5/21/2012      65°F | Fair
The University of Michigan
Arb Parking Tip
Free street parking spaces are sometimes available on Oswego St. near the Arb's Geddes Street entrance.
Click here for a map.
what's in bloom
In spring, Matthaei and the Arb burst into life. Over 20,000 daffodils in a line emerge and bloom at the Arb The fragrance of lilacs is on the air. Woody plants show off their flowers and the peonies peak in June.
Check out the bloom calendar.
Looking for a central location to hold a group meeting? How about catching up on some of your reading at a riverside bench? We have some of the University's best study spots.

The current Matteson farmhouse dates to the 1860s and occupies the site of a settlement-era home that is no longer there. The two historic barns were built at different dates: the smaller is circa 1845-1865 while the larger barn dates from 1875-1900. Currently these architecturally significant and iconic buildings are closed to the public, but visitors on the Marilyn Bland Prairie trail are welcome to examine the barn exterior. All the stone and timber for these buildings came from the site, which makes this grouping a truly local architecture and a treasured part of our cultural heritage. Not surprisingly, both bats and snakes are sometimes seen around the barns.

The farmhouse is a private residence—please keep to the Marilyn Bland Prairie Trail and respect the residents' privacy.

The Matteson Farmstead & Historic Farmhouse are at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens site.

back to displays & natural areas

Free e-newsletter
Michigan Web Design by Boxcar Studio