A Forest of Our Own
A living museum of trees and plants, the Elmhurst University Arboretum encompasses the University’s entire 48-acre campus.
The Arboretum boasts 850 trees and numerous varieties of shrubs and perennials, including several exotic specimens in addition to campus favorites like magnolias, redbuds and maples.
The Arboretum has won Level II Accreditation from the Morton Register of Arboreta and Tree Campus USA® designation from the Arbor Day Foundation. A showcase of natural beauty in every season, the Arboretum is a destination for plant lovers for miles around.
History
The Arboretum was established in 1966, when many of the grand old trees that had given Elmhurst its name were succumbing to disease. A local landscape architect named Herbert Licht convinced the University’s leadership to make the campus an arboretum and introduce a more diverse and abundant display of plant life.
Licht worked with Ragnar Moen, the University’s first groundskeeper, to transform the campus. The Arboretum began with about 65 varieties of trees and shrubs, many collected and donated by Licht himself. Over the years, dozens of alumni, faculty and staff have also contributed to the collection’s growth.
Take a Closer Look
We welcome visitors to our arboretum campus throughout the year.
View an interactive map to plan your tour, or simply enjoy a stroll around the grounds. We look forward to seeing you on campus!