Our Arboretum
Visit our Trails and Hiking Areas
With over 400 acres of carefully preserved natural landscape, Northland Arboretum is among the top destinations in the Brainerd Lakes area. Our 12 miles of hiking areas, and snowshoe paths are not only fun and breathtakingly beautiful, but they also provide unique opportunities for outdoor exercise, nature photography, and more.
Trail guides and activities for our summer and winter trails can be found on our Summer Recreation and Winter Recreation pages. All arboretum guests are encouraged to explore the trails at their own pace—our trail guides are intended to serve as a reference to help guests make the most of their visit.
Our History
The story of the Northland Arboretum begins in the early 1970s. At that time, much of the land that would eventually be incorporated into the arboretum was occupied by the Brainerd Landfill. When the landfill closed in 1972, a local environmentalist named Rudy Hillig campaigned to have the site converted into an arboretum. Later that year, Hillig officially founded Northland Arboretum, a non-profit, member-supported nature preserve in the heart of the Brainerd Lakes.
In the decades since our founding, we’ve gradually expanded our borders and now manage over 400 acres across the cities of Brainerd and Baxter, Minnesota. The original 40-acre landfill dumping zone has since been converted into our prairie restoration project and is now home to a wide range of native Minnesota plants and grasses. Hundreds of acres around the old landfill have been painstakingly transformed back to their natural state—and today the arboretum features many protected, vulnerable habitats like the Jack Pine Savannah, Whiskey Creek, and Red Pine Plantation. Portions of the arboretum have been designated an Important Bird Area (IBA) by the Minnesota DNR.
Northland is honored to partner with some of the most influential conservation organizations in Minnesota, including the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, The Nature Conservancy, and the Crow Wing Soil and Water District—the latter two owning several hundred acres of our land.
General Rules and Etiquette
- Be respectful and courteous.
- No tobacco, smoking, or vaping on arboretum grounds or in buildings.
- Dispose of waste properly.
- No picking, cutting, foraging, or collecting from plants and nature. You may take the painted rocks from our scavenger hunt.
- Stay on trails and walkways.
- Keep dogs leashed.
- No biking on trails, roads, or walkways.
- No scooters, skateboards, hammocks, slacklines, or inline skates.
- No motorized vehicles (except for those hauling compost or attending special events).
- No climbing on trees, walls, rocks, and sculptures.
- No wading, fishing, or paddling in ponds, fountains, or streams.
- Children must be always supervised.
- Teachers and chaperones are responsible for their groups for the entire visit.
- Report any suspicious activity to the Visitor Center.
- No grilling or open fires.
Winter Trail Rules and Etiquette
- Snowshoers and hikers must stay off groomed ski trails.
- No dogs on ski trails.
- Know your route—trail maps are located throughout the arboretum.
- Snowshoers may cross ski trails at designated crossing points—use caution and watch for skiers.
- Dress warm and know the signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
- Keep right on ski trails and watch for hikers, snowshoers, and other skiers.
- Pass slower skiers only when safe to do so.
- All skiers must have a Great MN Ski Pass (Grant-In-Aid Trail Pass). You can purchase one at the Visitor Center.
- If you fall, fill the hole you made and move off the track.
- Stay off the track if you’re resting, chatting, or rewaxing—never stop at the bottom of hills or around blind corners.
- If you come across debris in the ski path, move it off the trail (when it is safe to do so).
- If you must herringbone to get up a hill, do so on the skate lane.
Nature Photography Rules and Etiquette
- While shooting pictures, do not block off any trails, hiking areas, or recreation areas.
- Encourage visitors to pass between shots.
- Do not walk, stand, or place tripods in gardens or on bare soil.
- Do not tie up or modify plants in any way.
- Do not move or change the position of potted plants or remove any signs or labels from planted areas.
- Keep dogs on a leash—even during photos.
- The Arboretum does not allow drone photography without advanced permission. Please contact our Executive Director if you are interested (arbdirector@northlandarb.org).
- Lighting equipment and outside props such as drop cloths cannot be used without advanced permission.
Northland Arboretum encourages guests to take photos for personal use. If you are looking to take professional photos, you must purchase a nature photography pass. Purchase Here!
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.