John J. Tyler Arboretum

Few places are as fun to visit in spring as an arboretum, which is a botanical garden devoted to trees. They’re wonderful places nice afternoon hike, and Tyler Arboretum is certainly no exception.

Tyler Arboretum is located partly on land purchased from William Penn in 1681 by Thomas and Margaret Minshall. They had purchased 625 acres, sight unseen, before taking the 12 week trip 3,000 miles across the ocean in 1682. Like many Quakers including William Penn himself, the Minshalls were hoping to escape religious persecution in England, where they could be imprisoned or have their land confiscated.

The property passed down through their family, and in 1825 brothers Minshall and Jacob Painter began the daunting task of planting over 1,000 different species of plants in what would become known as the Painter Arboretum. When they died the land passed to their sister, whose son John Tyler made many additions to the property. After John’s death the property became a nonprofit public garden with the current name, the John J. Tyler Arboretum.

Currently the Tyler Arboretum sits on 650 acres and has 17 miles of hiking trails, and hundreds of different species of plants. It’s a great place for a picnic, an educational experience with kids, or a date. You can also enjoy the collection of magnolias, lilacs, and rhododendrons, or check out Lucille’s Edible Garden to learn about growing your own food at home. Be sure to visit the maze, the replica of Thoreau’s cabin on Walden Pond, and the Butterfly House while you’re there!