Arboretum raises admission fee

As of June 1, it’s going cost you a couple more bucks to visit the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.

By Kim Palmer

Last update: May 29, 2009 - 10:39 AM

As of June 1, it’s going cost you a couple more bucks to visit the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.

Adult admission to the Arb’s public gardens is now $9, up from $7, the fee since 2003. Children up to age 15 will continue to be admitted free. The fee hike was prompted by results of a survey comparing admission to arboretums nationwide and to other Twin Cities museums and institutions, according to Judy Hohmann, manager of marketing and public relations.

“We were under-priced,” she said. We’re still a very affordable destination.” Facility-rental income from business meetings and conferences has dipped, she said, “a sign of the times,” and the Arb needed additional revenue sources.

“Last year we had record attendance — 300,000 people — and we saw potential to have a bigger revenue stream,” she said.

But for those on a tight budget, the Arb continues to offer free admission on Thursdays after 4:30 p.m., Hohmann said. KIM PALMER

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