explore, especially nice to walk through on the cold days of winter, giving you a boost of morale well needed! There are often classes to take part in, as well as plant sales periodically through out the year. Also the trails outdoors are wonderful adventures around many natural water features, such as ponds, streams, dams, and the Huron River. Wonderful walking the trails!

This is one of the few places I don't mind paying for parking.It is simply a wonderful place to spend a couple of hours enjoying the natural world. It has plants that are spectacular , nice trails and gardens. I only wish they leave the gardens open later in the fall.They close about 6 pm

Beautiful walk through numerous gardens, outside and in their conservatory. Bonsais, herbs, children's gardens, and many trails.

It has been a long time since we visited this place but it has always been a favorite of ours. We have been here many times in the past and it was usually a place we visited before every summer vacation. The trails are relaxing and serene and you can take your time to explore and wander. On a couple of occasions we ran across a Misasauge rattlesnake. When you find one just go around it and leave it alone and you will be okay. But you should have no worries. This is indeed a charming and relaxing place to walk in.

Now we are in Ann Arbor this April; one afternoon we decided to walk through the arboretum. At the entrance we saw a handful of yellow flowers and that's it. The whole area looked dry and barren; all the trees dead without a single leaf or flower. I realize this is not the right season; I learn summer is the best season to visit this place. We walked to the Huron river bank; saw a couple of ducks; very quiet and peaceful place. There is a picnic area. We did not go to the other parts of the arboretum. Were just sitting on a bench on the river bank imagining with lush green trees on both the sides of the river how very heavenly the place must be!

The trails here are really nice - I do about 6 miles a week here. I've seen many deer early in the mornings. Go early to see the deer and enjoy the trails as peacefully as possible.

Great Green House, manicured gardens, labeled trails, and picnic areas. Admission is free but you pay for parking $1.25 and hour. So, you can spend as long or as little as you like but if a group is going I would suggest car pooling. You will not be dissapointed if you love the out of doors. They also have classes and a great children's garden. Check into these things once you get there. Bring your snacks and spend a couple of hours.

We saw lots of flowering herbs & perenials. Some even grow where we live in Houston. I loved the succulents & cacti in the conservatory. Even found a few I had never seen before. Fun way to spend a couple hours. Enjoy, we did!

What an incredible treasure of nature right in the center of the city! While visiting a friend, we spend some time here, exploring the trails, the views, and the river. Highly recommended as a respite from the city!

Matthaei is a retreat from the city. The conservatory is a great place to shake off the winter blues and travel to the tropics. In the spring, songbirds sing in the nearby forest which can be explored by nature trails. The pond is a great place to see goslings and ducklings. Just stay clear of their parents.

Wheelchair accessible. Very nice restrooms. Beautiful for a wedding.
Indoor greenhouse.
Wonderful attended to for healthy plants.
Although entry to the gardens is free, Parking is not free.

Such an incredibly peaceful moment of solitude amidst beauty. If your heart is heavy or light this is the answer. I almost expect to hear the Brandenburg concertos playing while walking in the early morning here. I always see deer when I walk here. Sweet Serenity !

The Conservatory has a beautiful collection of bonsai, and was a sight for sore eyes after the Michigan winter. The building is a more recent construction than the greenhouse at Belle Isle, with fewer architectural charms. We went to the orchid show and sale they have every April, and ended up leaving with as many plants as we could carry. Parking is not free, and the location is on the outskirts of town so getting there by car was our only viable option.

The arboretum is near UM's main campus, and is a reasonably easy walk. The peony garden is spectacular, if you're lucky enough to be in town in late May to early June.

This is a beautiful place! We saw a huge Agave plant that actually goes through the roof. The cacti were very unique. We enjoyed roaming the outside gardens and seeing the bonsai bushes.

Beautiful garden and natural area in Ann Arbor. We took a very long walk along the lovely nature trails; through forests, by streams and lakes, really fun. It was a warm sunny fall day when we visited but there was plenty of shade along the trails. Impressive botanical garden inside too. Great place to spend a couple hours out in nature.

This is a lovely botanical garden with indoor and outdoor spaces featuring tropical and arid conservatories, bonsai, herbs, and more. If you're interested in plants, it's well worth a visit. We spent about an hour and covered most of the garden. Admission was free. The friend we stayed with dropped us off and picked us up, so I don't know if there was a parking charge as others have mentioned.

