The State Arboretum of Virginia
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Location
Boyce, Virginia, Clarke County
Managed by
University of Virginia
Admission
Free, except for some special events
Typical visit
Walking among gardens, collections and trails
The State Arboretum of Virginia is the public-facing heart of Blandy Experimental Farm, a University of Virginia field station in the northern Shenandoah Valley. Its 172-acre arboretum is part of a larger 712-acre research property, where visitors can stroll among labeled trees and shrubs, gardens and open grounds. It is an outdoor place to explore at your own pace, not an indoor museum. [1]
The grounds are open from dawn to dusk throughout the year, and admission is generally free. The signature Ginkgo Grove is especially popular for fall color; late October and early November are usually the best time to see its leaves turn gold, though the timing varies from year to year. Check Blandy’s current visitor information before setting out, particularly during peak foliage weekends or special events. [2][3]
Plan a trip to The State Arboretum of Virginia
Why visit the State Arboretum?
Blandy suits visitors who want an easygoing outdoor outing with room to wander. The arboretum combines formal gardens and labeled plant collections with trails and broader research landscapes, making it as rewarding for a quiet walk as for a closer look at trees and ecology. You can follow marked interpretive stops, use a self-guided tour, or simply choose a path and explore.
It also offers a view of how a university field station and a public garden share the same landscape. The arboretum’s collections are maintained alongside research and education at Blandy, so visitors are asked to treat the grounds as both a living museum and an outdoor laboratory. [4]
Start here
Begin at the information kiosk near the main parking area. Pick up a map there, or check the online map and visitor guidance before your trip. The kiosk is a useful starting point for choosing a route and locating gardens, trails and facilities. [5]
For an introductory walk, try the arboretum’s audio tour, which uses 11 stops to introduce its history, collections, gardens and wildlife. If you have more time, the Virginia Ecology Adventure links ten locations in a roughly three-mile loop that includes grassy areas and dirt trails. Check the self-guided tour page for current instructions and any app requirements. [6]
What to see and do
Ginkgo Grove
Walk among the grove’s ginkgo trees, a highlight of the arboretum’s collection. For golden fall foliage, late October and early November are usually the season to aim for; check current updates before visiting.
Conifer Collection
Explore the conifers and look for labeled specimens from different places. Blandy also offers a self-guided tree-stories experience using QR codes on selected signs.
Gardens and plant collections
Browse Blandy’s gardens and labeled tree and shrub collections. Stay on paths and keep out of planted beds to protect the living collection.
Nancy Larrick Crosby Native Plant Trail
Follow a trail focused on native plants and the habitats they occupy. Guided tours of the trail are offered seasonally; check the current tour schedule.
Self-guided audio tour
Use the audio stops to learn about Blandy’s history, gardens, collections and wildlife as you walk around the grounds.
Walking and quiet time outdoors
Explore trails, gravel roads and mowed grassy areas at your own pace. Bring a map and allow time to pause at the plant labels and interpretive stops.
History and significance
The arboretum grew from Blandy Experimental Farm, established after Graham Blandy bequeathed land from the historic Tuleyries estate to the University of Virginia. Orland E. White became the farm’s first director in 1927 and began planting a broad collection of trees while developing the property as a field research station. The ginkgo grove began as an experiment during this early period. Virginia designated the property the State Arboretum of Virginia in 1986. [7]
The site’s history also includes the Tuleyries plantation and the enslavement of Black people who labored there. Blandy identifies surviving reminders on the grounds, including a cemetery for enslaved people and a building that served as quarters for enslaved laborers before it was adapted for university use. The institution continues to research and interpret this history. [8]
Planning a visit
- Hours and admission: The arboretum is generally open daily from dawn to dusk, with free admission except during some special events. Confirm current conditions and event information before travel. [9]
- Address: 400 Blandy Farm Lane, Boyce, VA 22620. Enter from Route 50 and follow the paved road to the information kiosk and main parking area. Use designated spaces only. [10]
- What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes are useful, especially for routes that use grass or dirt paths. Maps are available at the kiosk; refillable water bottles are encouraged.
- Dogs and bikes: Leashed dogs are welcome, and owners must clean up after them. Bikes and scooters are limited to paved and gravel roads; mobility aids are excepted. [11]
- Guided tours: Group tours require advance registration and depend on staff availability. The arboretum requests a per-person donation for guided tours; check current terms when booking. [12]
- Respect the collection: Do not pick or collect plants or plant parts, disturb wildlife, or enter garden beds. Large self-guided groups should contact Blandy in advance for guidance. [13]
Nearby attractions
Boyce
The small Clarke County town near the arboretum.
Berryville
Clarke County’s county seat and a nearby base for exploring the northern Shenandoah Valley.
Winchester
A nearby city with historic sites, museums and places to eat.
Shenandoah Valley
Explore the wider valley’s towns, countryside and outdoor destinations.
Travel books and maps: Browse related Virginia travel books and maps on Amazon
References
- ↑ FAQs, Blandy Experimental Farm, University of Virginia. Retrieved 2026-10-23.
- ↑ Location & Hours, Blandy Experimental Farm, University of Virginia. Retrieved 2026-10-23.
- ↑ Ginkgo Info, Blandy Experimental Farm, University of Virginia. Retrieved 2026-10-23.
- ↑ Guidelines and Policies, Blandy Experimental Farm, University of Virginia. Retrieved 2026-10-23.
- ↑ FAQs, Blandy Experimental Farm, University of Virginia. Retrieved 2026-10-23.
- ↑ Self-Guided Tours, Blandy Experimental Farm, University of Virginia. Retrieved 2026-10-23.
- ↑ Blandy History, Blandy Experimental Farm, University of Virginia. Retrieved 2026-10-23.
- ↑ History and Our Values, Blandy Experimental Farm, University of Virginia. Retrieved 2026-10-23.
- ↑ Location & Hours, Blandy Experimental Farm, University of Virginia. Retrieved 2026-10-23.
- ↑ Location & Hours, Blandy Experimental Farm, University of Virginia. Retrieved 2026-10-23.
- ↑ Guidelines and Policies, Blandy Experimental Farm, University of Virginia. Retrieved 2026-10-23.
- ↑ Guided tours, Blandy Experimental Farm, University of Virginia. Retrieved 2026-10-23.
- ↑ Guidelines and Policies, Blandy Experimental Farm, University of Virginia. Retrieved 2026-10-23.