The University of Michigan's Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum, with its hundreds of publicly-available collections, vast informational resources, and knowledgeable and friendly staff, is regarded as one of Ann Arbor's greatest nature destinations. Nichols Arboretum, a 123 acre nature area, is tucked alongside the Huron River between the University of Michigan's North and Central campuses. The Matthaei Botanical Gardens, on Ann Arbor's east side, is a 300 acre property containing numerous formal gardens, a 10,000+ square foot indoor conservatory, and miles of hiking and discovery trails.

Picnics: For those planning to pack a lunch or a snack, we offer accessible outdoor patios overlooking the Peony Garden at Nichols Arboretum and the Gateway Garden at Matthaei Botanical Gardens. We have tables near the west parking lot at the Botanical Gardens in our Picnic Grove. There are also tables in the Gaffield Children’s Garden for a few to sit for a quick lunch or snack. Groups are encouraged to use the Picnic Grove near the west parking lot, or the tables on the terrace if they are available. These areas are all first-come-first served, and cannot be reserved.

Photography: Personal amateur photography is always welcome in the Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. Tripods are not allowed in the Conservatory on Wednesdays, Saturdays or Sundays.
Professional and independent photo shoots must be arranged in advance and may be subject to a fee. Click here to view our policy regarding professional and individual photography shoots on our property, or contact our Rental Coordinator @ 734-647-7808