Signature Eventsat the Arboretum

These events are often annual and open to the public! Please check out the event details below to learn more about each event, if registration is required, and when each occurs. As the events approach, please refer to our Upcoming Events page for more information!

Springtime Arboretum Egg Hunt

The Springtime Egg Hunt typically takes place on a Saturday around Easter weekend. The Arboretum hosts an Easter egg hunt with eggs hidden throughout the grounds. The event is free and open to the public, though registration is required. See photos of last year's event on our Facebook page.

Discover the Outdoors Day

Discover the Outdoors was founded in 2017 with the hope of sharing the outdoors with kids of ages, and getting Gustavus students and organizations involved in the community! Typcially held in the spring around Earth Day, countless events, games, and exploration opportunities are available throughout the day including fly fishing practice, pond study, scavenger hunt, crafts, face painting, solar s'mores, and more! Major student organization hosts include Environmental Studies, Big Partner Little Partner, Environmental Action Coalition, Geology Club, Tri-Beta, Fly Fishing Club, Ducks Unlimited, and Society of Physics Students to name a few! This event is free and open to the public. 

Adventure Nature Camp

Every summer the Arboretum hosts an Adventure Nature Camp for students entering grades 5 and 6 lasting two days in June. The students enjoy a variety of activities, including a prairie hike, pond critter study, and plenty of time to play and explore the Arboretum. Registration is required. Check out our Facebook page for more pictures of past Nature Camps!

Fall Festival

The annual Fall Festival is typically held during Family Weekend every fall. The event is free and open to the public and includes local vendors, entertainment, and environmental education. See photos of Fall Fest in past years on our Facebook page. Learn more about Fall Fest here!

Arboretum Mystery Hike

Held on an evening near Halloween, the Arboretum invites families and their kids to dress-up and get ready to solve a mystery! Groups follow a path lit by Jack-O-Lanterns to meet several characters and recieve clues about a mystery critter. Snacks and games are provided in the Interpretive Center following the walk and the solving of the mystery! Registration is required. 

Soup and Sandwich Seminars

Typically held mid-month, the Arboretum hosts a lecture given by faculty of the college or a local community member. Topics in the past have included the impact of climate change on the people of South America, American foreign policy, and the impacts of mining on northern Minnesota watersheds. Lunch is served before the lecture. Registration is required, and members receive a discounted registration.