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Northland Arboretum

Education. Recreation. Conservation.

We are a member-supported nonprofit organization aimed at connecting our community to nature and protecting our natural environment. We are conveniently located in the middle of Brainerd/Baxter, Minnesota with plenty of natural space to explore. Make sure you set aside time to wander our expansive trail system and beautiful gardens. You won't be disappointed.

Home: Welcome
Home: Who We Are

Northland Arboretum at a Glance

The Northland Arboretum is a must-see destination for visitors and residents of the Brainerd Lakes area. No matter the season, our hiking trails and Visitor Center provide an opportunity for you to learn and connect with nature.

OUR MISSION: 

The Northland Arboretum strives to be a valued community asset providing outdoor recreation and educational activities for all while protecting the natural environment.

OUR VISION:

The Northland Arboretum will be the premier destination in Central Minnesota connecting people to the environment for the promotion of education, recreation and conservation.

Visit Us

The Northland Arboretum encompasses over 400 acres in the heart of Brainerd/Baxter, Minnesota. Our member-supported, non-profit organization was founded with the closure of the Brainerd Landfill in 1972. Left untouched, the 40-acre landfill site now supports a prairie restoration project that is full of native grasses, shrubs and trees. 

Choose one of the ways we serve the Brainerd Lakes community to learn more about our educational opportunities, our recreational facilities, and conservation efforts.

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Education

Growing Healthy Minds

Recreation

Growing Healthy Communities

Conservation

Growing Healthy Spaces

Home: What We Do

Come Visit!

Visitor Center Hours

Monday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

The grounds remain open to members and paying guests sunrise to sunset. 

Gate fee is $5 per adult and $1 for each child under 15 years of age.

Guests are asked to stop in the Visitor Center to pay or use the self-pay station located at the entry kiosks.

Guests may display their daily pass on the dash of their vehicle so it is visible through the front windshield. 

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Compost Site

Compost Site is Open

Monday - Friday 

9:00 - 4:00

 

Sunday-Saturday

9:00 - 3:30

 

Drop Off:

Please check into the visitor center

Drop off free for members $5.00 for non-members

To maintain the quality of our compost, please follow these rules:

- Grass clippings and leaves only

- No brush or lake weeds

- No branches or stumps

- Please take your bags with you

 

Compost Pick Up:

$10/yard (you load your own)

1 yard = 3x3x3

2 tractor scoops = 1 yard

Level back of truck full = 2 yards = $24.00

Trail Use

Gate Fee is $5/adult (ages 15 and up) and $1/child (ages 0-14). Memberships range from a yearly fee of $40 for an individual to $80 for a family. 

 

More information about membership is available on the membership page.

The Arboretum grounds are open every day to members and guests from sun-up to sundown. After-hour gate fees can be paid at the drop boxes at the entrances of the grounds. Proof of purchase should be placed in your vehicle window of carried with you. Members should carry the membership card.

Restrooms are open until 10:00 p.m. on the west end of the Visitor Center.

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Home: Upcoming Events

Upcoming Classes & Events

Firefly Festival 2023
Outdoor Concert ~ Featuring Mason Dixon Line and Normans Bait and Tackle Choir
When
Jun 17, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Where
Baxter,
14250 Conservation Dr, Baxter, MN 56425, USA
  • G101 Adults (16+) - Registration Opens April 17
    May 31, 5:30 PM – Aug 30, 7:30 PM
    Baxter, 14250 Conservation Dr, Baxter, MN 56425, USA
    DO you want to learn to grow your own food and flowers? You don't need to be an expert, we'll teach you!
  • No Break from Nature Summer Camp - 2023
    Jun 01, 8:00 AM CDT – Aug 31, 3:00 PM CDT
    Baxter, 14250 Conservation Dr, Baxter, MN 56425, USA
    Spend summer experiencing nature! Kids will experience instructor-led exploring, activities, and hiking.
  • Birdbath Garden Art - 3 Part Class - 4:00PM
    Jun 05, 4:00 PM – Jun 12, 6:00 PM
    Baxter, 14250 Conservation Dr, Baxter, MN 56425, USA
    Create a vibrant focal point for your outdoor living area. Classes take place June 5th, 8th and 12th - Must attend all three to complete project
  • Birdbath Garden Art - 3 Part Class - 6:00PM
    Jun 05, 6:00 PM – Jun 12, 8:00 PM
    Baxter, 14250 Conservation Dr, Baxter, MN 56425, USA
    Create a vibrant focal point for your outdoor living area. Classes take place June 5th, 8th and 12th - Must attend all three to complete project
  • G101 Gardening for Youth - Kids Ages 8-15
    Jun 07, 9:30 AM – Aug 30, 11:00 AM
    Baxter, 14250 Conservation Dr, Baxter, MN 56425, USA
    Learn to grow your own food!
  • Guided Nature Hikes - Ecotherapy and Creative Nature Writing
    Jun 08, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
    Baxter, 14250 Conservation Dr, Baxter, MN 56425, USA
    Join Darla for a walk through the woods, a talk on nature therapy practices, and/or creative nature writing.
  • Firefly Festival 2023
    Sat, Jun 17
    Baxter
    Jun 17, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Baxter, 14250 Conservation Dr, Baxter, MN 56425, USA
    Outdoor Concert ~ Featuring Mason Dixon Line and Normans Bait and Tackle Choir
  • Pink Lady's Slipper Hike
    Mon, Jun 19
    Baxter
    Jun 19, 5:30 PM
    Baxter, 14250 Conservation Dr, Baxter, MN 56425, USA
    Enjoy a guided walk showing you live blooming Pink Showy Lady’s Slippers followed by a pink theme party with food & drinks.
  • Plant Sale
    Thu, Jun 22
    Baxter
    Jun 22, 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
    Baxter, 14250 Conservation Dr, Baxter, MN 56425, USA
    Plant Sale + Educational Session
  • A Dazzle of Dragonflies
    Sun, Jun 25
    Baxter
    Jun 25, 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
    Baxter, 14250 Conservation Dr, Baxter, MN 56425, USA
    Join us as we explore species identification, habitat, metamorphoses, and bio-diversity.
Home: Contact
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Contact Northland Arboretum

Get in touch with the Northland Arboretum to learn more about our work and how you can get involved.

14250 Conservation Drive | Brainerd, MN 56401

218-829-8770

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