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Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park
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The park is open daily 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m (October 1 - April 30). Summer Hours: 6:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (May 1 - September 30) Closed Christmas Day. |
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2,400 feet |
Entrance fee is $7.50 per adult, $3 for children ages 5-12 years, and free for those under 4. |
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Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park is the place to discover the intricate beauty and many faces of Arizona's oldest and largest botanical garden. Featured are plants from the world's deserts, towering trees, captivating cacti, sheer mountain cliffs, a streamside forest, panoramic vistas, many natural habitats with varied wildlife, a desert lake, a hidden canyon, specialty gardens and more.
The Arboretum was founded in the 1920s by mining magnate Col. William Boyce Thompson. In 1917 Col. Thompson served as co-leader of a Red Cross mercy mission to Russia, where he came to understand the importance of plants as the ultimate source of a large portion of mankind's food, clothing, and shelter. It was then, that he determined to use his great wealth to improve the use of plant resources. The Arboretum is one of his legacies.
Encompassing 323 acres, the Arboretum is Arizona's oldest and largest botanical garden. It was the first purely botanical institution in the inter-mountain states.
The Arizona State Parks Board entered into agreement with the Boyce Thompson Arboretum Board and the University of Arizona in 1976 to cooperatively manage the Arboretum.
Special Programs & Events
January - Australia Day, Weekend Tours
February -Language of Flowers Valentine's Weekend & Chocolate Tasting
March - Wildflower Month, Welcome Back Buzzards, Spring Plant Sale
April - Herb Festival, Earth/Arbor Day; Weekend Guided Tours
May - World Migratory Bird Day, Butterfly & Dragonfly Guided Tours
June/July/August - "Learn Your Lizards" and other guided tours
September - Bye Bye Buzzards
October - Fall Plant Sale
November - Live Music Festival; also Arizona's "Fall Foliage Finale"
Park Rules
- Keep pets on a leash. No pets allowed in the gift shop.
- Damaging or removing the natural rocks, vegetation, or public property is prohibited.
- Littering is unlawful.
Area Scenic Attractions
Apache Trail, Queen Creek Canyon, Apache Leap Mountain, Pinal Pioneer Parkway, Lost Dutchman State Park, Picketpost Mountain and the Old West Highway.
Find out more about Boyce Thompson Arboretum at http://arboretum.ag.arizona.edu/.
Community Facilities
Restaurants, bank, churches, library, park, recreation center, swimming pool, ball fields, Superior Police Department, grocery store, laundry facilities, automobile repair and airport with a 3,000 foot runway.