Plan a visit

With 13 gardens and hundreds of new species to discover, the Bartlett is a living classroom for people of all ages to experience and enjoy nature. Whether you are looking for an enchanting environment to discover, exploring the grounds with a four-legged friend, researching a particular variety of plant, or attending one of our events, here's what you need to know about visiting the Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens.

Should you wish to bring students or groups to the Bartlett for a self-guided visit, please contact the education department.  There is no charge for self-guided visits, however for safety reasons it is important for us to know when groups are onsite. 

Hours and General Information

  • Explore Our Trails: Walk miles of trails that will take you through beautiful gardens, past champion trees, and into native Connecticut habitats, alongside colonial stonewalls and over pristine wetlands. Our trails are perfect for children (and dogs) of all ages. Map.

  • Events: From concerts to tours and family events, we always have something planned to connect you to nature and our community.  See the schedule.

  • Family Outings & Education: We encourage the entire family to visit us to learn more about nature. In fact, we see every second grader in Stamford as part of our mission to share the importance of environmental preservation. Want your kids to learn more? See our Summer Camp programs.

  • Fitness: Whether your idea of a workout is a 5-mile run or a quiet stroll through our collections, we encourage you to make the Bartlett part of your routine.

  • Share Your Visit: Tag pictures you share on social media. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

Experiencing the Bartlett

We pride ourselves on being an open and welcoming space for everyone. In order to maintain this spirit, please follow these important guidelines:

  • Do stay on the trails.

  • Do keep dogs leashed at all times and clean up after them.

  • Do keep children within sight.

  • Do be respectful of your fellow explorers.

  • Do dispose of any trash in its designated receptacles.

  • Do share your positive experiences with friends!

  • Don't pick flowers or climb trees.

  • Don’t build fires.

  • Don't smoke or bring alcoholic beverages to the grounds.

  • Don't use the grounds as the site of your new contact football league. Please keep any sports that could cause a disturbance or harm to yourself or other visitors out of the Bartlett. (May we recommend one of Stamford’s many public parks, instead.)

Etiquette

The Bartlett welcomes leashed dogs to explore our grounds. Please stay on the trails and pick up after your pooch. Poop bags are available at the trailhead hut in the main parking lot.

Support our efforts to keep our trails safe and dog friendly. Join today and consider adding a Doggie membership!

Dogs at the Bartlett

Bicycles and other vehicles at the Bartlett

Bicycles, mountain bikes, dirt bikes, ATVs, or recreational vehicles are strictly prohibited on Arboretum Property. This includes trails, roadways, boardwalks, and parking areas.