Linnaeus Arboretum

The Arboretum is named for Carol Linnaeus (1707-1778) a Swedish botanist. He is most well known for shortening the long Latin names of plant species to two names, genus and species. Linnaeus' system of naming plants is now the biologically accepted way to classify all species. Linnaeus was also a doctor, an author and an educator.

The traditional defination of the word "arboretum" is living museum of woody plants (trees, shrubs & vines), each properly identified and labeled. In this Gustavus living laboratory we have wetlands, restored prairie, the likeness of deciduous and coniferous forests, flower gardens, roses, dwarf conifers, plus resident and migrant birds, several species of mammals such as 13-lined ground and red foxes, frogs and toads, and many insect and spider species. This special area of the College can be described as gardening within a natural setting, and could be called a botanical garden. We choose to call it an "arboretum" in the broadest sense of the word.

The Linnaeus Arboretum that was founded in 1973 and currently covers 55 acres. The future expansion plans are to extend the arboretum westward to bring the total acreage up to 130 acres. There are two and a half miles of walking/jogging trails that wind through our arboretum as well as multiple outdoor classroom locations including a meditation area.

The Arboretum is open to the public from 8:00 a.m. daily. No prior arrangement is necessary for a visit.

Building hours for the Interpretive Center are:

• 8:00a.m.- 10:00 p.m. Monday- Thursday
• 8:00a.m.- 5:00 p.m. Friday
• Saturday and Sunday will be by reservation only.