Tyler Arboretum in Media, Pennsylvania

Tyler Arboretum encompasses over 650 acres in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. From 1681 through 1944, the land was home to the family and descendants of Thomas Minshall, an English Quaker. The arboretum itself was established by brothers Jacob and Minshall Painter in 1825, who set about planting over 1,000 varieties of trees and shrubs. Some of those original trees are still standing today.

In 1944 Laura Tyler bequeathed the land in memorial to her late husband John J. Tyler, and it became a non-profit arboretum open to the public. Today it is open all days except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas and Christmas Eve. That means you can explore the gardens, fields and hiking trails during all of the seasons of the year.

Besides historic trees, what's there to see at Tyler? Plenty! Kids have incredible tree houses to climb, they can look for fantastic creatures along the Magical Path and play in the Meadow Maze, or they can learn about gardening in the Vegetable Demonstration Garden. Those who love to hike can explore over 17 miles of hiking trails through uncultivated lands, all of varying degrees of difficulty and length (from 45 minutes in length to 4 hours). There are unique things to see like the Pink Hill serpentine barren and horticultural gardens featuring lilacs, rhododendrons, magnolias and more.

For a photographer it's a wonderful adventure to enjoy as well, whether you love cultivated gardens or natural wilderness.

All photos on this page are by the author, sockii, unless provided by Amazon.

Opening hours are daily from 9am, with closing at 4-6pm depending on the day of the week and the season.  There is an admission fee unless you are a member of the arboretum.

Tyler is located about 30 minutes outside of Philadelphia at 515 Painter Road, Lima, Pennsylvania. There's no easy way to get there via public transportation so you'll have to drive it; there is ample parking on site near the visitors center, which has restroom facilities and a small gift shop. You can buy light snacks and drinks there, but if you'd like to enjoy a picnic you'll need to bring your own food (and stick to designated picnic areas.) Bikes and pets are not permitted on site.

After your visit, nearby downtown Media, PA is a charming place to enjoy dinner or go shopping.

The official website of Tyler Arboretum, www.tylerarboretum.org, has lots more information on current events and exhibits, things to do and see on site, and how you can even plan special private events at the arboretum including weddings and children's parties.

Let me know in the comments below, if so. Thanks for reading!