(KIRTLAND) August 28, 2025 – When it comes to fall, the Holden Arboretum has it all! The season begins with a new signature exhibit, Skeleton Grove, featuring nearly a dozen 10- to 12-foot-tall skeletons decorated by local artists, and will keep the autumn fun rolling with the familiar favorite, Fall Forest Fest. The official start of the fall season is Monday, September 22. Enjoy unique fall experiences with engaging classes, fun family activities, and the best views of fall color in Northeast Ohio. Purchase tickets here. 

PHOTOS – COURTESY OF HOLDEN FORESTS & GARDENS 

EXHIBITS 

SKELETON GROVE  

Saturday, September 20 – Sunday, November 2 

NEW THIS YEAR! Nature will come alive in the most unexpected way this fall. Wander through Skeleton Grove at the Holden Arboretum, where ten artist-designed skeletons ranging in height from 10 to 12 feet strike playful poses among vibrant fall foliage. Guests can find these towering pieces throughout the Main Display Garden and in front of 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 opening day from 10 a.m. – noon to meet the local artists behind this year’s exhibit. Visitors can stroll through the Main Display Garden while they will learn more about the inspiration behind these playful skeleton scenes. Included with admission. 

FALL COLOR WATCH 

The Holden Arboretum will be a top spot to view fall colors. We will keep our color thermometer updated daily and feature the trees and plants showcasing their fall color best as the season progresses. Visit holdenfg.org for Color Watch updates.  

FALL FOREST FEST  

Saturday & Sunday, October 11 & 12, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.   

Enjoy festival feels at the Arboretum with marshmallow roasting, food trucks, crafts, and garden games. Check out our Spooky Science Lab to discover how weird and wild plants can be. New this year, get tickets for family-friendly mini tram tours so the whole family can see Skeleton Grove! Enjoy a variety of alcoholic (Saturday only) and non-alcoholic drinks for purchase. 

LEAF DISCOVERY TRAIL 

Starting on Saturday, September 20, 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. 

WINTER VILLAGE MARKETPLACE    

Saturday & Sunday, November 15 & 16, 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 with admission. 

EXPERIENCES 

KALBERER EMERGENT TOWER  

This fall favorite is not to be missed! Experience fall color from a new perspective at the Arboretum. The 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 among the warm autumn hues with the Murch Canopy Walk. The Canopy Walk invites guests to stroll along a 500-foot-long elevated walkway that rises 65 feet above the forest floor. Walk amongst 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. 

CLEVELAND ROSE SOCIETY SHOW 

Friday, September 5 – Sunday, September 7, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Enjoy gorgeous flowers and beautiful scents inside the Corning Visitor Center in partnership with The Northeastern Ohio Rose Society and the Cleveland Rose Society. Be sure not to miss these incredible roses, which are judged in accordance with the rules and classifications of the American Rose Society. Roses will be on display Friday – Sunday inside the Corning Visitor Center. Free with admission. 

CLASSES & HIKES 

• Fall Foray with the Ohio Mushroom Society  

Saturday, September 27 from 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Fall is perfect for fungi! Join us at the Long Science Center for a day dedicated to wild mushrooms and other fungi. We will start with an orientation to mushroom forays, then divide into small groups to search for fungi in Holden’s natural areas. We will reconvene in the afternoon to identify our findings with the help of field guides and experienced mycologists from Holden and the Ohio Mushroom Society. Cost: $30 per member, $40 per nonmember. Fall Foray Registration 

• Pierson Creek Hike  

Saturday, October 18 from 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Challenge yourself with a morning hike on our newest trails! Join 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  

Saturday, October 25 from 1 – 4:30 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 painting (16×20″ canvas) to take home. Cost: $48 per member, $63 per nonmember. Art with Heart Registration. 

The Holden Arboretum is open from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday and closed to the public on Mondays, except on Monday, October 13, 20 and 27 when the Arboretum will be open from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission is $21 for adults, $15 for children ages 3 – 12 and free for Holden Forests & Gardens members. 

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.