The green houses are wonderful, a nice mix of tropical and desert plants interspersed with imaginative fairy gardens. Outside gardens interesting, even in winter. Very nice gift shop.

If you go in winter, there is the tropical conservatory that is well stocked! Spring, summer, fall --beautiful variety of plants, includes a children's garden. Also, there is a very nice walking trail

We visited on a day of on and off rain showers. Even when the sun was not bright, the flowers were a show. The gardens are well maintained by an enthusiastic and friendly corps of volunteers. The gardens focus on several types of gardens with blooming plants and greenery in most. There is a children's garden that has a popular sandbox and small hedge shaped into a cave for the children. The cost is right, a donation. Parking is up to $7 per vehicle. We would go back in different seasons to see the changes.

End April. The forest was dry, the trees were bare and the flowers were missing. Except for the meadow which was a lush green, the overall color was a drab brown-grey. Thanks to the absence of foliage, anise magnolia and star magnolia with white flowers and no leaves stood out in the stark countryside. As did the birds. We saw Tufted Titmouse in the undergrowth. And a Red Winged Blackbird singing its odd musical cum gruff song. A White Fronted Nuthatch crept up and down the bark of a tree. Walked along the well marked trail to the Huron riverside. This was a high point. The river flows smoothly as it is quite shallow – maybe two to four feet – and the clear, cool water flows gently over the large round rocks and pebbles on the floor. Every few minutes a kayak comes moving gently downriver. A couple of mallards are feeding near the opposite bank and a Canada goose is nesting in the fallen trunk of the tree in the center of the river. Its a peaceful sight.
Probably a better time to come would be May or June when the trees and flowers will be in full bloom.
Caution: Rest rooms are below standard!!
Entry is free.

There are three main parts to the botanical gardens here: the large indoor gardens under a wonderful glass greenhouse roof, the outside play area behind the main building, and the trails through the outdoor wooded areas.

The indoor greenhouse is wonderful to visit year round. It has a wide variety of plants from a number of different climate zones, including a large desert section in the back. The tropical section up from is like walking through a wooded area. The fish pond has some pretty cool koi and similar in it too.

The outdoor play area is great in the warmer months. It has a variety of slides, sandboxes and play areas, including a lot of chances to putter around with hand gardening tools and similar.

The trails through the wooded area can be used most months of the year, although there is far less to see in the winter. There's a nice creek that runs through the property, and many plants are marked with interesting signage. The trail system has a number of different loops you can take, and is well mapped so you don't get lost. Overall, the whole place can easily be done in less than a day. Admission is very reasonably priced, and the outside areas are free. We don't have any pets so I can't really comment on how "pet friendly" the place may be.

The gift shop is ok, although rather small. Food choices are also rather limited. Parking is usually not a problem, although it is usually in the larger side lot, not the few spaces directly in front of the main building.

My wife loves flowers so this was a no-brainer. Beautiful, well kept gardens. A conservatory filled with tropical plants and a desert section. Inexpensive as you pay a small parking fee in lieu of an admission charge. We didn't have time to walk the trails but plan to do so next time.

A delightful spot to find peace and calm for an hour or two during the summer. If you're doing a lot of sightseeing and are on the go, this is the place to catch your breath and do a bit of strolling indoors and out.

We often enjoyed visiting these botanical gardens when our kids at UM. Now we like our visits here to introduce our grandson to the many varieties of plants from around the world. On an especially cold or rainy day outside, a stroll indoors seeing the lovely plants and flowers makes the visit with our family to Ann Arbor complete.

This is a nice day trip, spring or summer. Some inside but a lot to see outside. I enjoyed the cactus and bonsai trees the most.

it's always beautiful and peaceful. i especially liked the peony garden, but parking is always crowded and difficult.

The sun always seems to be shining here. Of course it is not, but with light streaming through the greenhouse windows, the warm flower scented air, and myriad colours surrounding you, it is not hard to virtually add the sun.
Wander at your own pace from room to room passing throuh a coolish rainforest into the desert heat. Fountains plash and a waterfall slides.
It is not a huge botanical garden compared to the one on Belle Isle or Grand Rapids, but it will do, it will more than do.
The outdoor trails and specialised gardens get better every year. There are wildflower gardens, water meadows, and a maze to entrance.

