Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park is a 343-acre (1.4 km2) botanical garden in the Sonoran Desert, located in Superior, Arizona, United States. It is one of the oldest botanical institutions west of the Mississippi River.
The Arboretum was founded in 1929 by William Boyce Thompson, a mining magnate and philanthropist. Thompson was a passionate plant lover, and he spent the last 20 years of his life amassing a collection of over 10,000 plants from around the world.
The Arboretum is home to a wide variety of plants, including cacti, succulents, trees, and shrubs. The plants are arranged in themed gardens, such as the Desert Garden, the Australian Garden, and the African Garden.
In addition to its plant collections, the Arboretum also offers a variety of educational programs and events. Visitors can take guided tours, attend lectures, and participate in workshops.
The Arboretum is open year-round, and admission is free.
Here are some of the things you can do at Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park:
- Take a guided tour of the gardens.
- Attend a lecture or workshop.
- Visit the gift shop.
- Have a picnic lunch in the gardens.
- Go for a hike or bike ride on the trails.
- Take photos of the plants and gardens.
Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park is a great place to learn about plants, nature, and the Sonoran Desert. It is also a great place to relax and enjoy the beauty of the desert.
