The Arboretum at Penn State (370 acres), which contains the H.O. Smith Botanic Gardens, is a new arboretum being created by The Pennsylvania State University adjacent to its University Park campus in State College, Pennsylvania. It will become Penn State's second arboretum, joining the Arboretum at Penn State Behrend, which was created in 2003.[1]Our State College journey planner makes visiting The Arboretum at Penn State and other State College attractions simple, and helps you make a travel plan personal to you.
The arboretum's master plan was developed from 1996-1999 by Sasaki Associates. Specific plans for landscape and botanic gardens and their associated facilities were completed in 2002 by MTR Landscape Architects LLC, and the first tree, a white oak (Quercus alba) was dedicated in 2005. A donation of $10 million was needed to begin the construction of the Arboretum and on May 18, 2007, this donation was received from Charles H. "Skip" Smith. The construction of Phase I of the H.O. Smith Botanic Gardens, named in honor of Mr. Smith's father, was completed in fall 2009 and the gardens were officially dedicated on April 25, 2010.
In July 2014, the Arboretum finished construction of and opened the Childhood Gate's Children's Garden. It includes a limestone cave, stone amphitheater for events, and other attractions for children. The Children's Garden has many native Pennsylvania plants and is a microcosm of the regional landscape.
Source
Create an itinerary including The Arboretum at Penn State
© OpenMapTiles © OpenStreetMap contributors
The Arboretum at Penn State reviews
-
I absolutely adore this plant haven in State College! It’s my favorite place to walk around and unwind. I’m always impressed by their beautiful plantings and arrangements. I love it so much I’m having my wedding here next year and I’m so excited! Keep up the great work!
-
Took my graduation photos there and they looked amazing. Nice place to visit on a regular day too, and during summer it's a nice spot for a picnic. Might have to bring sunscreen though because there's not a lot of shade around.
Plan your trip to State College
Get a personalized trip
A complete day by day itinerary
based on your preferencesCustomize it
Refine your trip. We'll find the
best routes and schedulesManage it
Everything in one place.
Everyone on the same page.
Popular things to do in State College
Side trips from State College
Hidden gems in State College
Nearby attractions in State College
Outdoors in State College
Kid-friendly things to do in State College
Trips to The Arboretum at Penn State by other users
4 days in Mesa & State College
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Mesa
State College
30 days in Pennsylvania
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Philadelphia
Lancaster
Gettysburg
30 days in Pennsylvania
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Philadelphia
Lancaster
Gettysburg
30 days in Pennsylvania
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Pittsburgh
Ohiopyle
State College
8 days in United States
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Lansing
Ann Arbor
Buffalo
8 days in Bloomsburg
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
The Bloomsburg Children's Museum
Bill's Custom Cycles
Incredible Popcorn