FreeMatthaei Botanical Gardens: Tropical Conservatory & Winter Nature Trails
Visit on your scheduleTue, Thu–Sun 10:00 AM–4:30 PM, Wed 10:00 AM–8:00 PM; Closed Mondays; Outdoor trails open daily sunrise to sunset
Matthaei Botanical Gardens1800 N Dixboro Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105 · 31.7 mi approx. from DetroitDirections
All ages; wide paved pathways fully stroller and wheelchair accessible; warm 75°–80° tropical biome with kid-friendly koi ponds
FreeFree admission to conservatory and outdoor trails (donations appreciated); hourly parking fee ($2.20/hr, max $5/day)
About this adventure
Escape freezing Michigan temperatures inside the soaring, glass-enclosed indoor conservatory at the University of Michigan's Matthaei Botanical Gardens in Ann Arbor. Spanning 10,000 square feet under glass, the multi-climate conservatory maintains tropical temperatures of 75° to 80°F year-round, featuring giant traveler's palms, bromeliads, lush banana trees, and tranquil streams teeming with large koi fish that delight young children. Admission to both the indoor conservatory and the surrounding 300 acres of outdoor nature trails is completely free. Children love exploring the desert house with its exotic cacti and the temperate room filled with Mediterranean flora. Outside, wide, well-maintained boardwalk trails weave through snowy wetlands and oak woodlands along Fleming Creek.
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