High Definition
A lofty, peaceful place to see the city
Photo: Les Wood
G
et a great free view of Boston’s skyline in a bucolic setting far away from honking cars and rushing crowds. Just bike, jog, or stroll along the tree-lined paths of the Arnold Arboretum up to 240-foot-high Peters Hill, where you can plop down on the grass and just enjoy the tranquility that’s just minutes from downtown, but feels like it’s miles away. Geiger
Shhhh! In 1872, Harvard and the city of Boston reached a deal under which the university would
rent the Arnold Arboretum for 1,000 years at
$1 a year. The agreement took eight years to negotiate, since neither party trusted the other.
rent the Arnold Arboretum for 1,000 years at
$1 a year. The agreement took eight years to negotiate, since neither party trusted the other.
Shhhh! The first director bequeathed $30,000 to the Arnold Arboretum, which will be worth $100 million when it becomes available in 2027.
Because Harvard really needs the money.
Because Harvard really needs the money.
Shhhh! Great secret from an MSB groupie: Enter
the arboretum at Arborough Road on the back side of
Peters Hill, which only the locals know is a great place
to bring your dog, or just to watch everybody else's.
the arboretum at Arborough Road on the back side of
Peters Hill, which only the locals know is a great place
to bring your dog, or just to watch everybody else's.
Shhh who knew
Harvard built the Arnold Arboretum in Jamaica Plain because there was no room for a botanical garden in Cambridge. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow offered his property off Brattle Street, but that’s because there were plans to build a slaughterhouse that would have spoiled his view of the Charles.
125 Arborway
Jamaica Plain,
MA,
617.524.1718
02130
Find on a map|Get directions.
These lines serve the Arboretum. Click to find more secrets on your route.
16 Bus, 21 Bus, 30 Bus, 31 Bus, 32 Bus, 34 Bus, 34E Bus, 35 Bus, 36 Bus, 38 Bus, 39 Bus, 40 Bus, 41 Bus, 42 Bus, 51 Bus, Forest Hills/Orange Line
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