Fair Hills Arboretum
Rate this placeNearby: Lake Julia Park Daisy Knoll Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Fair Hills Arboretum is a beautiful and serene destination located in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota.
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Summary
The arboretum is a sprawling 120-acre property that is home to over 500 species of plants and trees. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful walk through the grounds while taking in the breathtaking scenery.
One of the main reasons to visit the Fair Hills Arboretum is its diverse collection of plants and trees. The arboretum is home to a wide variety of trees including oak, maple, aspen, and birch, as well as a number of exotic species. Visitors can also explore the various gardens, including the butterfly garden and the native plant garden.
In addition to the impressive plant life, the arboretum is also home to several points of interest. The Japanese garden is a popular attraction, featuring a tranquil pond and a traditional tea house. The arboretum also has several hiking trails, including the Lakeside Trail which offers stunning views of Pelican Lake.
Interesting facts about the Fair Hills Arboretum include its history as a golf course in the early 1900s, and its transformation into an arboretum in the 1990s. The arboretum is also a popular location for bird watching, with over 170 species of birds spotted on the property.
The best time of year to visit the Fair Hills Arboretum is during the summer months, when the gardens are in full bloom and the weather is ideal for outdoor activities. However, visitors can also enjoy the arboretum during the fall when the leaves change color, and in the winter when the grounds are covered in snow, making for a stunning winter wonderland.
Overall, the Fair Hills Arboretum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in nature and outdoor activities. The diverse collection of plants and trees, combined with the tranquil atmosphere, make for a truly unforgettable experience.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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