Specialty Crop

The High Plains Arboretum is a 62-acre historic site at the USDA High Plains Grasslands Research Station west of Cheyenne. Many hardy trees and shrubs, including fruit and berry varieties, along with flowers, were tested here for survival on the High Plains from the 1930s through 1974. Researchers at the station also developed new varieties of plants that were suited to the area’s harsh climate.

In 2000, the Friends of the High Plains Arboretum formed to help protect the site and care for the surviving trees and shrubs, including a large collection of historic trees and an apple orchard. The master plan, designed by noted Colorado landscape architect Herb Schaal, envisions an interpretive center, pathways, and trails; event spaces; parking; and more. The group operates as a sub-committee of the nonprofit Friends of the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens (see CBG listing above). Overseeing forestry maintenance at the arboretum is the City of Cheyenne Urban Forestry Division.

The website below includes a link that takes readers to a site map and legend that includes all of the trees and shrubs at the arboretum. Visitors are welcome, but should contact the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens to schedule a tour.