Northland Arboretum

Dive Into Nature Classes

In addition to recreation, Northland’s knowledgeable staff also hold regular conservation and nature classes to educate all ages on a range of topics—from tree identification to sustainable agriculture and healthy eating. Visit our Classes page browse our upcoming nature classes and enroll today.

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Miles of Maintained Hiking and Walking Trails

With over 400 acres of land and 12 miles of hiking trails, Northland Arboretum is the premier destination for birding, hiking, walking, skiing, and snowshoeing in the Brainerd lakes area. All our ski trails are groomed for dual use (skiing and skating) and maintained by the Brainerd Nordic Ski Club.

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Explore Native Minnesota Habitats

Northland Arboretum maintains hundreds of acres of protected Minnesota habitats, including wetlands, a red pine plantation, the whiskey creek watershed, and a jack pine forest—one of only five in Minnesota. The range of landscapes allows Northland to support diverse wildlife—from bald eagles to otters.

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Welcome to Northland Arboretum!

Northland Arboretum is a non-profit nature preserve and arboretum located in Brainerd and Baxter, Minnesota. Founded in 1972 on the site of the old Brainerd landfill, the arboretum features over 400 acres of beautiful, natural Minnesota landscape and miles of hiking and walking trails. Whether you’re a professional birder, casual skier, or just want to take a walk through nature, Northland Arboretum has something for you.

The arboretum includes miles of walking and hiking trails that crisscross our native forests, wetlands, and streams. Open dawn to dusk, seven days a week, our trail system features bridges, gardens, three gazebos, and beautiful views of native Minnesota biomes—like bur oak and jack pine forests, restored prairie, and natural grasslands.

Gate Fee

$10 – adults (age 15 and older)

$5 – children (ages 0-14)

$5 – seniors 65+ and Veterans

Northland Arboretum members enjoy free admission for children under 15 and at least one adult.

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Welcome to Northland Arboretum!

Northland Arboretum is a non-profit nature preserve and arboretum located in Brainerd and Baxter, Minnesota. Founded in 1972 on the site of the old Brainerd landfill, the arboretum features over 400 acres of beautiful, natural Minnesota landscape and miles of hiking and walking trails. Whether you’re a professional birder, casual skier, or just want to take a walk through nature, Northland Arboretum has something for you.

The arboretum includes miles of walking and hiking trails that crisscross our native forests, wetlands, and streams. Open dawn to dusk, seven days a week, our trail system features bridges, gardens, three gazebos, and beautiful views of native Minnesota biomes—like bur oak and jack pine forests, restored prairie, and natural grasslands.

Gate Fee

$10 – adults (age 15 and older)

$5 – children (ages 0-14)

$5 – seniors 65+ and Veterans

Northland Arboretum members enjoy free admission for all children and at least one adult.

Bike Park

$20 – adult gate fee + bike

$15 – children gate fee + bike

Discounted bike punch passes are available for members only.

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Check Out Our Full List of Events!

Events

A hidden gem of wilderness right in the middle of town. If you’re into cross country skiing, this is your winter playground. I snowshoe and love the loop they have. Summer time hiking on the ski trails is great! If you’re into plants, the gardens are fun to wander through in the summer.

-Patrick

What a great place to spend time in the brainerd lakes area! They have a lovely area to hold events or gatherings, 12 miles of trails, and host many activities of their own that you can take part in, including classes to teach you skills, or just simple fun things like snow shoeing under the moon. Another bonus that made me get a membership was the reciprocity program that I can use across other states while traveling to get in free so many other places.

-Flordia Guru

My wife & I are members of the ARB. I use the snowshoe trails regularly in winter & enjoy the peaceful hikes in the dead of winter. Very energizing for me!

-John

Lots of good trails here! I liked seeing native plants trying to come through. We were able to spot a bit of wildlife after we walked through the fitness trail area.

-Daniel

The trails are awesome. I love lit trails for evening skiing. And this has miles of them! Most are groomed with skate ski and classic cross country trails. Some are designated for snowshoeing and some were left pristine. It is so satisfying being the 1st to groom a fresh trail. Especially with the hills.

-Jason

Contact Us

At Northland Arboretum, we’re constantly working to improve our services and keep nature accessible to as many people as possible. If you have questions or concerns or just want to leave feedback on your experience with us, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Simply submit the contact form below and we’ll get back to you within seven business days.