Missouri State Arboretum

Maryville, Missouri, United States

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The Missouri State Arboretum is located on the campus of Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville and was officially designated as the state arboretum in 1993. Its origins date back to 1857 when Thomas Gaunt began planting trees on the land, creating an 85-acre tree farm and nursery.

The arboretum now features a diverse collection of more than 111 tree species across the university's landscaped campus, which is admired for its beauty and tree-lined walkways inspired by the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair Forest Park design. Many trees were planted by groundskeeper J. R. Brink from 1915 onward, contributing to a dense forest that has been somewhat reduced by campus development.

The arboretum includes three designated trails—Gaunt, Tower, and Chatauqua—which guide visitors through various tree species. The campus is known for its historic Administration Building and the preserved Gaunt home, which have both historical significance. The arboretum is open year-round and is a valued natural and educational resource for the university and the community.

It represents a blend of natural beauty, history, and academic tradition.