Accessibility

Bee landing on a yellow flower

At the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, we welcome people of all abilities to explore the gardens and benefit from the healing power of nature. 

Our Guest Services Team is available to answer any questions you may have when planning your visit or at any time during your visit. Please call the Information Desk at 612-624-2200 if you would like more information on current trail conditions, garden closures and/or grounds maintenance or any prescribed burn activities. 

Maps

Printed maps are available in the Oswald Visitor Center or you may download our map and print it at home before your visit to bring along with you.

Getting Around the Grounds

Guests are welcome to use their wheelchairs and other mobility equipment at the Arboretum. Our wheelchair-accessible map PDF indicates areas at the Arboretum near our Oswald Visitor Center that are accessible both for guests using wheelchairs as well as for guests who prefer not to use steps or traverse steep sidewalks. Our Information Desk in the Oswald Visitor Center offers free use of wheelchairs on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that motorized and non-motorized skateboards, children's scooters and inline skates are not permitted on Arboretum grounds.

Additional transportation options include: 

  • Bee-Line Shuttle (free): This shuttle makes frequent stops along Three-Mile Drive and has capacity for one person and their wheelchair (automated and/or non-automated) or two strollers in addition to passengers.
  • Narrated tram tours (additional fee): The tram has capacity for as many as two people using wheelchairs and includes a storage area for strollers and walkers in addition to passengers. 

Our Three-Mile Walk was designed to meet ADA standards. Walkers will travel mainly on paved paths and brick walkways, as well as short distances on gravel paths. Most of the pathways in the gardens near the Oswald Visitor Center are also paved and accessible. Visitors can tour the Arboretum in their own vehicle via Three-Mile Drive. For those unable to exit their vehicle, audio tours are available on our website.

Parking 

The Oswald Visitor Center has one long row of accessible parking, which is temporarily expanded on busy weekends. Other, smaller garden lots have a few accessible spaces. Those needing additional assistance can be dropped off in front of either the Snyder or Oswald Visitor Center buildings via the circle turn around. 

Elevators & Restrooms

There are elevators and accessible restrooms in both the Oswald Visitor Center and the Snyder Building. Additional restrooms are located throughout the grounds. See the map for exact locations.

All-gender restrooms are located in the Oswald Visitor Center and Snyder Building, Myers Education Center, Red Barn and Tashjian Bee and Pollinator Discovery Center. 

Food & Beverage

Visitors can purchase food and beverages at The Eatery in the Oswald Visitor Center. There are also multiple drinking fountains and water bottle-filling stations in each building including the Oswald Visitor Center, Snyder Building, Myers Education Center, Red Barn and Bee Center. 

Mamava Lactation Pods 

The Arboretum has a lactation pod located behind the Information Desk in the Oswald Visitor Center and at the Learning Center. Stop by the Information Desk for key access to the pod or download the Mamava app for on-the-go access.

Quiet Spaces

The Arboretum has wheelchair-accessible, quiet space rooms on the second floor of the Snyder Building. Rooms can be used for prayer, meditation, mindfulness, etc.

Service Animals 

Service animals assisting visitors with disabilities are permitted everywhere at the Arboretum. Members can bring personal or companion dogs to the Dog Commons On-Leash Trails only. 

Nature Heals Initiative

The Clotilde Irvine Sensory Garden is a fully accessible garden designed for the Arboretum’s Nature-Based Therapeutics program and is a model display of containers and planting designs suitable for a variety of gardening styles and abilities. 

Arb Access

The Arboretum’s Arb Access program provides no-cost memberships/access to many of Minnesota’s underserved communities. Learn more about the program

Care Provider Admission

If you visit the Arboretum often, along with your care provider, you might want to consider purchasing a Duo or Duo+2 membership which will allow you an additional guest each visit.  If visiting is less often, then you and your care provider will be charged general admission price of $20 each in advance or $25 each at the gate. Learn more about ticketing and membership options.

Indigenous Admission

Indigenous peoples receive waived general daily admission to the Arboretum when making a reservation by calling 612-301-6775.