I know what you’re doing: sitting in class, perusing the Onward State website, hoping to find something distracting. Luckily for you, I have a gem to share.

In five minutes you can travel through the eight-month process of constructing the arboretum. Through the rain, the sun, and the snow, members of the design and construction team soiled — I mean toiled — away to create the beautiful scenic spot that exists today.

The Arboretum Time-Lapse

Another aspect of the Arboretum is the H.O. Smith Botanic Gardens, which opened in April of 2010. The namesake of the gardens, H.O. Smith, graduated from Penn State in 1920. He went on to become a State College contractor and real estate developer.

Smith’s son, Charles, a 1948 graduate of PSU, made the initial donation of $10 million to start the Arboretum project in 2007.

Planning for the project dates back to 1996 when the Arboretum Task Force was established by Penn State.

Complete with benches, a fountain that rivals the one outside the forum, and open grassy areas, the Arboretum and Botanic Gardens provide a sweet escape for those looking to enjoy the outdoors.

About the Author

Caity Rogowski

I'm quite odd, a little creepy, and pretty awkward, but we'd probably get along.

In real life I'm a THON 2011 Supply Logistics Captain, a Homecoming 2010 Public Relations Captain, a member of Zeta Tau Alpha, a dancer in ETCH Dance Co. and I tweet a lot.

How Centre County Voted In The 2026 Midterm Elections

Centre County saw a 55.32% voter turnout rate in the general election.

Man Accused of Stealing Vehicle From State College Hotel & Driving Drunk

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for November 12.

‘Blood In The Water’: Penn State Football Cornerback Audavion Collins & Secondary Elevating Surrounding Units

“He does a good job of making everyone else around him better because he’s the hardest-working guy on the field at all times.”