This was such a hidden gem on a hot Saturday in Stamford. After eating lunch downtown and doing a little shopping, we decided to see what nature trails might be nearby. This arboretum popped up, and so we went in search of quiet and nature. It was super easy to find and very convenient in terms of parking/access. We walked through all the gardens and listened to the birds for quite some time, spotting some other wildlife along the way. It was truly a peaceful experience that we hope to repeat. read more

Lovely Arboretum and Gardens. Free to enter. Located right off of Merritt Parkway (Route 15). Lots of food options nearby along High Ridge Road. There is a large parking lot close to the main area nearby the visitor's/welcome center. There is also a smaller space which accommodates about 5-6 vehicles as soon as you enter...this eaves you closer to the pond trail. Lots of walking paths on the well-maintained grounds. There are garden areas throughout .... be sure to take a photo of the map and/or follow the signs to explore each area. Bring comfortable and hike-ready footwear...especially if you plan on walking on some of the trails. The few staff members I encountered were very friendly and helpful. read more

Bartlett Arboretum - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Stamford, Connecticut

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What an unusual place this is. But it's a good unusual-ness that made for an interesting day trip. First off, judging by the name I expected a greenhouse or a sprawling green landscape but the place was more like a series of meandering dirt trails (with some stretch of boardwalks in between) in a natural setting. What made it extra interesting was the division of trails by name and colour posts which added an element of adventure and mystery. At least one trail bordered the backyard of several houses without fences, and there was a big stream although the water was pretty low when we were there. We were clearly about the only people there, and parking is aplenty in more than one place. I appreciate people creating and maintaining parks and preserves like this one. read more

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My friend and I stopped here on the way up to Rhode Island. The Bartlett Arboretum has free admission. Initially, we saw a small section of pretty wild flowers and some trails. There's a "Bee Crossing" section where the bees go to feed. Check out my bee hotel video! (Now at this point, my rating was only 3 Stars). However, we came upon the "best section" which bumped my rating up to 5 Stars! You can call it a fun and educational "interactive section" for your senses: Sight, Touch, Smell and Taste various fresh herbs and small veggies like Chocolate Mint, Chives, Banana Peppers and much more.... " A truly memorable experience!" The arboretum has musical concerts, plant illustration classes and other interesting events. In addition, the Bartlett Arboretum has an indoor educational center. Restrooms are located in the educational center. Please be sure to wear bug spray. Plan to return in the springtime when more flowers will be in bloom! : D read more

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Five stars for us. It was quiet, could hear birds, and it was looking quite stunning thanks to the fall colors. It wasn't busy at all and there was ample parking. It was our first time here and will be back as the weather allows. We walked an easy trail - Azalea Trail and Cemetery Trail, and a little harder one, the Red Oak Trail. These are not day hikes, just about an hour or two all together. It being so close to the city is another positive. read more

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The Bartlett Arboretum definitely made my day trip to Connecticut more interesting and enjoyable! I was surprised to discover there was a combination of dirt trails along with open green areas, a nice mix between mystery and serenity. There is a bridge over a stream winding its way through the rocks as the birds chirp in the distance. I felt at peace as I was accompanied by my boyfriend and protected by the tree cover. Two neat aspects of this arboretum were the lamb's ear plant and the prehistoric Redwood tree! I never would have thought these interesting living organisms would be at a small Arboretum in Stamford. I truly felt like I was in a special place-- nature in its purest, original form outside of modern day's creation and the chaos that arises from it. If you are a nature lover, or simply looking for a scenic environment to think and experience a sense of peace, come to Bartlett Arboretum! read more

This first visit here in early November was a most enjoyable walk in this nature oasis. The trails here are well shown on many maps throughout and are well marked; most are easy and quite short--less than 1/4 of a mile. The Red Oak trail does consist of a lot of exposed rocks and tree roots on the path which may make it a bit more challenging for some, but still quite doable and worth seeing the brook. Highly suggested is the free app anyone can download for informative and interesting facts and history about the area history, geology, petrology, plant and wildlife which are found on numbered markers on all the trails. Directions on this app are given at several points along any of the trails. Trees, flowers, and fauna are marked. A lovely walk in nature worth experiencing. I look forward to returning in the different seasons to see the large variety of plants and trees in bloom. read more

