Tyler Arboretum in Media, Pennsylvania

by sockii

Looking for a great day trip from Philadelphia? Then consider the Tyler Arboretum, a beautiful place just outside of the city to explore, hike, and enjoy nature.

The greater Philadelphia area is rich with beautiful parks and nature preserves such as Longwood Gardens, Winterthur and the Fairmount Park system, perfect for those days when you just want to get away from the city life. Not as well known but equally beautiful is the Tyler Arboretum, located in nearby Media, Pennsylvania.

Tyler Arboretum is a wonderful place to relax and spend the day hiking, resting, or enjoying a picnic lunch. This quiet place away from it all is perfect for nature lovers, kids and families, or anyone who just wants to learn more about the natural world around us.

If you haven't been there before, let me share some of my photographs, a little history on the arboretum, and practical information for planning your visit.

About the Arboretum

Its history, things to see and do

Tyler Arboretum hiking trailTyler 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.

Photos from Tyler Arboretum

There are lots of fun and whimsical things around the arboretum for kids to enjoy
There are lots of f...
Learn about gardening in educational exhibits great for kids and adults alike
Learn about gardeni...
Open fields invite one to explore in different directions
Open fields invite ...
Hot summer day? Cool off along one of the shady woodlands hiking trails
Hot summer day? Coo...

See My Full Tyler Arboretum Photo Set

Images from a July 2014 visit...click the photo below to see the full gallery at Flickr
Tyler Arboretum
Tyler Arboretum

Planning your visit to Tyler Arboretum

Practical information

Tyler ArboretumOpening 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.

Check out "Tyler Tales"

A blog about the history and legacy of Tyler Arboretum
By Laura McPhail Tyler Tales is getting a facelift! If you are following Tyler Tales, you might be getting a few notifications about new blog posts. Actually, we are c...
Thanks to all who contributed to making the garden such a splendid place to work; it wouldn’t be this spectacular without lots of help from our volunteers!
The beginning of the end is finally here. Welcome to autumn!
Summer camp is over, the kids are back in school, and the yet the garden is still celebrating the summer heat.

Hiking Pennsylvania

Guide books and information on great trails around Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania
AMC's Best Day Hikes Near Philadelphi...
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60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Philadelphi...
$9.99  $8.0
Explorer's Guide 50 Hikes in Eastern ...
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Have you ever been to Tyler Arboretum?

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

Tyler Arboretum

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Updated: 11/05/2018, sockii
 
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jptanabe on 03/17/2015

It looks so lovely and green - very attractive after this long cold snowy winter!

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