There are so many things to do in the Shenandoah Valley! We love exploring the area, and one of our favorite stops was the arboretum at JMU.
This FREE garden is gorgeous to walk through, offers a variety of fun activities for kids, and provides a perfect, peaceful way to spend an hour or two.
We visited over Independence Day weekend, and it wasn’t too busy. It may be busier during the school year, especially in late summer and early spring. But it’s worth the visit!
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About the Arboretum at JMU
In 1964, Dr. Norlyn Bodkin, a botany professor at JMU, began using the woods that would become the arboretum for educational purposes. He then began advocating for an arboretum in the 1970s, and by 1989, the arboretum opened to the public.
The first phase of the arboretum was 26 acres, but it has since expanded to 125 acres, featuring 16 exhibit gardens and over 3 miles of trails (a mix of paved, wood-chip, and packed-dirt surfaces) for visitors to explore.
What to Know Before Your Visit to the Arboretum at JMU
Location
The Edith J Carrier Arboretum is located in Harrisonburg, VA. It’s about 30 minutes from the Swift Gap Entrance of Shenandoah National Park, making it a perfect addition to your visit.
Parking
There are three parking lots you can use to access the arboretum at James Madison University.
The largest lot is the JMU R-5 lot at 664 University Blvd. This lot typically holds around 100 cars, although it can become full when school is in session.
Two smaller lots are also found off University Blvd. The first one is across the street from Cisat Service Drive, and the other is across from Driver Drive. Both are very small and hold about 5-10 cars.
Admission
It is FREE to visit the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum at JMU, making it one of the best things to do in the Shenandoah Valley!
Hours
The grounds are open every day from dawn to dusk. The Frances Plecker Educational Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 am until 4 pm.
Restrooms
There are bathrooms available next to the family garden (#1 on the map) and the educational center (#4 on the map).
Picnic Tables
Pack in lunch or dinner and eat among the gorgeous gardens. Picnic tables are available next to the family garden (#1 on the map) and the educational center (#4 on the map).
Pets
Leashed dogs are allowed at the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum.
Can’t Miss Features at the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum
Before your visit, download a map of the arboretum.
Family Garden
If you’re visiting the arboretum with kids, the first thing you’ll want to make is the Family Garden (#1 on the map). Here, kids will find plenty of things to climb on and explore, like a giant spider web, a hobbit house, and more. There is even a wooden troll overseeing the area!
Story Walk
Added in 2023, the Story Walk is a short trail that roams through the oak-hickory forest and ends at the Reading Roost (a small area with benches and Little Free Libraries). Stories are updated every few months, so be sure to come back to read a new one along the way!
The Pond
The showstopper of the arboretum at JMU is the pond and the surrounding gardens. The pond itself is beautiful, with an arched bridge crossing it on its east side. You won’t want to skip the gardens around the pond, including the wetlands and the perennial gardens.
The Labyrinth
Recently renewed in 2025, the meditative labyrinth comprises stone slabs with greenery in between. It’s a beautiful spot to sit, meditate, and unwind.
Arboretum at JMU Wrap-Up
If you’re visiting Harrisonburg, whether as a student or tourist, you’ll want to stop by the Edith J Carrier Arboretum!
Sometimes free arboretums don’t feel very special, but this place is truly magical. The many gardens and trails provide a peaceful and meditative space to escape from the hubbub of the town and school.
Other Things to Do Nearby
There are so many things to do in the Shenandoah Valley! Close to Harrisonburg, you can find skiing and an indoor waterpark (and so much more) at the Massanutten Resort.
Just south of Harrisonburg in Staunton is the Frontier Culture Museum. This outdoor living history museum features houses brought over from Germany, Ireland, and England, sharing the story of what life was like before and after the settlers arrived in America.
Of course, we love visiting the many caverns in the area, including Shenandoah Caverns, which is about 30 minutes from Harrisonburg.
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