Just stopped by here to kill some time, early in the morning on the way to a soccer tournament. My wife and I walked for about half an hour, talking and enjoying the scenery. Several species of bird were about and no bugs to bother us at the time. Wonderful fauna and a quiet stream that could be described generously as a river at certain points, at least where we wandered. I will stop here again if I am passing through.

Very beautiful, don’t miss the conservatory, which very interesting and divided in 3 biomes.The kids loved the Gaffield Children’s Garden, bring extra clothes, there’s a mud garden and digging pit.

Went looking for some peace and quiet and found it - what a lovely place to sit, reflect and read a book. Cannot wait to return in another season and enjoy it more --- it was so hot and humid when we went in September that it was hard to fully enjoy.

There is a special garden center, walking trails and an ideal place for photographers, all year round. A lovely section of virgin vegetation in peaceful surroundings.

If you love plants and the outdoors, the Botanical Gardens are a must stop. Inside the conservatory are hundreds of plant types. Then there is a short walk around a pond. And then a more serious trail through the woods. It is a peaceful and meditative setting.

If you live in Ann Arbor, these places are essential. Both provide a necessary and lovely break from urban life. A visit to the Botanical Gardens' conservatory can take you to the tropics or the desert by surrounding you with the right plants. This is wonderful during the Michigan winter, with its gray skies, snow and cold. Nichols Arboretum (aka the Arb) is a local favorite for walking with or without a dog. The Arb's Dow Prairie is magical after a controlled burn in the late winter/early spring and late summer when the grasses are tall.

If friends were visiting, these aren't the sights I'd take them to with one exception. In early June, the Arb's peony garden is spectacular. A few acres of blooming peonies is not something you'll find elsewhere, and it's gorgeous. I'd take friend for a walk in the Arb anytime because it's fun and I do this regularly.

We didn’t take the big path and we spent about an hour and half there . The bonsai were worth the visit and there was plenty of things blooming to see and smell. Cost was donation plus parking fee of $2.55

I wasn't sure what to expect when I joined, but the discounts are completely worth it - not to mention member parking. The trails are beautiful and the greenhouse is an excellent way to get your taste of the tropics without jetlag.

The Matthaei Botanical Gardens and "The Arb" are two of the most beautiful places in Ann Arbor. The botanical gardens have a huge variety of interesting plants inside, plus a large bonsai exhibit (my favorite), gardens, nature paths, and fruit and vegetable gardens outside. Not enough can be said about the Arb. Its seemingly endless trails plus the variety of landscapes- open space, woods, prairie, riverside, and more make for a great time for anyone. Be sure not to ride your bike at the Arb, though!

Great gardens with nice trails to walk and a wide variety of plants and trees. Go in Spring to see the variety.

We came here with our Dutch inlaws who love to garden and we were all very impressed. There's a whimsical children's area too, outside - worth a few pictures.

Very close to Ann Arbor and always a fun visit. We love walking the long path through the fields, meadows, and a loop around teh more formal gardens. Very peaceful.

My husband and I were at the end of a road trip and we stayed near the Detroit/Wayne County Airport. I found the gardens on TripAdvisor and decided to visit. The gardens are beautiful! Both in the conservatory and outside. The outside gardens are segregated into types. It's just a nice stroll around them. I don't recall any stairs in the outside garden, but there stairs in the conservatory. The gardens are free, but there is a parking fee.

The outdoor gardens are designed well and maintained nicely. I enjoy the interesting variety of plants and flowers including an interesting Bonzai display. Especially on hot, humid days, the conservatory provides a delightful alternative to being outside. The design by climate zones provides a unique experience.

The indoor gardens are wonderful and outside there are all sorts of gardens and walking paths. Such a peaceful place to spend a couple hours. We will definitely go back!

I can't believe I don't go to the gardens once a month. It's a restful place and so beautiful. I went for a special event, but I can imagine wandering here on an ongoing basis.

My grandkids loved the Botanical Gardens. (I also found the varieties of plants so interesting and beautiful, but I didn't know that they would be so interested.) They got backpacks with activities and searches and enjoyed the different plants and making a house with the big sticks available in one area. We had a picnic lunch and they could have stayed much longer, but it started to pour.

My rather lived in a complex right next to Matthaei Botanical Gardens, so we have been a lot. And it is fantastic year round!

