We hope you enjoy your visit to our historic landscape, free and open to all!
Visitor Guidelines
Groups and individuals using the Arboretum should be aware of the following rules:
- Picking, collecting, or destroying plant material is strictly prohibited.
- Climbing trees is not allowed nor is walking in plant beds or mulched areas.
- Dogs must be leashed at all times. Owners are responsible for removal and disposal of their dogs’ waste.
- Picnicking, fires, and barbecues are prohibited.
- Organized group sports and commercial film crews are prohibited.
- To minimize impacts on wildlife, visitors are not permitted to fly drones within or above the Arboretum.
- Bicycles and electric bicycles are permitted only on paved paths and Blackwell Footpath, at speeds of 10 miles per hour or slower. A bike rack is available just inside the Arborway Gate.
- Smoking is prohibited on the property.
- Only authorized vehicles are permitted entry to the Arboretum grounds. Driving permits are available for visitors with accessibility needs. Visit our accessibility page to learn more.
Safety Tips
- The Arboretum Ambassadors Program is a public information and security resource provided by the Arnold Arboretum and Harvard University. Ambassadors are in the landscape and can provide assistance to visitors on the grounds during daytime hours (6:30am to 6:30pm). They can be reached at 857-268-3185.
- If you experience an emergency during your visit, please follow these steps:
- Move to a safe area if you can.
- Call 911.
- Explain the situation, your location, and the nearest EMS-accessible entrance:
- Arborway Gate – 125 Arborway
- Bussey Street Gate– On Bussey Street east of Bussey/Walter intersection
- Peters Hill Gate – On Bussey Street east of Bussey/Walter intersection
- Call the Arboretum Ambassadors at (857) 268-3185 and explain your situation and location. The Ambassador can help provide emergency access for first responders and lead them to your location.
- Ticks can often be found in natural areas like the Arboretum. Here are some tips to protect yourself:
- Stay on trails and walk in the center when possible, to avoid areas with high grass and leaf litter.
- Wear long pants, long socks, and close-toed shoes.
- Use an insect repellant containing DEET and/or consider pretreating clothing and shoes with an insect repellant containing Permethrin.
- When you get home, conduct a full-body tick check on yourself, children, and pets.
- Visit the CDC website to learn more about preventing tickborne illnesses.
- Plan ahead and stay aware of the weather. If high winds or lightning occur, seek shelter. The National Park Service provides information on how to best protect yourself in the outdoors when lightning incidents occur.
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at the Hunnewell Building at 125 Arborway, 10am–4pm daily.
Wheelchair-accessible portable restrooms are located year-round near the Arborway Gate and at the base of Peters Hill (on the main loop near the Peters Hill Gate). Additional portable restrooms are available seasonally, spring through fall, along Meadow Road near the horsechestnuts and on Bussey Hill Road near the Leventritt Shrub & Vine Garden.
Weddings, Memorial Services, and Other Group Activities
The general public is free to conduct small wedding ceremonies, other group activities, or have their wedding photographs taken on the Arboretum grounds. All events are limited to 40 people, and we do not reserve or schedule specific locations.
We do appreciate being informed about event plans. Please call 617.384.5209 or email to inform us of the date, time, and intended location of your ceremony as well as a contact person and phone number.
The Arnold Arboretum offers a unique, beautiful, and safe environment. Please help us keep it that way. There is no fee for group events but donations are welcome. Donations may be made by check made out to the Arnold Arboretum or by cash in person in the Hunnewell Visitor Center.
Memorial services: The policy of the Boston Parks Department, which reflects the General Laws of Massachusetts, is that the spreading of ashes is not allowed in the parks. Since the Arboretum is a public park of the City of Boston, we must comply with their regulations.
In addition to the general rules, the following restrictions apply to group events, ceremonies, and photography:
- Vehicles are not allowed within the Arboretum gates or anywhere on the grounds; guests must walk to the ceremony; vehicles must be parked outside the Arboretum gates.
- Food and drink are not allowed on the Arboretum grounds, nor can the Arboretum provide indoor facilities; wedding receptions must be held elsewhere.
- Any trash generated must be removed prior to your departure.
- Furniture is not allowed on the Arboretum grounds.
- No event or directional signs are allowed. We suggest that you specify the exact location in the invitations and place an attendant at the nearest gate to guide your guests. Download a map.
- The ceremony must have no impact on the Arboretum grounds or plants.
- Areas cannot be roped off, and other visitors to the Arboretum cannot be prevented from entering the area of the ceremony.
- Please do not toss confetti or similar items like rice, birdseed, natural or artificial plant materials, and so on.
- Outside organizations are not permitted to run paid programs on Arboretum grounds unless they are co-sponsored by the Arboretum or covered under a license agreement with Harvard. A paid program is any program for which participants have to pay a fee to participate. Suggested donations are permitted and are not considered a fee for these purposes.