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If you like adventure, you'll love these trails! They're not crazy difficult, but you definitely have to watch your footing! Many rocks to hop and pretend the "floor is lava" on and beautiful greens to admire. One of the highlights for our walk today was the wetland walk. This boardwalk like structure was built through these marsh like grounds and we were able to see some frogs and snakes. The sounds of the birds chirping in the trees was so relaxing. The signs had mentioned turtles but we sadly didn't get to see any, but we'll be back again time and time again to look for them! We started at the Red Maple trail, then to the Black Birch, then the Hemlock, then to the Wetland Walk, then to the Tulip Tree Loop, and lastly through the Red Oak to come out to the parking lot near the gardens. We briefly had the opportunity today to explore the butterfly garden but I've been here before and got to spend more time. I can definitely vouch for how stunning and peaceful it is. If you want to escape from the hustle and bustle of Stamford, this is your sweet oasis. read more

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It's beautiful here. Trees and plants and flowers are labeled in order for you to learn. This place was owned by a scientist who studied trees. It was his home and lab and so he grew different plants and trees and watched them grow. It's a gorgeous peace of land. Very peaceful. read more

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Ok listen up. If you live or near Stamford, you need to come here. This is one of the hidden treasures of this Town!! We have lived in North Stamford for the past 5 years and we passed this place hundreds (maybe thousands) of times without stopping in. Don't make that mistake. They have a great native plant sale in early May as a fundraiser and community event. The wooded trails are well maintained but a bit more rocky ( love that myself but if you have limited mobility it could be a bit rough). Then there is the Mehlquist Garden. I thought it was a quick little thing but go in here (much easier walk for people with mobility issues) it goes on and on. Little pathway big rewards. In late May the Rhododendron are a little past peak but this is a charming walk with just the greenery. Go there today!!! And often. read more

Bartlett Arboretum is a small venue for hiking, but even in winter, there's plenty to see here. There are bathrooms accessible in the nature center, but in the warmer months there are portas at the parking lot. You won't get a long hike here, but the trail network gives you the ability to create a small double loop (or barbell) hike, where you can walk through a variety of setting, from small wetlands to hilly azaleas. There are a number of events that go on at the nature center all year around, including lots of kids programs, so this is definitely a place to check out if you have kids, or want a nice peaceful walk. read more

Bartlett Arboretum - Arboretum in winter - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Stamford, Connecticut

My husband and I are new to the area and discovered these beautiful hiking trails. We Loved the serenity and natural setting. We'll be returning often. read more

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I live on High Ridge, and frequently stop at the Bartlett Arboretum for a stroll on my way home from work. It's a peaceful escape from the busyness south of the Merritt, an experience of the wooded tranquility of North Stamford set aside for the public. The walking trails are not extensive; if you really want to get away from glimpses of houses and roadways through the trees, you'll have to head toward Mianus or the Montgomery Pinetum. However, being able to go on an app-guided nature walk and discover rare trees along the trail is a unique pleasure. Make sure you go in May to enjoy the Mehlquist Garden, the Arboretum's collection of rhododendrons and azaleas. They bloom in many beautiful shades of pink, and smell wonderful! Check the website for concerts and other events held on the grounds, too. read more

Bartlett Arboretum - Azalea in the Mehlquist Garden - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Stamford, Connecticut

This is a sad place. First you can see at one time it was a great public garden. A couple I meet who have been coming here for 15 years said it was a mess compared to years ago when a 'lady ran it' . It is now maintained by the City of Stamford which may explain why it is the way it is. You can see sloppy work everywhere-mounds of daffodils on the side of meadow now blooming but likely placed there a long time ago-never put in the ground and now trying to bloom. There was trash lying around but no trash cans to use to help pick up. It was a wonderful Sunday but the welcome center was closed (so no collection of the fees) and no sales for the garden shop. They are also building a huge place-not sure why-probably for weddings and bar mitzvahs I would guess but a huge cost/waste of money. Very sad-they have 'champion' trees here but they are not being cared for. What a disgrace. read more