As botanical gardens go, nothing too special. The green house conservatory was very nice but outside gardens were just ok. More rustic than formal. Not as nice as some botanical gardens in the mid-west (Chicago Botanical Garden vastly nicer)

In this city with so many wonderful nooks and crannies to wander in, the Matthaei Botanical gardens is a must visit for anyone into plants and flowers ... Or even if you are not. It's lovely.

We were surprised that the trails at this highly rated Ann Arbor attraction were nothing more than ten foot wide dirt roads planted with grass. These trails meander through overgrown fields and scrub forest and around a sad looking pond. Neither natural beauty nor orderly landscape to make the 1.4 mile loop worth walking. The outdoor gardens offered a good variety of herbs and flowers in a few different settings. Funding and care apparently have been focused on the children's garden. The large indoor (greenhouse) exhibit area was much more impressive, with elaborate botanical displays divided into desert, tropical, and temperate zones. Overall comparable to other state university gardens. Well below the scale and beauty encountered at an average municipal botanical garden. We visited the Huntsville, Alabama botanical garden several weeks ago and were amazed by the quality and diversity of their permanent offerings and an impressive temporary exhibit in a small city similar in size to Ann Arbor.

I have always gone in by the University hospital. I went around to the gate on Geddes to the arboretum. Oh wow an amazing park got even more awesome in my opinion. Trails upon trails and gorgeous places to sit and take in a gorgeous day. All for free. Park of Oxford and you are set to go.

The Botanical Gardens are a true treasure to be enjoyed anytime of year. Each time we visit, we see, smell, feel something new. The Bonsai collection is wonderful!
We also love the trails. Last time we were there, we were treated to an up close encounter with a Red Tailed Hawk. In the spring, we observed several varieties of turtles - including a large snapper!
It is a great place to go for a quiet walk outside or to dream of far away jungles and deserts inside.

The botanical garden is a great place to take visitors from out of town. There are several walking paths. The green house is excellent, filled with beautiful plants. There are colorful gardens on the grounds and lots of benches from which to sit and enjoy the sites.

There are great gardens outside, make sure to take the little visit around the building, pond, and then take the hike along the creek. Fun, informative, beautiful grounds.

Was just expecting some nice exhibits and some smaller gardens but the true beauty here is the walk along the river. Very good for some mindful meditation if you're into it or just to feel like you're on a hike through the woods. Definitely some good spots for writing and reflection.

The Matthaei Gardens is East of the North UM campus and well North and East of the main campus. Not sure if the UM bus system reaches out here but if one is interested check the web page for the gardens. It is well worth the trip whether one is in town for a University event or just passing through. It is definitely worth a stop in any season. Its displays and gardens cover many varieties of plants and the walk ways are well maintained and easily navigated even by seniors. This is a wonderful place for a peaceful stroll

This is an absolutely wonderful botanic garden. We went through the main greenhouse area to access the outside gardens on a beautiful day. We proceeded to the children’s garden, where our small child didn’t want to leave after 1.5 hours. We saw a bit more of the garden, but surely not all of it, on the way out. We will definitely be back. Another benefit: there is no admission. You only pay to park!

Lots of beautiful flowers and grounds are very nice. Inside the arboretum is also very nice, lots to see and learn about.

We found this place from TripAdvisor, and both of us thought this is the best experience for this trip.
So many different plants here inside, plenty of them remind me about my home, China. When we followed the trails in the forest which one along to the small river, we all fall in love with this peaceful place. Water is clean, birds are cute, and pretty flowers!

We brought our kids to the gardens and met our friends with their kids. We spent the morning looking for Fairies in the Garden which the girls adored. My eldest child (15 yr boy) enjoyed his time looking at all the different plants. We also walked around outside - the patch by the stream. We would have loved to spend more time outdoors, however the children's area did not look "open for business". We ate lunch at the picnic tables outside. Overall a very enjoyable experience.

There is much to see both inside and outside. A maze, play area. Inside wonderful plants and cute gift shop. Pillar area for wedding. Really beautiful watch for special events.

I've been going to the Matthaei Gardens for years. I especially like the conservatory. Its a wonderful place where one can walk amongst tropical plants and feel jungle-like warmth on a cold winter day in Michigan.

