Now that it’s nearly fall, it’s time to check out our favorite autumn spots. High on the list is the lovely Holden Arboretum.
The season opens with the return of Skeleton Grove on Sat., Sept. 19, featuring over a dozen towering 12-foot-tall skeletons decorated by local artists, and will keep the autumn rolling with Skeleton Saturdays festivities every Saturday in October. The official start of the fall season is Sunday, Sept. 20. Enjoy stunning views of fall foliage along with a selection of engaging classes, fun family activities and festive fall events.
KALBERER EMERGENT TOWER
Experience fall color from a new perspective at the Arboretum. The Kalberer Emergent Tower is 120 feet or approximately 12 stories tall and provides a breathtaking view of the surrounding area all the way to Lake Erie. The tower is open 10 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday until the end of October. Through November it is open weekends only (weather permitting) from 10 a.m. – 3:45 p.m. Free with admission.
MURCH CANOPY WALK
Immerse yourself in warm autumn hues with the Murch Canopy Walk. The Murch Canopy Walk lets visitors stroll along a 500-foot-long elevated walkway that rises 65 feet above the forest floor. Walk among the treetops. It is the best place to see Instagram-worthy fall foliage. The walk is open 10 a.m. – 4:45 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday until the end of October. Through November it is open weekends only (weather permitting) from 10 a.m. – 3:45 p.m. Free with admission.
TRAM TOURS
Sit back and tour the Holden Arboretum in a new way. These 45-minute tours give guests an overview of the grounds and gardens with a focus on the changing fall color. You’ll also learn a little history and get a sneak peek into some of the scientific work that happens behind the scenes. Private tram tours are also available for social, community, and corporate groups. Tram tours are available for in-person purchase only.
SKELETON GROVE TRAM TOUR
Wednesdays & Saturdays; Sept. 29 – Oct. 31
Whether you’re already a fan of our perennially popular Seasonal Highlights Tram Tour or new to the Holden Arboretum, our latest offering, the Skeleton Grove Guided Tour, offers guests of all ages the opportunity to visit each installation with minimal walking on paved paths or grass. This limited-time experience is a one-hour-long hybrid tram and walking tour with a final stop at the Murch Canopy Walk! Registration in person only at the Corning Visitor Center.
EXHIBITS & EVENTS
SKELETON GROVE
Sat., Sept. 19 – Sun., Nov. 1
Nature will come alive in the most unexpected way this fall. Wander through Skeleton Grove at the Holden Arboretum, where 14 artist-designed 12-foot skeletons strike playful poses among vibrant fall foliage. Guests can find these towering pieces throughout the Main Display Garden and in front of the Corning Visitor Center. Skeleton Grove is equal parts spooky and spectacular! This exhibit is included with admission.
SKELETON GROVE ARTIST MEET & GREET
Join us on Friday, Sept. 18 from 5 – 7:30 pm, for a special preview of this year’s Skeleton Grove. Visitors can stroll through the Main Display Garden to talk with the artists behind this year’s exhibit and learn about the inspiration behind these playful skeleton scenes. Guests will be able to purchase tacos and nachos from the Barrio Food Truck and can enjoy both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for purchase. Cost: $15 per Member Adult, $25 per Nonmember Adult. Skeleton Grove Artist Meet & Greet Registration.
SKELETON SATURDAYS
New this year, Skeleton Saturdays invite guests to celebrate the season each Saturday in October from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Visitors can meet the artists behind this year’s Skeleton Grove, enjoy a complimentary professional family photo against the Arboretum’s scenic fall backdrop, and explore the Leaf Trail while enjoying a fun, family-friendly activity along the way. Greensward Lawn will feature lawn games, and food will be available for purchase from Barrio Tacos and Off the Griddle food trucks throughout the month. Included with admission.
LEAF DISCOVERY TRAIL
Starting Sept. 22, appreciate the beauty of fall color by learning about leaf and tree identification at the Holden Arboretum! Pick up a brochure at the Corning Visitor Center and follow the Leaf Trail, an immersive autumn leaf identification activity. Learn how to identify the trees around you by collecting leaves and organizing them by their characteristics, as well as identifying 26 deciduous trees, including tulip trees, dawn redwoods, and pawpaws, marked with numbered tags on the grounds. Included with admission.
