The Arboretum

Hey there! In last week's post, I talked about my trip to Japan. But for this week, I thought I'd bring things a little closer to home. And by home, I mean University Park. So without further ado, let's talk about the 

Arboretum  here at  Penn State! 

Courtesy of Flickr, Creative Commons
 

Location:  Corner of Park Avenue and Bigler Road, University Park PA 16802

Hours: The Arboretum is open every day from dawn until dusk. But really, you can go whenever you'd like. I've been there past midnight, for example.

Admission: There is no admission charge for visiting the H.O. Smith Botanic Gardens or the Arboretum land beyond the gardens.

Group Tours: The Arboretum offers guided group tours, which are perfect for outings with friends/family. For more information, you can visit this link. To schedule a tour, contact Kelly Oleynik (keo5114@psu.edu).

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The Arboretum has been a special place to me since I first arrived at Penn State. I discovered it pretty early on because I live in East Halls, which is only a 5-minute walk away. It's so far away from everything else on campus, that you forget it's on campus, too. The arboretum is a great place to go if you want to escape the stress of school without leaving campus boundaries.

Arboretum Map (Click Here)

Flowers, plants, and fountains galore -- the arboretum has something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you go by yourself or with your friends and family, you'll always enjoy your time. It's a pretty big place, and there's lots and lots to see. You can make your way around the Kathryn Bower Smith Strolling Garden, or take a quick stop at the Oasis Garden Lotus Pool. There are dozens of little locations, and each is its own wonder.

Since it's a natural garden with living plants, the arboretum looks best in spring and summer. The various trees and flowers are in full bloom, the weather is nice, and everyone is out and about. But don't let the fact that it's winter hold you back! The arboretum is a cool place, no matter what time of the year you go. There's certainly no place like it anywhere else on campus. There are always things going on there, from benefactor events to small concerts and kid activities. You can see past and upcoming events here. Go ahead and take a look! Who knows, you might find something that really interests you.

Courtesy of Flickr, Creative Commons

My personal favorite locations on the map are the Overlook Pavilion, the Conservatory Terrace, and Rose and Fragrance Garden Part I. The Overlook Pavilion is especially nice, because it shows a great deal of change during holiday seasons. On Halloween, it becomes the site of a pumpkin carving contest and showcase. During Christmas, decorated Christmas trees help spread that Christmas joy. On any regular day, you can sit and relax in one of the long chairs, looking out at the nice view.

Courtesy of Flickr, Creative Commons

Coolest university campus on earth? 

I think so.

Courtesy of Flickr, Creative Commons

If I feel like I'm being crushed by a mountain-load of schoolwork, I head over to those gardens. It's a tranquil and relaxing place, and super good for getting some fresh air and clearing your thoughts. New scientific research is even helping to prove that nature helps us in all sorts of ways. A Huffington Post article entitled 'How Nature Can Make You Kinder, Happier, and More Creative', lists the various benefits that nature can have on our minds. Definitely worth checking out.

Courtesy of Flickr, Creative Commons

So if you haven't already been, check out the arboretum! It's my personal happy place, and I really hope it can be the same for you. Thank you for checking out this week's post, and I'll see you soon! Cheers.