Lovely place to go for a stroll in warmer weather, or to get a fix of greenery and warmth in the conservatory on a cold winter day

There is both an indoor conservatory and outdoor gardens with paths to walk. The Matthaei Botanical Gardens also holds various activities through out the year such as plant sales and more.

At about 5-7 miles from the Ann Arbor Downtown, Matthaei is sheer class in the Univeristy of Michigan area. This was my first visit to the place and I went there purely for photography and having a nice walk in the trails. With an indoor botanical garden and long nature trails in the outdoor, this place is a great experience. For couples this is a nice long walk, for families with children this is an insightful educative outing, for friends this is a great place to hang around with some quick eats.

Must go if you are around Ann Arbor.

P.S - The parking fee is 1.4 USD/ Hr. There is no admission fee for the botanical garden. Upto individuals on how much they want to donate.I am told there are some interesting sale(plants/ flowers) + shows that happen through the year. They must be interesting too.

We have been coming to Matthaei for several years and became members last year. We love it and try to come at least once a month. There are several trails of various length so you can select one that suits your time frame. One of the wonders and beauty of nature is it's constantly changing visage. The trails are loosely "kept" so it's pleasant to walk on. They are marked but they aren't the obsessive .. but they don't need to be worried about getting lost because it's not a huge, wild area - you can't get really lost in or in trouble - just keep walking and you'll come to the end of it .. or join up to a new one. It's not physically demanding .. my bad knee and back manage it without trouble. There are paths available that are flat. If the weather is inclement, the greenhouse is a great option. Always something blooming in there! There is a koi pond too - and some are huge! It's a great place. (Children should be well supervised - there are lots of prickly things, water and places to get into mischief).

3 temperature zone greenhouse, outdoor gardens, bonsai specialty area, nature paths, and a operating childrens garden. All kinds of classes and lectures if you are interested but 'walking around' is free. Easy to find. Parking is $ 1.70/hr on meters. Bring your own picnic (or not). Oh, I noticed bike trails also.

The gardens and the arboretum are beautiful! There are walking paths for a nice stroll, and the gardens are beautiful in Spring and Summer. The arboretum has a wide variety of plants and exhibits. They hold plant swaps and flower exhibits, as well as seed exchanges.

I enjoyed walking by the river. The peony garden was in bloom and quite beautiful. The gardens are vast and there's a lot of paths to take and explore.

Wonderful UM botanical garden close to U of Michigan campus - not huge so an hour or more is perfect timing- Conservatory, formal gardens, walking paths too. COVID PROTOCOLS followed in doors- great staff- beautiful flowers- fun sculpture exhibit too now

I went with a few friends one spring afternoon, it was beautiful. We walked through the conservatory and later visited a little store that was inside... I will be going back it was so calm and tranquil and perfect after a stressed out work week

First, Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum are two properties in different locations operating as one unit within the University of Michigan. Matthaei Botanical Gardens is located in northeast Ann Arbor at 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. Here you’ll find the conservatory; gift shop; classroom and meeting spaces; display gardens such as the Gaffield Children’s Garden, Bonsai & Penjing Garden, Great Lakes Gardens, and others; and many trails and natural areas. The Botanical Gardens are free and open 7 days a week. Best kept secret in Ann Arbor - Do not miss!

We have explored a few gardens in the past and this one is quite nice even on a ninety degree day. The Bonsai trees are worth the visit, as is the children's garden; we got many good ideas for our vegetable garden there. So, if you need some exercise and something visually stimulating, this is the place for you.

My family and I try to get out to Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum at least four times per year - once per season. The flowers in the spring are beautiful and the colors in the fall are breathtaking. Summer and winter also offer a unique view. It's a peaceful, back to nature experience I would recommend to all who visit Ann Arbor.

The gardens, lake, grounds, all very enjoyable and educational.

Especially liked all the varied cactus (or is it cacti, whatever) in the greenhouse.

Plus we found a very entertaining beaver (otter maybe) in the stream outside the garden

Great way to spend an hour or two.

We were driving back from Ohio to MI and decided to stop and see a huge agava (it was an article in a paper about it).It is huge.The lady said it might go through the roof. While there we enjoyed a variety of beautiful flowers.I loved the purple iris. Very nice cactus exhibit. Even got to see a blooming cactus. Place is very well kept. The lady at the front desk was very pleasant, knowledgeable and helpful. She even came out and helped us to use the machine where you put your money for parking. It was only $1.40. The admission was free. She did everything with a great professionalism. It was a very peaceful, much needed stop on the way back home.

