Minnesota Landscape Arboretum will reopen May 1 in a limited capacity
April 30, 2020
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum will reopen May 1 in a limited capacity
As a key part of the University of Minnesota’s research and outreach missions, we have been working with University leadership on a phased approach to ensure visitor and employee safety as we welcome you back. We ask all members and visitors to continue to practice social distancing for the safety of all while you are on our grounds. Here’s how our reopening plan will work:
On May 1, the Arboretum will reopen Three-Mile Drive to vehicles only. All members and visitors must have pre-registered online reservations to access the grounds. No on-site transactions will be allowed. You can review available times and make your reservation here.
- Access to the grounds will be vehicles only as we reopen. We plan to expand operations to members and visitors seeking walking access at a later date that is to be determined. No walking on Three-Mile Drive will be allowed.
- Online reservations will be timed so as to allow a safe traffic flow of vehicles along Three-Mile Drive.
- Online reservations will be FREE to members, but they must have a reservation to access the grounds. Visitors (non-members) will be charged $15 per car.
- Hours of Operation: 9 a.m. to *4 p.m. (*Last online reservation will be 3 p.m.) Monday through Sunday; seven days a week.
- There will be no building access and no parking. Vehicles can only access Three-Mile Drive and will be required to generally keep moving.
- Restroom amenities available at this time will include the Sensory Garden and Prairie Garden only.
Our reopening strategy will be a fluid one. Other Botanical Gardens across the country have tried to reopen and have failed. To avoid a similar outcome, we must maintain the safety of everyone on-site and follow the guidance of the Governor, Minnesota Department of Health, and the University’s own public health experts. This will only be possible through your shared commitment to these new rules focused on safe operations. Based on the success of this initial phase, and our ability to continue to ensure everyone’s safety, we hope to announce expanded operation details at a later date.
Thank you for your ongoing support as we reopen the Arboretum to you.
Peter C. Moe, Director
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
