State of Montana Arboretum
More than two thousand labeled trees and shrubs turn the University of Montana campus into a dispersed living collection rather than a fenced garden.
Artwork inspired by Jessie Wilber
The arboretum is best explored through a route, not by wandering for one specimen. Native Montana trees, conifers, broadleaf collections, memorial plantings, and campus design show how species respond to soil, water, exposure, and age.
Because this is an active campus, parking, construction, classes, and events affect access. Download the current map, choose a focused loop, read labels without entering planting beds, and compare mature form rather than only flowers or fall color. Collection matters here: More than 2,000 trees and shrubs.
- Collection
- More than 2,000 trees and shrubs
- Setting
- University of Montana campus
- Allow
- 1–2 hours
Quick guide
- Opening focus
- Respect classes, events, bikes, and planted beds.
- Comparison
- University of Montana campus ↔ Native trees, conifers, broadleaf diversity, or campus design
Four decisions at State of Montana Arboretum
- Before arrival
- Download the current arboretum map before moving into the wider story.
- Choose focus
- Native trees, conifers, broadleaf diversity, or campus design and use the adjacent interpretation as supporting evidence.
- Read labels
- Compare origin, habit, bark, leaves, and mature scale.
- Share campus
- Respect classes, events, bikes, and planted beds.
Good to know
There is no single gate or ticket desk. Navigate to the reviewed campus entity, verify visitor parking rules, and expect university events or campus work to redirect a planned loop.
Notice these
- More than 2,000 trees and shrubs
- University of Montana campus
- Native trees, conifers, broadleaf diversity, or campus design.