The Holden Arboretum: Cleveland Botanical Garden Guide

Such a unique place! It's like going on a trail walk, but slightly supervised. Gardens and native plants galore! There are parts that are more "commerical" meaning they are more landscaped and the paths are paved and well labeled with signs. The tower and skywalk have attendants who monitor the number of people on them to ensure safety. But there are also miles of gardens and paths that aren't so busy and a little more rustic. In these places there are plenty of sweet little niches built in that you can sit on a bench and enjoy some moments of quiet contemplation. Honestly, there are SO MANY beautiful memorial benches all throughout the park. There are absolutely no lack of places to sit and read or picnic or just enjoy nature.

You can do everything from a short stroll on a paved path to a full on hike in the woods to a tram tour here, and you’ll see gorgeous settings in all of them. Skeleton Grove is a wonderful addition to the already spectacular fall season, and it brings the crowds, which is wonderful to see but does require patience if you’re used to visiting at a less busy time. 100% worth the drive and price of admission (although membership is the best deal, and you get in free with your membership to other botanical gardens or conservatories, too!)

Absolutely beautiful. Right now they have Skeleton Cove. It's fantastic. Good for all ages. Beautiful hiking trails emergent tower to 🪜 climb. Also a canopy walk. Lots to see and do. Enjoy

I would recommend going at higher bloom or fall color time. The cost of admission was $21 per person (non-member). We arrived on a Sunday afternoon around 2:00 in September. Since it closes at 5:00, the cost seemed high for 3 hours (admittedly, poor planning on our part). While it's a very nice arboretum with lots of places to visit and potentially see, we were not impressed with this particular season. Nothing was in full bloom (like the rhododendron garden, of course). Fall foliage also wasn't changing yet. The canopy walk was ok, not great. I thought it would be longer. The tower provides really good views, but due to thunder, it was shut down just as I got to the top (not their fault, it's a good thing to close during a storm). I would recommend making a day of it. There are lots of hiking trails with various natural habitats. They do offer a cart tours for an extra fee. Since many trails are a hike to get to, it would have been nice to have a shuttle to drop you off closer to some sights, especially for older visitors.

So when you first Google this, it says 19 for the price. I could have sworn it said 10 before but when I looked it up again it says 19. When you go there, it's 21 for an adult. I didn't argue but I did mention at the gate that it says something different when you look it up. The lady at the gate was 'know it all and always right' saying it didn't say that. I didn't know she was in charge of Google and the website and plus the gate? Man she must get paid a lot. Sarcasm peeps Buttt it was absolutely beautiful!! However all the Google photos things there are not all there. Right now it's skeletons(no complaint there I love skeletons) I guess they change the sculptures over time, but that good tree things they had for years before they changed it. That's what one of the peeps told me. Bathrooms clean. And many bathrooms. Lots of signs! The tower and the bridge(canopy walk) are two different things. The tower has a great view with 202 steps. But I loved it. I didn't bother with the canopy walk. There is literally people everywhere, tower, driving around, gardening. I been to lots of walking places and garden places and never been so many people. It's awesome. There is a gift shop but very expensive. Long sleeve shirt 63.50. The map is useless. Thankful for the signs and workers. It's all pretty much a huge loop though. It is dog friendly. I don't know if the tower and canopy bridge is though. The 21 bucks is worth it. It's beautiful there. The gate girl did ALMOST ruin it with her attitude but the place made it worth it.