
Nichols Arboretum Ann Arbor
A serene urban oasis in Ann Arbor, renowned for its spectacular peony garden and picturesque trails along the Huron River.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak peony bloom

Nichols Arboretum Ann Arbor
Best Time
Peak peony bloom

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene urban oasis in Ann Arbor, renowned for its spectacular peony garden and picturesque trails along the Huron River.
"The biggest issue I have is its in a very popular college town. So the trails are usually very busy with crowds of people."

🌸 Peony Peak Alerts
Follow @matthaeinichols on social media for real-time updates on peony bloom status.
🅿️ Smart Parking
Try neighborhood streets off Geddes or the M28 lot on Washington for free parking on Sundays/evenings.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Peony Garden
Nichols Arboretum
A breathtaking collection of nearly 800 peonies, offering a vibrant spectacle of color and fragrance in late spring.

Huron River Trail
Nichols Arboretum
Winding trails along the Huron River, perfect for peaceful strolls, birdwatching, and enjoying nature's tranquility.

Autumn Foliage
Nichols Arboretum
Experience the stunning transformation of the Arboretum's landscapes with vibrant fall colors, ideal for photography and walks.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Peonies
Parking Pointers
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌸 Peony Peak Alerts
Follow @matthaeinichols on social media for real-time updates on peony bloom status.
🅿️ Smart Parking
Try neighborhood streets off Geddes or the M28 lot on Washington for free parking on Sundays/evenings.
👟 Trail Ready
Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the nearly 3.5 miles of diverse trails.
📸 Photo Ops Galore
The peony garden and fall foliage offer stunning backdrops for photographers.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌸 Peony Peak Alerts
Follow @matthaeinichols on social media for real-time updates on peony bloom status.
🅿️ Smart Parking
Try neighborhood streets off Geddes or the M28 lot on Washington for free parking on Sundays/evenings.
👟 Trail Ready
Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the nearly 3.5 miles of diverse trails.
📸 Photo Ops Galore
The peony garden and fall foliage offer stunning backdrops for photographers.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Leashed dogs are welcome, making it a great spot for a pet-friendly picnic.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Nichols Arboretum for its stunning natural beauty, especially the world-class peony garden and vibrant fall colors. It's lauded as a peaceful escape within the city, perfect for walks and picnics, and is appreciated for being dog-friendly and free to enter. However, some find the trails can get crowded, and parking can be a significant challenge, detracting from the tranquility for some.
"Great walking trail with lot of greenery, superb peony garden ,
Great place in the middle of the city to quick get away, dog friendly place.
Nice place for weekend picnic
but unfortunately no parking lot near the Arboretum,needed to park bit further in public parking. Most of the public parking also closed for public took additional 20 minutes to look for parking. Very much enjoyed the trail and place.
Highly recommended"
Padma Ganeswaran
"The biggest issue I have is its in a very popular college town. So the trails are usually very busy with crowds of people. Its busy to get to the trail, traffic to and from this location. Not very relaxing. Very beautiful and well taken care of though!"
Jenna Tasker
"Gorgeous peony gardens! It’s easy to walk around and really see the blooms up close. Educational plaques show what varies are in the gardens. There are also plaques explaining the different types and varieties. Such a beautiful place in the Spring!"
Crista Turner
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Nichols Arboretum is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, near the University of Michigan medical school. You can access trailheads from Burnham House or on Geddes at Nichols Drive. For parking, consider neighborhood streets off Geddes near Oswego or the M28 lot on Washington during specific times.
Parking directly at the Arboretum is limited. Paid public parking is available, but can be busy. Free parking can often be found on surrounding neighborhood streets, especially on Sundays and weekday evenings.
While not explicitly detailed in the provided content, Ann Arbor has a public bus system that may serve areas near the Arboretum. Checking the Ann Arbor transit website for routes and schedules is recommended.
The Arboretum offers various trails with different terrains. Some areas, like the main paths and the peony garden, are generally more accessible, but it's advisable to check the official website for detailed accessibility information.
With nearly 3.5 miles of trails, it's helpful to have a map. You can often find trail maps at the entrance points or on the Arboretum's official website.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Nichols Arboretum is a free public space, making it an accessible natural escape in Ann Arbor.
The Arboretum is generally open from dawn to dusk, but specific hours for certain gardens or facilities might vary. It's best to check the official Nichols Arboretum website for the most current information.
No advance booking is required for the peony garden. However, due to its popularity during peak bloom, arriving early is recommended to avoid crowds.
Yes, the Arboretum hosts events like 'Shakespeare in the Park' during the summer and offers educational plaques throughout the gardens.
Absolutely! The Arboretum is beautiful year-round, with stunning peony blooms in spring, lush greenery in summer, vibrant foliage in fall, and serene snowscapes in winter.
🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience
The world-renowned Peony Garden is a highlight, especially in late May to mid-June. The trails along the Huron River and the scenic overlooks also offer beautiful experiences.
Nichols Arboretum features nearly 3.5 miles of trails, ranging from easy, accessible paths to more challenging terrain deeper within the woodlands and along the river.
Yes, it's a fantastic spot for photography, particularly during the peony bloom and autumn foliage seasons.
The Arboretum is a great place for a picnic, with many scenic spots to enjoy your meal amidst nature.
You can encounter various wildlife, making it a great place for nature observation and decompressing.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly within Nichols Arboretum. Visitors typically bring their own food for picnics or dine at restaurants in downtown Ann Arbor.
Downtown Ann Arbor, a short distance from the Arboretum, offers a wide array of dining options, from casual cafes to upscale restaurants.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks for picnics, but it's important to pack out all trash to keep the Arboretum clean.
📸 📸 Photography
The best times for photography are during the peak peony bloom (late May to mid-June) and the vibrant autumn foliage season. Early mornings often provide the best light.
The Peony Garden is a prime location, as are the scenic overlooks and the trails along the Huron River. The diverse landscapes offer numerous picturesque opportunities.
Yes, Nichols Arboretum is a popular spot for professional photography and photo sessions, including engagement and family shoots.
Nature photography, landscape photography, and portrait photography are very popular due to the beautiful gardens, seasonal colors, and natural settings.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. For commercial or professional shoots, it's advisable to check the Arboretum's policies or contact them directly.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
🚶♀️ Nature Walkers & Picnickers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Peony Garden
To make the most of your visit, it's crucial to time your visit correctly. Following the Arboretum's social media accounts, such as @matthaeinichols, is highly recommended for real-time updates on bloom status. While the garden is free to enter, be prepared for crowds during peak season. The educational plaques throughout the garden provide fascinating insights into the different varieties and their origins, adding an educational layer to the visual feast.
Exploring the Trails and Riverfront
Travelers often highlight the peaceful atmosphere and the chance to connect with nature, even while being in the heart of Ann Arbor. The trails cater to different fitness levels, with some being easy and accessible for families with young children, while others offer more varied terrain. Birdwatching and enjoying the natural wildlife are common pastimes for visitors exploring these paths.
Seasonal Beauty and Photography Opportunities
Photographers often seek out the golden hour light for their shots, making early mornings and late afternoons particularly appealing. Whether you're capturing the delicate petals of a peony, the fiery hues of autumn leaves, or the serene river views, the Arboretum offers endless photographic possibilities. It's a popular spot for engagement photos, family portraits, and simply capturing the natural beauty of Michigan.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit