The campus grounds of the University of Iowa are an accredited arboretum, showcasing an exceptional variety of trees and woody plant species including over 8,000 trees of over 300 total species, historic and rare trees, and several state champion trees including the State Champion American Elm, Dawn Redwood, and Scarlet Oak. While its primary function is to support the educational mission of the University of Iowa, the Arboretum is also open for the public to enjoy. The trees and shrubs in the collection are chosen following the guidelines of the tree collection policy.

Seven current or former State Champion trees:

A Literary Grove featuring trees with connections to famous authors at the world-famous International Writers' Workshop

A Ginkgo collection with over 75 cultivars located on the southeast side of Hancher Auditorium

An orchard featuring rare and historic fruit trees located near the Hawkeye Tennis and Recreation Complex along Hawkeye Park Road

Two American Conifer Society Reference Gardens located outside Halsey Hall and the Eckstein Medical Research Building

A quercetum with 60+ species of Oaks located on the UI Research Campus off of Oakdale Boulevard

A rare, Anne Frank Horse Chestnut sapling, which the UI will welcome officially in April of 2022.  There are currently thirteen sites across the U.S. that are home to saplings from the original chestnut tree, with the Iowa City sapling as the most recent planting.

UI Arboretum Story Map

View a visual story map of the UI Campus Arboretum to learn more about our collection gardens, state-champion trees, and more.

Tree Locations

The Tree Inventory App is an effective tool for exploring trees on the UI campus. Use the map to find number, location, size, species, and status of trees.

Tree Tours

The Pentacrest Museums offers guided strolls on campus featuring the ecological variations, symbolism, history, and lore of the trees. These nature walk & talks provide an opportunity for discovery, restoration, mindfulness, and movement. Check the Pentacrest Museums website for upcoming Tree Tours.