I love this place! It has many unique plants in the greenhouse and outside. The flowers and landscaping are beautiful and there's cool areas to relax or let your little ones play. There's also a garden where you can sample the harvest. It's a gem in the area! There is a reasonable suggested donation which gets put to good use, but it's free for those who aren't able to pay it.

I'm in love with Nichols Arboretum. Being that I'm a trail runner, I'm always looking for trails for running when I'm traveling. If one uses all the singletrack trails in the Arb, you can get do about a six mile run. You can run along the Huron River on one side. There are stairs, overlooks with views, and some great hills (my favorite). I can't wait to run here again.

Beautiful gardens, was very pleasant to walk around during the lunch at the conference I was at. The plants have labels to say what is in each section and it looked well tended too.

I visited in October, so the fall decorations in particular we very nice -- and the trees had great foliage! I loved the kids' areas with carved pumpkins and cute paths. The indoor areas are also very well done, and there was a lot to see. Admission was free when we were there (we only paid for parking), so the value was quite good.

This was a very nice, relaxing stroll though outdoor and indoor gardens. The outdoor nature trails are NOT paved though. Most are grass, not even dirt. So be warned that it isn't handicap friendly. However, for a FREE attraction it is pretty well put together. The flowers outside were at the end of season, so I imagine it would be more beautiful coming in late spring or earlier summer for that portion of the gardens.

We have visited The Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum on several occasions with our grandson. It is a spot we all enjoy. The various gardens display a variety of flora and provide interesting contrasts. It is a walk around space, so children can enjoy a certain amount of activity, within reason! Added bonus, the outdoor flora also provide habitat for a variety of fauna, especially birds, spring and fall. Additional plus according to our grandson is an available gift shop with a variety of options!

Matthei Botanical Gardens is a treasure. There is a large circular perineal garden, herb gardens, perineal beds, a delightful children's garden, hiking trails, a conservatory and gift shop. As with all gardens blooms vary depending on the month you visit.

In this fall I went there for hiking in their nature trails.There are Fleming Creek, Marilyn Bland Praire, and Sam Graham Trees trails combined around the garden. Through the trails there are woodlands, praire, creeks and farmhouse.It is the great place for kids to learn all kinds of trees and plants. I think there will be more flowers in the summer time.We do need to pay for parking there.

Not worth it. Not much to see. The parking should just be free to all since there's nothing much to see. I paid $5 for all day pass but it took me only 30 minutes there.

The Arb is a great place to take a family walk or go for a really tough run. There is plenty of space to spread out if you want some privacy, but it can get busy on nice weekends. Park at Fuller and walk in.

Matthaei is also a huge space to walk or run, but it includes a fantastic greenhouse space. My brother-in-law was married in the greenhouse and it was one of the neatest small weddings I have ever attended.

We were short on time. There is so much to see both indoors and out that I could have spent hours. The gardens are beautifully maintained. There all kinds of walking paths that we did not have time to explore. A definite yes.

We were here for a Christmas party as U of M employees in the OR for the oral team. Very nice place to see , great for the kids. Nice fresh smells . They had a gift shop and other areas to roam around.

The Botanical Gardens are outside of town, east of hwy 23. There are nice trails and an indoor botanical garden. Very nicely done, gift shop inside, too. We were in town for the July Street Art Fairs, and this place was a real respite from the congestion and crowds. $1.60/hour to park, but free parking if you walk farther. Run inside and ask where that parking is located. No charge for the botanical gardens/trails.

We enjoyed our visit here. The gardens were in bloom and the day was perfect to roam the grounds. The trails aren't long and are well kept. No problem with parking. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable.

UM's Matthaei Botanical Gardens is a great place to go for a quick retreat from campus/city life. I have visited numerous times and always head home feeling relaxed and at peace. The conservatory is my favorite place to visit in the winter time when the grey and cold gets to be too much. It's small but so beautiful and it feels like you're visiting a tropical garden.

All of the Gardens are free now, but you need to pay for parking. The conservatory is a great place to come in the winter to get away from the cold weather. The outdoor trails are extensive and flat. Don't miss the perennial gardens in the summer.

