Arboretum at Penn State

Pennsylvania, United States

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The Arboretum at Penn State, located on the University Park campus in State College, Pennsylvania, is a 370-acre living collection of trees, plants, and gardens created to support education, research, and public enjoyment.

Originally planned in the early 20th century, it officially opened in 2009 thanks to a $10 million lead gift by alumnus Charles H. “Skip” Smith. The arboretum includes the H.O. Smith Botanic Gardens with themed garden spaces, a Children’s Garden, and the Pollinator and Bird Garden designed to attract regional wildlife. It features woodlands, meadows, water features, walking trails, and innovative elements such as a 3D watershed sculpture.

The arboretum serves as an outdoor classroom, research hub, and community space, hosting over 150,000 visitors annually. It’s free to visit and emphasizes plant education, conservation, and natural beauty. The site also forms part of a larger Arboretum Cultural District that integrates art, science, and nature on campus.