Guided Walks
The highlight of any visit to Adkins Arboretum is a walk on the five miles of trails through a variety of habitats: open upland meadows, maturing hardwood forest, lush wooded bottomland, and abundant wetland. The trails are well-marked so visitors can explore them on their own, but there are several opportunities to join a guided walk with a knowledgable docent naturalist.
First Saturday Walks
Join a docent naturalist on the first Saturday of every month at 10 am to explore the Arboretum’s rich and unique native plant habitats, including forests, meadows, wetland, and more.
These free monthly tours begin at the Visitor’s Center and last about an hour.
Advance registration is appreciated, as walks may be cancelled due to inclement weather. To register, visit the Program & Events Calendar.
Healing Walks
Nature has the power to heal. Whether you're navigating a difficult life change, a traumatic loss, or the stresses of caregiving, this monthly guided walk will leave you feeling grounded and renewed.
This group meets at the Visitor's Center for a chat before embarking on a gentle stroll on the Arboretum's paths. Participants are welcome to listen, share, or simply soak in the silence. Refreshments will be available after the walk.
Advance registration is appreciated, as walks may be cancelled due to inclement weather. To register, visit the Program & Events Calendar.
Soup 'n Walk
Scheduled six times per year, Soup n' Walk programs combine a docent naturalist-led walk on the Arboretum's paths, followed by a delicious and nutritious lunch in the Visitor's Center.
Every Soup 'n Walk is centered around a seasonal theme, such as Sunny Meadows or Autumn Harvest. The lunch menu is also thoughtfully planned to reflect the season and theme. A brief talk about nutrition is presented during lunch, and recipes will be available for all the dishes served.
In addition, Adkins Arboretum's Gift Shop offers 20% off all items the day of Soup 'n Walk programs for all visitors.
Advance registration is required for Soup 'n Walk. To register, visit the Program & Events Calendar. Golf carts with drivers are available for people with limited mobility if arrangements are made in advance.
(We are unable to accommodate dogs at Soup 'n Walk events unless they are service animals.)
Guided Bird Watching Walks
Adkins Arboretum Volunteer and veteran birder, Jim Wilson delights in helping others learn about birds. Jim's passion for birds is evident in the countless talks and bird walks he's led at the Arboretum. He's especially excited to pass his knowledge of birds on to the next generation of young birders.
Groups of up to 15 people can schedule a private bird watching walk with Jim. The fee is $10 per person for Arboretum members, $12 per person for non-members, and free for children ages 12 and under with an accompanying adult. For more information, or to schedule a walk, click here to reach out.
Guided Group Tours
Guided tours for groups of 10 or more are available, but must be scheduled in advance. The Arboretum offers five miles of well-maintained paths through forests, meadows, and wetlands. Golf carts with drivers can be made available for people with limited mobility if arrangements are made in advance.
Available tours include, but are not limted to:
• What's in Season?
Take a seasonal stroll along the Arboretum's scenic paths led by a docent naturalist. Learn what's happening in the moment with our native plant communities. Enjoy ephemeral wildflowers in the spring, ferns in early summer, a wetland serenade by July, fall colors, and the sculptural silhouettes of winter trees. Whatever the season, there's always something to delight and inspire in our meadows and woodlands.
This tour is $10 per person and is led by a docent naturalist. For more information, click here to reach out. Please include the desired date and time for the tour.
• Rooted Wisdom: Nature's Role in the Underground Railroad
Explore Adkins Arboretum with a docent naturalist to understand how self-liberators used the natural landscape to forge a path for freedom. Their methods for navigating, concealing themselves, finding food, and evading capture reflect a deep connection to, and understanding of, the natural landscape. Throughout the walk, we'll explore how nature both helped and hindered the journey.
Click here to learn more about Rooted Wisdom: Nature’s Role in the Underground Railroad.
This tour is $10 per person. For more information, click here to reach out. Please include the desired date and time for you tour.
