The Arboretum was founded in the 1930s as an approximately five-hectare sample area where those interested in cultivating foreign tree species could learn about the characteristics of the species and how they succeed in Finnish conditions. By 1938, 72 tree species had been planted in the park, most of them conifers. Different species of the same genus have been planted side by side so that they can be easily compared. Many of the tree species planted in the Arboretum grow as larger forest plantations elsewhere in the Research Park.

The Arboretum began to be restored and renewed in the early 1990s. At that time, 48 of the previously planted species remained. Since then, 16 new conifer species and 33 broadleaf species have been planted in the park. Additionally, the park features many special forms of native forest trees, such as golden, witch's broom, and snake spruces, as well as lobed-leaf birches and alders, and curly birches. The park currently grows over 100 tree species, plus subspecies, varieties, forms, and interspecies hybrids of some species. Following the renovations and extensions, the area of the Arboretum is seven hectares.