Explored the greenhouse and some of the outdoor exhibits and garden grounds. Free admission, although donations are suggested and appreciated. Pay to park in their ample lots. The greenhouse is not huge but had alot of interesting plants, including a desert room full of fascinating cacti & succulents. A highlight was a large rotate-able bowl of succulents with two fixed kaleidoscopes pointing at the plantings. Spinning the bowl creates a mesmerizing myriad of kaleidoscopic beauty! Outdoors, the garden grounds were picturesque, with some interesting sculptures as well. Also, easy to miss, but a must-see is their bonsai collection, including some started in the 1960s, and one bonsai started 115 years ago!

my daughter and I really enjoyed a day at the gardens. The inside scavenger hunt was a blast and really enjoyed the outside walk

You will never regret the time spent in this beautiful garden. It can change your whole outlook on the today (especially if you visit on a cold winter day). The indoor gardens are fantastic and the grounds make for a great (fairly short) walkabout. I think it has one day a week when it is free but it only costs a couple of bucks anytime.

Excellent conservatory, gardens and walking trails and small shop. Several types of small gardens and children's garden with building area
Small charge for car parking

The University of Michigan Botanical Gardens is more than a floral paradise - it is a retreat from the harsh winters in Michigan and a way to be transported to an island of beauty and retreat from daily matters. The greenhouse is always in bloom with exotic plants - all clearly labeled - Last year we visited frequently as the Century plant made its final farewell after being nurtured in the Gardens for decades - it was rare to have a plant nurtured this long before it dropped its pods. Pools of fish live in the greenhouse as well - and seem to love the location as they get bigger all the time. Outdoors boasts several interesting wildlife trails that make you think you are far from the city and a pergola for beautiful weddings and other garden ceremonies. There is an indoor room for parties as well. A small lovely gift shop invites you to take home souvenirs from your journey - sometimes there are live plants as well. Take a trip to the Botanical Gardens - you will think you have traveled to a fairyland of beauty and serenity. Admission is free (donations appreciated). Recently there is a small fee for parking.

Beautiful gardens that you can stroll through. There is also a consevatory with unique botanicals. The staff was very pleasant and helpful. There is a small but unique giftshop. No entrance fees.

We recently took a trip to Matthaei Botanical Gardens in Ann Arbor, Michigan. We did not think their would be so much to see and were quite impressed. We were there over 2 hours. When I called to ask how long it might take us to go though they said anywhere from 1/2 your to 2 hours.
We enjoyed it completely.

there is a perennial garden, an herb garden, a newly planted Great Lakes garden, a children's garden, walking trails, and a warm tropical greenhouse/conservatory especially welcome in winter. the staff and volunteers are friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful, always welcoming visitors. admission is free, and paid parking for a modest fee. matthai was recently named the fifth best university botanical garden in america.

I've spent more time at the Arb than the Botanic Garden but enjoyed them both! The Arb is a great place to run or sit by the river - tons of weaving paths to explore and connects to the greater B2B trail. Botanic Garden is more of a bike ride away from campus and also has fun trails and was a great sit for a friends wedding! Both are great places to rest and get into nature!

Great for walks, hikes, river floating, picnics, events in the park, flower smelling, and enjoying nature in town.

I go here several times a week and always take my out of town guests for a walk in the park!

The Conservatory is lovely for a leisurely walk thru 3 'Houses', Tropical, Temperate, & Desert. There is pay-for parking near the entrances with free admission to the Conservatory. Many outdoor 'gardens' surround the greenhouse, including Perennial, Herb, Rock, and Medicinal. The Bonsai & Penjing Garden is not to be missed. In summer & fall the adjoining Gateway Garden is filled with blooming perennials. Maps are available for the outdoor walking trails, all less than a mile.

One of my favorite places to visit in Ann Arbor! Mathai Botanical Gardens has a large greenhouse and exotic flowers plants and fish indoors for all seasons and outdoors has a beautiful bonsai exhibit as well as a number of other gardens. My two year old son utterly loves coming here to see the gigantic goldfish. Parking is challenging but it's a small price to pay for such as a unique free place to go

This is a great place to visit at any time of the year. You can spend an hour or a day wandering the paths. The bonsai were amazing - it is worth a visit just to see them.

A wonderful place to hike trails and natural areas as well as wander through the botanical gardens under glass, and outdoor gardens.

