Tours & Groups

In addition to our Wednesday birding walks and Saturday Evening Wildflower Walks which, weather-permitting, take place throughout the year, we also offer private, one-hour, seasonal tours Monday through Friday by reservation made one month in advance.

These specialized tours are ideal for professionals, high school or college students, clubs and groups, and gardening associations; we offer ample parking and welcome bus tours; however, prior arrangements are required.

To arrange a guided tour, please contact:

Terry Mallon
Visitor Engagement Assistant
Tmallon@tylerarboretum.org

Private Tours for Adults

Spring Glory Tour (available April to May), this tour includes a half mile walk which includes changes in grade and walking surfaces.

What better way to greet the new growing season than to see what’s in bloom in the Arboretum. 

Join us on a tour of our specialty collections of cherries, magnolias, and lilacs, and our fantastic rhododendron garden.

Woodland Wildflower Tour (April to early May), this tour is less than a quarter of a mile and takes place on mulched woodland paths.

This easy walk under the cover of tulip poplars and paw paws explores the woodland wildflower drifts in our woods. At this time of year it is still quite light in the woods and spring ephemerals are taking advantage of this. Find out why in this informative tour.

Summer Garden Essentials Tour (June to July), this tour includes a half mile walk which includes changes in grade and walking surfaces.

If you’re short of time and need to see the seasonal highlights of our core garden areas, this tour is for you. We will explore the Fragrant Garden, our Edible Garden, and Tyler’s butterfly habitat areas.

From Woodlands to Meadow (September to October), this tour includes a half mile walk which includes changes in grade and walking surfaces.

Asters, little bluestem, and swamp sunflowers are just a few of the blooms on show in late summer in our woods and meadows.

Fall is for Foliage and Fruit (late September to end of October), this tour includes a half mile walk which includes changes in grade and walking surfaces.

In terms of seasonal fall color, the Mid-Atlantic has some of the best fall foliage shows you’ll see. From sages, oranges, and tans to burgundies, golds, and apricots—we’ve got these colors and many more across woodland and meadow landscapes. Join us for an easy walk with stunning sights, and remember to bring your camera.

Historic Painter Tour, 1-1½ hours. This tour includes a half mile walk which includes changes in grade and walking surfaces.

This tour includes the Minshall/Painter homestead including Lachford Hall, Painter Library, the Springhouse, the Fruit Vault, and the Greenhouse, as well as the historic 19th century Painter plants. Discover the story of this family of early Quakers farmers and tradesmen and learn how they shaped the land and the region.

Champion Trees Tour, 1-1½ hours. This tour includes a half mile walk which includes changes in grade and walking surfaces.

Thanks to the foresight and legacy of the Painter brothers, today, Tyler Arboretum is home to some of the biggest and oldest trees in the region, several of which are state champions. It is not only about the size of these trees, as you’ll discover as we explore the roles these trees play in nature along with some of the historical uses these trees have been put to.

Rates and Policies

We ask that groups of 10 people or more who are interested in a guided tour schedule at least one month in advance, which helps us plan for staffing needs.

The cost of a guided tour is $23 per adult, $15 per high school or college student, and $13 per child ages 5-12 (which includes general admission). We regret that coupons or discounts cannot be applied to this rate. We ask that group tour organizers submit a $100 deposit upon booking to reserve the requested date, with the balance to be paid 48 hours prior to the start of the tour. Minimum charge of $100 per tour.

Unless there is a weather advisory in effect which would make a tour unsafe, tours are given rain or shine.

Our tours highlight the seasonal nature of the Arboretum and sometimes take in the physical nature of our site and our buildings. Many of our paths are paved and level. Other paths may take visitors off paved paths onto uneven terrain. Please be aware that as well as tours off paved paths, certain tours may require moving up and down steps, and up and down grades and slopes. If you or any member of your party require special assistance, please discuss your needs when scheduling your tour and we will do our best to accommodate you.

We ask that tour participants wear appropriate clothing and footwear (open-toed shoes and flip-flops are not recommended for outdoor, off-trail tours), and that visitors dress for the weather. In warmer months we recommend carrying water, sunblock, bug spray, and a hat. Tour participants are welcome to bring field guides and personal photographic equipment. Please note that tours of certain spaces may mean there isn’t room for tripods.

You will receive a full refund, less a $25 administrative fee, with two weeks’ (14 days) written notice of cancellation. You will forfeit the $100 deposit with less than two weeks’ notice. 

Group Admissions

We welcome group visits throughout the year. Our Visitor Guide offers a detailed map of Tyler’s main garden features, along with a list of descriptions of Tyler’s main attractions. For walkers and hikers, our Hiking Map offers a detailed, topographically accurate map of our 17 miles of hiking trails. Both guides are available free at the Visitor Center.

Group admission rates

When you provide us with 24 hours of advance notice that your group of 10 people or more wants to visit the Arboretum without a tour guide, we’ll give members of your party $1 off admission per person. This is a great option for groups who want to enjoy Tyler by themselves. We have a picnic area of 16 tables to accommodate you as well as beautiful areas to bring a picnic. All we ask is that you carry out or use the trash cans provided. Contact us on picnic locations.

  • Adults (18 – 64): $17
  • Seniors (65+): $14
  • Children and young adults (3 – 17): $9
  • Military and students (with current, valid ID): $9
  • Children age 2 and under: free

To schedule a group visit to Tyler, please contact:

Terry Mallon
Visitor Engagement Assistant

Tmallon@tylerarboretum.org