Explore the Arboretum grounds and learn about the native plants of northern Arizona, the historic buildings throughout the grounds and the work of the Arboretum. Garden-themed merchandise can be purchased from the Gift Shop.
Visitor Center Gallery
Start your visit to the Arboretum at Flagstaff in the Visitor Center Gallery. Within you can learn about the history of the Arboretum and the native plants of northern Arizona. Additionally, special art exhibits are showcased in the Visitor Center Gallery throughout the year. Artists featured in the Visitor Center Gallery exhibits have included Julie Williams, Toni Perrin, Cathi Borthwick, Pieter Schaafsma and Kay Stratman.
Arboretum Grounds
Discover the diverse plants and plant communities of the Colorado Plateau’s high-elevation regions as you explore Arboretum at Flagstaff’s grounds. The oldest garden at the Arboretum, Walter Reichardt Courtyard, features native plants as well as those that have adapted to northern Arizona. Hardy perennials including those with medicinal, ornamental and culinary purposes can be found within France’s Kitchen Herb Garden. The Mixed Conifer Habitat includes high elevation conifers and deciduous trees like spruce, fir, pine, aspen, cottonwood and willow. At Elderberry Pond, watch as endangered fish and the Little Colorado spinedace swim about. The Arboretum’s Water Conservation Garden features a variety of species that can be grown using xeriscape techniques such as Parry’s agave and Apache plume. In the Shade Garden you will discover plants that thrive beneath the shade of ponderosa pines. A favorite of visitors is the Pollinator Garden, a butterfly shaped garden that lures in dozens of butterflies, bees and hummingbirds. Wildflowers and bunch grass species like Arizona fescue and geranium-leaf larkspur are plentiful in the Arboretum’s Forest Meadow. Showcased in Blue Garden is a mixture of beautiful blue and gorgeous green foliage. Penstemon species and companion plants native to desert or alpine regions in North America are featured in Penstemon Garden.
Airborne Raptors
See majestic birds of prey during an inspirational and educational “Airborne Raptors” show at the Arboretum. From African Augur Buzzards to African Corvid, Harris Hawks to Bare Eyed Cockatoos and Eurasian Eagle Owls, all different bird species are showcased in this highly interactive free flight program designed to increase awareness and appreciation of the role that birds play in sustaining the environment in which we live.
Shopping in the Gift Shop
Be sure to stop by the Arboretum at Flagstaff’s Gift Shop. Garden-themed bath and body products, mugs, apparel and books on high altitude gardening, Arizona identification and Colorado Plateau ecology are available to purchase.
- The Airborne Raptors show is featured Monday through Thursday at 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.
- The Arboretum offers special events throughout the year. Visit the official Arboretum at Flagstaff website to find out more about special events taking place during your visit.