The Entrance Arch marks the beginning of the Wetland Welcome Bridge, leading to the Visitor’s Center.

Originally constructed for Fairyfest in 2024, the Arch became a permanent installation. It was constructed by arborist Garrett Dickel and artisan Terry Bohner using locally foraged driftwood. 

The Wetland Welcome Bridge spans a manmade wetland that teems with life. The Bridge is an excellent place to observe frogs, turtles, fish, birds, dragonflies and damselflies, snakes, beavers, and more.

Have a seat on a red Wave Hill Chair and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Arboretum’s most active habitat.

Begin your visit at the Visitor’s Center where Arboretum staff will orient you to the grounds, provide a map, and other pertinent materials for your visit. Leashed dogs are welcome inside for a pet and a treat from staff.

The Visitor’s Center houses a gift shop, art gallery, ADA-compliant restrooms, and staff offices. There is a public water cooler and small selection of snacks and drinks for sale.

The patio at the back of the building offers seating and tables, a water bottle filler, and a water bowl for dogs. In spring, summer, and fall a select variety of native plants are available for sale on the patio.

The Arboretum’s Gift Shop is a light-filled space with a thoughtful selection of goods. Shoppers will find nature, wildlife, and gardening themed books in a variety of genres for all ages.

Locally made items, like ceramics, wooden bowls and spoons, illustrated notecards, soap, and honey are customer favorites. Best sellers include puzzles, animal puppets, socks, nature themed stickers, and Adkins Arboretum logo merch.

The Arboretum’s art gallery is located in the Caroline Room in the Visitor’s Center. The Caroline Room is named in honor of the Carmean family, whose generosity, community spirit, and love of the land, continues to nurture Adkins Arboretum and Caroline County, Maryland.

Click here to learn about the current indoor exhibit. The art gallery is open during Visitor’s Center hours, unless a program or workshop is in-progress.

There are several permanent art installations on the Arboretum grounds, like the great blue heron sculpture that can be spotted from the Wetland Welcome Bridge and ceramic odes to sweet gum balls on the Blockston Branch Walk.

The Shady Play Glade is the Arboretum’s newest playscape for children. Visitor’s will find a shaded patio with seating and a zig-zag boardwalk through a mini-meadow.

More exciting additions are in the works for this new venue.

The South Meadow Overlook is a raised wooden platform offering sweeping views of the Meadow. The Overlook is located in the center of the South Meadow and is accessible by ramps.

Affectionately called “the pirate ship” by children, the Overlook is an ideal location for birdwatching, cloudspotting, and daydreaming.

The Pavilion is a covered, open-sided structure with views of the South Meadow. It is used as a performance space for special events, like Rhythm & Roots and Fairyfest.

Visitors are welcome to take advantage of the shade and picnic tables within.

Located in Nancy’s Meadow, the Nestled in Nature venue is a comfortable stopping spot to take in the view, visit with friends, meditate, or read a book.