CLEVELAND ROSE SOCIETY ROSE SHOW
Celebrate the beauty and artistry of roses on Saturday & Sunday, Sept. 26 & 27, at the Cleveland Rose Society Rose Show. Alongside the floral exhibits, this event will include select family-friendly children’s activities, offering additional ways for visitors of all ages to enjoy the day. Included with general admission.
FALL COLOR WATCH
The Holden Arboretum will be a top spot to view fall colors. We will keep our color thermometer updated regularly and feature the trees and plants showcasing their fall color best as the season progresses. Visit holdenfg.org for Color Watch updates.
OHIO’S TREE FARM OF THE YEAR TOUR
The Working Woods Learning Forest at the Holden Arboretum has been awarded the Ohio Tree Farm of the Year award. On Saturday, Sept. 12 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., we welcome all visitors to join us at the Working Wood Learning Forest for an enjoyable and informative day in the woods celebrating this accomplishment. The day is packed with guided walking tours, educational talks, live demonstrations, interactive displays, and dedicated kids’ activities. This event is free for the public. Registration is required. Ohio’s Tree Farm of the Year Registration.
WINTER VILLAGE MARKETPLACE
Sat. & Sun., Nov. 14 & 15, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
A cozy winter marketplace — indoors. Guests are invited to browse seasonal selections from a
curated group of local artisans while enjoying the warmth of a roaring fire. A variety of
beverages will be available for purchase, including alcoholic options on Saturday only, as well as
non-alcoholic offerings. This nature-inspired marketplace experience is included in admission.
CLASSES & HIKES
Fall Foray with the Ohio Mushroom Society
New in 2026: our annual one-day foray has evolved into a weekend of learning! Join us for a weekend dedicated to wild mushrooms and other fungi. Day 1 (Sat., Sept. 26) will begin with an orientation to mushroom forays before breaking into smaller groups to explore and gather fungi specimens from Holden’s natural areas. Reconvene on Day 2 (Sun., Sept. 27) to learn all about mushroom ID as we sort and identify our collections with the help of field guides and experienced mycologists from Holden Arboretum and the Ohio Mushroom Society. Cost: Single day (Saturday or Sunday): $28 per member, $38 per nonmember. Full weekend: $45 per member, $60 per nonmember. Fall Foray Registration.
Pierson Creek Hike
Sat., Oct. 10 from 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., join the Holden Arboretum staff for a challenging hike through the stunning forest ecosystems of the Pierson Creek Valley. This woodland area was closed to the public for years before opening with newly imagined trails in Fall 2024 thanks to our hardworking trail crew and volunteers. Age:
Adult, teens 16 & over with adult. Cost $10 per member, $20 per nonmember. Pierson Creek Hike Registration.
Art with Heart: Fall Nature Paint & Snack
Sat., Oct. 7 from 4 – 7 p.m., Unwind with a beginner-friendly afternoon of art at Holden Arboretum. Local artist M.E. Kuzma will guide participants through acrylic painting techniques while highlighting the benefits of creative engagement and mindfulness. Enjoy a drink, light refreshments, and fun conversation as you complete a beautiful bird-themed painting (16×20′′ canvas) to take home. Cost: $49 per member, $64 per nonmember. Art with Heart Registration.
About the Holden Arboretum and Holden Forests & Gardens
The Holden Arboretum, located east of Cleveland in Kirtland, Ohio, sprawls over an enchanting expanse of land in Lake and Geauga Counties and offers gardens, trails, lakes and meadows. The Holden Arboretum is part of Holden Forests & Gardens along with the Cleveland Botanical Garden in Cleveland’s University Circle cultural district. Holden Forests & Gardens is making a positive impact through urban greening and forestry initiatives, environmental research, educational programs, and world-class visitor experiences at its two campuses. For more
information, visit holdenfg.org.
