Investigating the Scenic Trails of the Nichols Arboretum

The Nichols Arboretum. I had never heard of it before last week. I don’t remember how I heard of it- TikTok, I think- but it caught my attention and I decided to make it my first “official” adventure for my new website. And finding out it was so close to me was an added bonus!

You’ve never heard of it either? Or, maybe you have heard of it but never been to it? What even is it? The Nichols Arboretum is a natural habitat located in the City of Ann Arbor. It is maintained jointly between the city and the University of Michigan. The Arb, as it is commonly called, is a series of trails and gardens situated next to the Huron River and the University of Michigan Medical Center.

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The History Behind the Arb

Before I begin telling you about my impressions and experiences of the day, here’s a brief history of the arboretum. When the site was first created in 1907, it was a joint venture between the university and the City of Ann Arbor. At the time it consisted of around 80 acres. It was developed out of a combination of land gifted to the university by Walter and Esther Nichols together with other tracts of land. Over time more and more land was added, observatories and buildings were erected and today there is nearly 800 acres making up the Nichols Arboretum and the Matthaei Botanical Gardens. Since the buildings and display gardens are still closed in the Matthaei Botanical Gardens, I only spent time at the arboretum.

My Day on the Trails

My family and I went to the Nichols Arboretum on June 6. Believe me when I say it was a very hot day and I was so thankful a majority of trails were shaded! We parked along Nichols Drive and walked the trail running beside the Huron River until we reached intersection 7. The arboretum is very good about signs throughout that show where you are and what path to take for specific destinations.

I wanted to see the Peony Garden so we took the stairway path. The sign warned that it was steep but the little legend did not do it justice. I am not ashamed to admit that I had to stop twice on the way up to catch my breath! However, I am ashamed to admit that I am not in the best shape and that didn’t make it any easier but, I digress…The good news is twofold: the stairs take you directly to the garden and the smell as you approach is undeniably fragrant. Your senses are assaulted before you even see the flowers. The second good thing is that you can reach the same destination taking another, less strenuous path and still catch the luscious scent of the approaching flowers. My lesson learned is your information!

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The Peony Garden is a dream location for photographers and artist. Nearly everyone walking around admiring the flowers was carrying some sort of camera, even if it was only their phone. Mothers were trying their best to get the little ones to stand still long enough to catch the right snap. Mature women were curling up in between plants and tilting heads to get the professional pose that would make all their friends envious. Families were shoulder to shoulder and huddled in the flowers for the perfect memory. And who could blame them? Everywhere you look, there is abundant color and beauty. I am sure several of them make this an annual trek. I probably will too because it’s that stunning!

Such a Variety of Peonies

We spent a bit of time in the garden, reading signs that describe all the varieties of peonies. There were a lot we’d never seen before and they were gorgeous! One of the nice things about the layout of the plants was that there were legends with pictures and in the order they were planted in the garden. Find a favorite and quickly identify it!

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Hitting the Trails

We finally decided to hit the trails and see what else the Arboretum offered. As we walked along we noticed that there are tags and signs naming the different species of trees and shrubs spread throughout the woods. The main trails are wide and fairly free of falling hazzards, with the exception of a few tree roots here and there. The side trails looked as though they were a little narrower and more rustic. I would advise anyone with mobility issues or concerns to stay on the main trails. There is a lot to see just from that prospective. When in season, the trails lead through a lilac collection located at the Geddes entrance. I’ll remember that for next Spring! There are actually several various collections in the Arboretum including: Heathdale, Magnolia, Centennial Shrubs, Maples and Buckeyes and more. With most things past the Spring blooming time, this is now a relaxing walk in the woods but in the Autumn, the colors will be spectacular.

Time to Say Goodbye

We walked to the overlook before deciding it was time to head back towards our vehicle. The overlook shadowed a pond below us that we really couldn’t see because of trees, underbrush and shrubs, We could see the high school observatory across the river, so that was something. We could have gone a bit further but the lilac trees are not in bloom so it would have been just more trails. If it hadn’t been so hot that day, we may have continued up the path. There just wasn’t anything we felt we “had” to see. As it was, we spent nearly three hours walking the trails and enjoying the Peony Garden. Have you ever noticed that the trip down nevers seems as long as the trip up? Yeah, me too.

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My Thoughts

The Nichols Arboretum is a great place to go for a walk without the worry of dodging any traffic. There were a lot of people around but I did notice that you would still need to be aware of your surroundings and goings-on…especially women! We thought the trails were well maintained. There is a variety of trails for every fitness level and the main trails are wheelchair or stroller friendly. The fact that you don’t have to walk on sidewalks and watch for traffic is the biggest bonus to visiting here for your daily exercise if you live in the area.

When to Get the Most from Nichols Arboretum

If this isn’t a place that you can frequent, then my honest opinion is to go when you will get the most “bang” for your time such as in the Spring when the lilacs are blooming, early Summer with the Peony Garden or fall when the area will be ablaze with autumn colors.

Biggest Issues I Found

Parking for the Arboretum is a bit frustrating and probably the most unpleasant part of our day out. The U of M blue parking lot M28 is free after 5pm through the week and on the weekends. That’s great if you can find a spot. We arrived at 10:30 on a Sunday morning and it was already full. The metered parking along Washington Heights was full and the police were warning people about parking in staff lots just before they started to write tickets. We ended up going to the Nichols Drive entrance and parking along the road since that lot was also full. So, be forewarned to study the maps and have a game plan for parking.

My Recommendations on Nichols Arboretum

Last weekend the Peony Garden was in full bloom – or nearly – and will most likely not be as lovely as we found it. If you want to go though, please do it. Even past it’s peak, if there are flowers blooming, it will be worth it!

The Rundown

• Admission is FREE
• Parking can be an issue-have a game plan
• Most trails are accessible for wheelchairs and strollers-read the legends!
• Canoe and Kayak Rentals are available at Argo Park. This is information only and I am not familiar with them
• Wear comfortable shoes and bring water
• Expect to spend a minimum of 2.5 hours
• Dogs are allowed but must be leashed at all times
• This is a nature preserve so do not venture off the marked trails. Poison Ivy, etc will most likely be present
• There are picnic tables at Intersection 7
• For more information about Nichols Arboretum visit https://mbgna.umich.edu/nichols-arboretum/

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