Boone County Arboretum at Central Park

Our mission is to "enrich the quality of life by providing a scenic outdoor classroom for appreciation and study of plants and preservation of the natural environment."

Emerald Ash Borer Information

ARBORETUM - (ar-bo-re'-tum) A place for the scientific study and public exhibition of many species of trees and shrubs.

Welcome to the Boone County Arboretum at Central Park, the nation’s first arboretum within an active recreation park setting. We are located just outside Union, KY. A short, 25 minute drive southwest from downtown Cincinnati, OH will put you in Northern Kentucky’s only arboretum. There is no charge for admission or parking.

The Arboretum is open daily from dawn to dusk for your year-round enjoyment of our more than 2,700 trees and shrubs. Our collections will captivate everyone from the avid plantsman to the average homeowner. You will see specialized arrangements of plant families to obscure selections rarely observed by the public eye. To insure our plants thrive in even the worst of droughts, we have a 41,000 linear foot computerized irrigation system.

The Arboretum encompasses 121 acres, and has over 2 miles of paved walking trails, winding through our various plant collections, woodland settings, and athletic fields. Three informational kiosks are located at the main trail entrances. Here you will find horticultural information, Extension class offerings, and our Arboretum map, all free to the public. Special attractions at the Arboretum include the Children’s Garden, a Wildlife Viewing area in our Native Kentucky Prairie, and our new Woodland Walking Trail.

Throughout the year we offer various classes and programs for all age groups. In addition, many of the Extension horticulture classes are taught on site at the Arboretum. Keep your eye on this website and our information kiosks for details on upcoming events.