Explore The Natural Beauty Of Connecticut College Arboretum

What to see in each season

The Connecticut College Arboretum is free to visit, so if you are local to the area, I’d suggest visiting in each season to see how the arboretum changes from summer to winter. Starting from the current season — fall — the colorful foliage is the highlight. You might also catch late fall bloomers like black-eyed Susans, dahlias, and some annuals.

Though the plants will likely be dusted in snow over the winter, it is still a beautiful place to visit on a crisp, clear day. If you’d rather see green than white, spring is a better time to visit. In the spring, tender herbs, annuals, and perennials will be popping up and starting to produce beautiful flowers. As early as April, you’ll be able to take in the beauty of flowering shadbush and in May, you’ll have the chance to view beautiful dogwood and azaleas.

Moving into the summer, rhododendron, mountain laurel (Connecticut’s state flower), and sweet pepperbush will be flowering.

Special programs

Free guided tours are available every first and second Sunday of the month from May to November at 10 am. If you are visiting outside of these months or at a different time, you can take a self-guided tour by downloading the tour brochure or picking up a hard copy at the office in room 103 in the Olin Science Center on campus.

Lectures and children’s activities are also available throughout the year. Many of the activities are free or affordably priced to allow all community members and visitors to participate. Upcoming lectures and activities include a talk and walk to learn about a geological mystery, full moon walk, and conference about soils and gardening. A fun upcoming children’s activity provides a look into how life would be different if you couldn’t move. Check their programs and activities page often for what’s currently on.

Where to eat nearby

After working up an appetite gazing at the colorful flowers, head to Muddy Waters Café in downtown New London. This hip café has flavorful, soft pastries such as cinnamon buns, croissants, muffins, and brownies. For something a bit heavier, Muddy Waters also has tasty egg sandwiches that can be made on croissants or a variety of flavored bagels. Their coffee drinks are also great. Take your food and drink out to the deck to enjoy a view over the Thames River to watch the ferries coming and going.