Plan your adventure.
-
Trails
Experience the forest through 16 miles of trail. Main Entrance trails begin behind Nature Center. East Side trails began in the East Side Parking Lot. Trail Map here. Mountain Biking is not available at this time.
-
Nature Center
Originally an 1833 Dairy Barn, this building was opened to the public in 1966 as a Nature Center. Inside you will find the Gift Shop, Bird Watching Room, educational exhibits, observational beehive, children’s spaces, and restrooms.
-
Nature Playscape
Designed in 2017, the Nature Playscape is a certified outdoor classroom that is the perfect place for families to play and for visitors to have a picnic. Located near the Nature Center Parking Lot.
-
Ronald L McDaniel Foundation Auto Tour
Drive or hike the 3.3 mile Ronald L McDaniel Foundation Auto Tour. $5/car. Free to members of the Arboretum. Thank you to the Foundation for funding the pavement of this trail.
-
Hayes History Museum
Learn about the history of the Hayes Family and the property inside the museum. The building is a redesigned Pure Oil station that once was located on Woodside Drive.
-
Butterfly & Herb Gardens
Watch pollinators travel flower to flower in these two special plantings located by the Administration Building and Nature Playscape. In season June-October.
-
Pollinator Prairie
Walk through acres of native warm season flowers and grasses to experience the prairie specialized for our native pollinators. Located near the East Side Parking Lot. In season June-October.
-
Paul C McClure Native Woody Plant Preserve
Take a walk through specimen trees planted in an area that once served as a fairgrounds and racetrack. Located in the southern loop of the Ronald L McDaniel Foundation Auto Tour.
-
Pat Mayer Scenic Overlook
View forests similar to what the early pioneers in Indiana saw 500 years ago. Located in the Old Growth Forests across from the Woodland Chapel. Memorial for Pat Mayer who gave 50 years of service to Hayes Arboretum.
-
Morton Arch
Visit the Morton Arch. This sandstone arch once stood as the doorway to a local school before a fire in the 1920s burnt the structure. Accessible along the Auto Tour.
-
Woodland Chapel
Take a moment to appreciate the Old Growth Forest at the Woodland Chapel. This special area is available to rent for weddings and ceremonies. Learn more here.
-
Rex the Rocksnake
Bring your own painted rock with a positive message to add to Rex. In collaboration with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention - Indiana Chapter. Learn more here.
-
Artemis I Moon Tree
Take a moment to learn about our artifact from space. This tree is located along the Main Entrance drive. Exhibit with more information is inside the Nature Center.
-
Elizabeth Reller-Warrick Springhouse
Walk along the Springhouse Trail and stop for a rest. Memorial for Elizabeth Reller-Warrick, an actress famous for her work on old time radio, and a Richmond native.
-
Mildred S Hayes Memorial Sundial
Hike the hill to the memorial sundial to see this special, custom made gift from France. Memorial for Mildred Hayes and her tireless devotion to the Arboretum.
-
Brice E Hayes Memorial Fountain
Take a stroll through the Native Woody Plant Preserve to stop by the Memorial Fountain. This space is available to rent for weddings and ceremonies. Learn more here.