Be sure to look through the kaleidoscope in the botanical area! (See photographs attached)

One small problem is that there is not a clear manner to understand the hiking trails around the Botanical Gardens. There are long, beautiful trails, but it is not obvious where to go in order to find them. Be sure to ask how to access them!

It is quite unfortunate...the University has actually put in PARKING METERS as if you are parking downtown Ann Arbor. Ridiculous...and annoying. Yes, there is a meter maid who is quick to give tickets! So be ready to shell out money for that although the rest is free to the public...thankfully.

This botanical garden is located in serene surroundings with an amazing collection of a wide variety of Cactus plants.The plants being nurtured in a green house.The Bonzai collection is also something to remember.

This is a nature area that has both indoor and outdoor features and is a joy to visit in all seasons....spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The conservatory has three houses representing three climate types and their representative plants from around the world. Outdoor gardens include wildflowers, medicinal herbs, perennial flowers, and a children's garden with many hands-on experiences. There are also winding trails along Fleming Creek with many water features. Maps are available as well as help from trained Ambassadors.
Admission is free, but on site parking is metered with nominal fees.

It's humid and warm, a great escape in the winter. They always have plants that are flowering and fish. It's a small place, but a great retreat. It feels good being around the plants. Go and enjoy!

Very pretty place to walk and have a picnic. The gardens are beautiful and the trails are easily manuevered. Great place to go to for a morning, afternoon or evening walk!

I would highly recommend you check this place out. Wow be careful if you go here it is so beautiful it just might overwhelm you. A must see!!!

Absolutely gorgeous, huge garden with lots of different plants and things to do. There are lots of things for kids to and a wonderful shop. There's soda for sale for those extra hot days and even plants! There's so much to see there that it could even be a two day trip.

Matthei Botanical Gardens are one of best in the area and worth a visit if you're in the Ann Arbor vicinity. No matter what season, there's always sometime to see.

First off, there is a price to pay to see the gardens. You do have to pay for parking.
Second, the greenhouse is worth the parking fee. There is lots to see in the greenhouse that is unique and cool.
Third, the outside gardens are not worth seeing. Yes, most of the plants right now had finished blooming, but the weeds everywhere! They detracted from the gardens.
If I would just rate the gardens...they would get poor.

As a visitor to town, I find this destination to be an unexpected oasis.

The bonsai section offers a great variety of plants and the greenhouse transports you to other areas of the country/world.

There are also trails and large grassy areas to explore.

Defiantly a place to visit when in town.

We first visited the gardens in the winter of 2014. There are parking kiosks in front of the main entrance, with each hour costing $1.40. This was a bargain for the general public, considering we were within a few feet of the entrance. Keep in mind too that while there is a fee for PARKING, entrance into the gardens are free! The only thing I did not agree with was that U of M student parking permits are not recognized here. The website indicates that this is because this is not "permitted parking". Seems like a matter of semantics. IMHO, for the price of a student parking permit, it should cover all U of M facilities.

They were selling holiday wreathes and swags outside the main doors, but we found them to be rather pricey (albeit gorgeous). The gift shop offered a nice variety of kid and adult appropriate gifts (some of the handmade jewelry was amazing), including small houseplants.

I believe they sell bottled beverages, but I am not sure that they sell food (we did not inquire). The first time we were there, a party of some sort was concluding, so it appears that one can rent out the facility. If you do an Internet search, their informative website comes up, which offers specifics about this facility.

The greenhouse areas were lush and offered welcomed warmth and humidity on an otherwise dreary Michigan Saturday afternoon.

Our most recent visit was in May 2015. We had a great time walking around the various ponds and watching some sort of water mammals coming in and out of their lodges (did not look like beaver-possible otter?) . We also saw a HUGE snapping turtle moving about the area. My only regret is that I failed to bring binoculars.

We will definitely return, and I may consider purchasing a membership!

Well worth the visit. The Matthaei Botanical Gardens are very interesting. Free to enter but you do pay to park the car ($5 max per day.) Good variety of tropical plants to look at in the hot house as well as lots outside too including some bonsai trees on display. Good shop with cold drinks available. Ideal on a hot day!

Beautiful area with nice trails and of course the gardens of rare and gorgeous (minus the current MI season) flowers and shrubbery.

Great kids garden, fun for all ages. Learn about plants in medicine and much more. Even has hiking trails. Everything from cactus to bonsai.