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Bismarck Rotary Arboretum
Bismarck Rotary ArboretumBuilt on a DreamRotary Park was originally established in Bismarck in 1941. The idea of adding an arboretum to the park began with two Rotarians—George Bird and John Hjelle—who dreamed of creating a place to honor North Dakota’s native trees and inspire future generations. The arboretum was first planted on land that’s now part of the Tom O’Leary Golf Course. But when that land was repurposed in 1994, Bismarck Industries offered a nearby parcel to the Bismarck Parks and Recreation District—with one request: that it be used by the Rotary Club to continue their arboretum project. That land became the arboretum’s new home.
A New Chapter in 1994The arboretum wasn’t always here. It started on land now part of the golf course, but when that area was repurposed in 1994, Bismarck Industries offered a nearby piece of land to the Bismarck Parks and Recreation District—with one request: that it be used by the Rotary Club to continue their arboretum project. That land became the arboretum’s new home.
Strong Roots, Shared VisionThe site is a partnership between the Bismarck Rotary Club, the Bismarck Parks and Recreation District, and the Bismarck Forestry Department. It’s a lasting example of what can happen when local organizations work together for the good of the community.
Powered by VolunteersIn 2007 and 2008, Rotary members and local Boy Scouts spent hundreds of hours restoring the arboretum. With club funds and a matching grant from the Bismarck Parks and Recreation District, they added new plantings, signs, and improvements to the walking paths—helping this special place continue to grow for future generations.
How to Get ThereTen peaceful acres in the heart of Bismarck.
Tucked inside the Tom O’Leary Golf Course, the Bismarck Rotary Arboretum is a quiet place to walk, reflect, and reconnect with nature—just off Ward Road, a short drive south of Divide Avenue.
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