A great place for a hike or a family picnic. There is a small greenhouse inside.This place is not that big but fun to walk around. There's a hiking trail inside. Great for some light exercise. When we were there, which was on a Saturday afternoon, there were only few people there. It's very quiet here. If you want to get away from a busy city life, come & check out this place. read more

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lovely trail to hike not a long walk, was a little messy the pathways and could be better in signs of directions but other than that was a nice nature walk. read more

Not big but high quality and on rise with renovations recently done, educational programs in place and a beautifully crafted outdoor play space. You've got to go to experience the xylophone if anything else as it's sound echoes through the woods like pan has arrived! read more

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Gorgeous place to walk, sit and take in nature. Sorry I only discovered in late summer but will enjoy on other seasons too Watched hummingbirds and goldfinches along with assorted butterflies and bees Would be nice spot to walk a dog if I had one Dog walkers liked responsible with well behaved pooches Next summer I'll try the concerts on Sunday too read more

I visited this place due to a work teambuilding event - we volunteer our service for the morning. After our hardwork (yeah right), we got a tour of the grounds. I was very impress with the gardens (the little that we were abel to see due to weather). It was very quiet and tranquil. They have summer program and a library to teach kids about nature - in today society that is very needed. It is a great place to take the family and relax one summer afternoon. read more

A wonderful place for a hike, picnic or to host an event or wedding. Beautiful grounds and the new Silver Educational Center is gorgeous! The summer camp & children's education program is so great. My daughter loved the camp so much, we kept adding on weeks. Definitely worth a visit if you have never been! read more

I've been a member here for years...I come regularly to walk my dogs (they're allowed if they're on a leash!) and just enjoy nature in general. It's a beautiful place, especially in Spring and Summer. The gardens are fantastic...my absolute favorite is the Mehlquist Garden. I think the trails could be marked more visibly, but they are by no means hard to follow. There is a new building now that looks incredible compared to the much smaller one that stood there before. I would recommend becoming a member so that you don't have to stop and pay admission every time you visit. I'm also on their e-mail list and they seem to be offering tons of classes. They have come a long way for a non-profit organization. I hope to continue coming here for years. It is so rare to find a gem of untouched nature. read more

This is perhaps Stamford's greatest hidden gem. It's beautiful and tranquil and an excellent getaway without actually leaving the city.

I discovered the arboretum when I brought a sample into the free Plant Clinic a couple years ago. Since then, I've taken many of their classes and enjoyed the grounds with my kids. Their education programs for children are fabulous! We are now proud members and can't wait for the weather to warm up so we can visit the trails regularly again. read more

This is not a "public garden" in the sense of Central Park or the Boston Commons with highly manicured displays of annuals. It is unique setting that is quite peaceful and filled with little botanical surprises in every corner. As a learning center, visitors appreciate that most plants are labeled and grouped to complement each other. Yes, there are collections of special trees and plants that date back over a century, many with historical significance. Depending upon the season,my favorites include the herb garden, perennial border and tropical display. The new ed building that replaced the one room classroom is a much needed enhancement to the location that prides itself on educating thousands of area children and adults about nature, sustainability, and respect for the environment--and it is now open seven days a week. Most impressive is the fact that this property is maintained by a staff you can count on one hand and a larger group of Master Gardener Volunteers who give their time to benefit the public. As a longtime volunteer and visitor to the Bartlett, I have seen great changes in the place recently and encourage you to give it another look. The other review sadly may have caught the property in the midst of construction and at the beginning of growing season which got off to a late start because of the winter's severe weather. Bring a book and pick out an Adirondeck chair under a tree, or walk one of the natural trails and you'll fall in love with one of Stamford's hidden secrets. When I saw the young families enjoying the outdoor summer concerts on the lawn, or guided people on the spring garden tour, I was proud to be a volunteer on this special property that truly celebrates the four seasons in different ways. read more