The Arboretum at Gustavus Adolphus College

St. Peter, Minnesota, United States

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The Arboretum at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota, is a 125-acre living plant sanctuary on the college campus, created beginning in 1973 through the vision of college President Frank Barth and biology professor Charles Mason.

Designed to represent Minnesota’s three major ecosystems—the coniferous forest, tallgrass prairie, and deciduous forest—it also includes formal gardens and trees from other global regions surrounding the Melva Lind Interpretive Center. The arboretum offers over 2.5 miles of trails that invite walking, biking, running, and snowshoeing, with spaces for reflection such as a meditation area and a labyrinth.

It serves as an outdoor classroom and peaceful retreat fostering education, environmental stewardship, recreation, and spiritual renewal for students, faculty, and the community. The arboretum continues to evolve with educational programs, volunteer opportunities, and special events, embracing its mission to connect people with nature and encourage environmental ethics.​