The Northland Arboretum encompasses more than 400 acres in the heart of Brainerd and Baxter, Minnesota. It is a member-supported non-profit organization that was founded with the closure of the Brainerd Landfill in 1972. The Northland Arboretum is a must-see destination for visitors and residents of the Brainerd Lakes area. No matter the season, the hiking trails and Visitor Center provide an opportunity for you to learn and connect with nature. The Arb focuses on education, recreation and conservation programming.
 
Here are eight ways to enjoy The Arb this spring:
  1. Feed Your Mind – Why not feed your mind during your lunch break? This is an adult brown bag learning event series held on the first Wednesday of each month. It is open to the public. Space is limited. Bring your own lunch.
  2. Bird Hikes! – Come for a hike and learn about the birds of the Arboretum! Held every Wednesday and Saturday in May at 8:00 a.m.
  3. Arbor Day Celebration – Join us for a day full of celebration at our FREE outdoor community event on Saturday, May 4.  There will be free seedlings, activity booths, demonstration, refreshments, live reptiles and more!
  4. Book Club – This months book is, “The Light Pirate: A Novel,”  by Lily Brooks-Dalton. This is a free event on May 13 but attendees must obtain their own copy of the book.
  5. Hiking Club – Join our knowledgeable guides for a walk around the arboretum at a comfortable pace. Guides will lead participants on a beautiful one hour walk on our expansive trail system. Hosted on the 3rd Thursday of each month at 9:30 a.m.
  6. Birdbath Garden Art – Create a vibrant focal point for your outdoor living area! A rhubarb leaf provides the mold for the cement casting. All supplies are included in the price but you can bring your own “fresh” leaf if you would like. This three-part class will be held June 3, 6 and 10 with two class times at 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
  7. Summer Trails – Open dusk to dawn, seven days a week to offer respite to residents and visitors. Sit in the gazebo, linger on the bridge, stroll along a path or wind through the woods. Whether you have an hour or a day, tranquility will surely enhance your visit.
  8. Fitness Trail – With two miles of surfaced trails and 11 fitness stations, adults and children of all ages will enjoy getting their sweat on in one of the most beautiful spaces in the Brainerd/Baxter area. The trail is handicap accessible, ensuring that members and visitors of all abilities can enjoy it (see map below).
Prices for classes and hikes vary, but if you’re just going for a stroll the daily gate fee is $5 for adults and $1 for kids under 15; free for members. The Visitor Center is open Tuesday–Friday from 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. It is located at 14250 Conservation Drive just behind the Lakes 12 Movie Theatre and Westgate Mall.