x
Breaking News
More () »

Rediscover Arizona: Take a stroll through Boyce Thompson Arboretum

One of Arizona's top tourist destinations is celebrating its centennial.

SUPERIOR, Ariz. — One of Arizona's top tourist destinations is celebrating its centennial!

Boyce Thompson Arboretum is Arizona's oldest and largest botanical garden! It spans about 340 acres of breathtaking landscapes, filled with around 20,000 different plants and spectacular views of Picket Post Mountain.

The arboretum is on the National Register of Historic Places and is also one of the oldest botanical institutions west of the Mississippi River.

You can spend the day strolling through winding trails with hidden gardens, rope bridges, a lake and historic buildings.

There is year-round beauty to behold here. Every season showcases a different stunning spectacle: from spring's blooms to summer's lush greenery, fall's vibrant colors, and winter's bird migration.

Boyce Thompson Arboretum was founded in 1924 by Colonel William Boyce Thompson as Arizona's first nonprofit research institution. One hundred years later, it continues to be a destination dedicated to the growth, research, exhibition and education of plants from around the world.

Also a haven for wildlife, Audubon Southwest recognizes Boyce Thompson Arboretum as part of the "Arizona Important Bird Areas."

>> Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.

Get to know 12News 

At 12News, we listen, we seek, we solve for all Arizonans. 12News is the Phoenix NBC affiliate owned by TEGNA Inc. 

12News is built on a legacy of trust.  We serve more than 4.6 million people every month on air, on our 12News app, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and 12News.com

We are committed to serving all of the Valley's communities, because we live here, too.  

12News is the Official Home of the Arizona Cardinals and the proud recipient of the 2018 Rocky Mountain Emmy Award for Overall Excellence. 

Stay connected by downloading the 12News app, available on Google Play and the Apple Store.  Catch up on any stories you missed on the show on the 12News Youtube channel. Read content curated for our Spanish-speaking audience on the Español page. Or see us on the 12News Plus app available on Roku or Amazon Fire. 

Rediscover Arizona

Take a look at some of the most unique and iconic spots in the Grand Canyon State on the 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe today.

Before You Leave, Check This Out