For a peaceful escape into nature right in the heart of Baltimore, the Cylburn Arboretum offers a perfect blend of history, horticulture, and hiking. Centered around the grand 19th-century Cylburn Mansion, the arboretum spans 207 acres of beautifully maintained gardens, woodland trails, and historic landscapes. It’s a wonderful place for plant lovers, birders, families, and anyone seeking a quiet moment in nature.

Recommended For

  • Garden enthusiasts and botany lovers
  • Families with young explorers
  • Nature photographers and birdwatchers
  • Locals and visitors looking for serene trails and open spaces

Gardens to Explore

  • South Gardens: Memorial plantings and a colorful azalea garden in front of the mansion
  • West Gardens: Includes a demonstration vegetable garden and composting site
  • North Gardens: Features small city-style gardens and a shady garden retreat
  • East Gardens: Home to the Garden of the Senses, a formal garden, and a tree peony collection
  • Other highlights include dahlia, heritage rose, and daylily gardens

Notable Trees & Plant Collections

  • Historic trees dating back to the 1800s, including a Japanese maple grove
  • A beautiful collection of conifers, flowering magnolias, weeping cherry trees, hollies, and more

Trails & Outdoor Activities

  • Explore 3.5 miles of trails through woods and native habitats
  • A haven for wildflowers, birds, and wildlife
  • Trails are great for hiking and dog walking (bikes permitted on paved paths)
  • The historic Cylburn Mansion is open for self-guided visits during limited hours

History & Architecture

  • The Cylburn Mansion was built in 1868 by Jesse Tyson, a prominent industrialist
  • Designed in the Victorian Renaissance Revival style using local stone and ornate details
  • Used as a summer home, later an orphanage, and became a public park in 1954
  • Renamed an arboretum in 1982 to highlight its plant collections and conservation work
  • The Vollmer Visitor Center and education facilities were added between 2008–2010

Education & Community Programs

  • Join birding walks, yoga classes, and gardening workshops
  • Kids can participate in Summer Nature Camps focused on ecology and science
  • Submit your wildlife photos as part of an ongoing documentation effort
  • Visit the Food Systems Lab, developed with Johns Hopkins, to learn about sustainable growing practices and aquaponics

Current Exhibits

  • The Vollmer Visitor Center regularly hosts local artists and rotating exhibits
  • Currently showcasing paintings by award-winning Baltimore artist Kathleen Kotarba
  • Admission to the exhibits and gardens is free; open year-round except major holidays

Location & Contact

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