Dawes Arboretum
Explore nearly 2,000 acres of diverse plant collections, themed gardens, and miles of trails at this stunning arboretum.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blooming flowers & fewer crowds
Dawes Arboretum
Best Time
Blooming flowers & fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore nearly 2,000 acres of diverse plant collections, themed gardens, and miles of trails at this stunning arboretum.
"An absolute treasure offering peace, tranquility, and harmony for everyone."
📚 Library Culture Pass
Check your local library for a Culture Pass for free admission for up to six people! :ticket:
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be doing a lot of walking on paved and dirt trails, so wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Japanese Garden
Central area
A tranquil oasis with a serene pond and traditional architecture, offering a peaceful escape.
Observation Tower
Near the Visitors Center
Climb for a breathtaking panoramic view of the grounds, including the iconic hedge letters.
Storybook Woods
Wooded trails
An enchanting area with beautiful flowers and a mix of young and old trees, perfect for imaginative strolls.
Big Bugs Exhibit
Various locations
Discover larger-than-life insect sculptures scattered throughout the grounds, a fun surprise for all ages.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Culture Pass for Savings
Plan Your Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📚 Library Culture Pass
Check your local library for a Culture Pass for free admission for up to six people! :ticket:
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be doing a lot of walking on paved and dirt trails, so wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
🚗 Auto Tour Option
If walking extensively isn't ideal, take advantage of the auto tour for a scenic drive.
📅 Check for Exhibits
The arboretum frequently hosts art installations and special exhibits; check their website!
Tips
from all over the internet
📚 Library Culture Pass
Check your local library for a Culture Pass for free admission for up to six people! :ticket:
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be doing a lot of walking on paved and dirt trails, so wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
🚗 Auto Tour Option
If walking extensively isn't ideal, take advantage of the auto tour for a scenic drive.
📅 Check for Exhibits
The arboretum frequently hosts art installations and special exhibits; check their website!
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring water, especially on warmer days, as you'll be exploring vast grounds. :droplet:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Dawes Arboretum as a treasure, highlighting its vast beauty, diverse plant collections, and well-maintained grounds. Many appreciate the peaceful atmosphere, the variety of trails, and special features like the Japanese Garden and observation tower. The affordability, especially with library passes, and the engaging exhibits make it a highly recommended destination for all ages.
""Dawes Arboretum is an absolute treasure! Whether you're looking for a peaceful stroll, a challenging hike, or a beautiful place to learn about nature, this place has it all. The diverse plant collections, including the stunning Japanese Garden and the unique cypress swamp, offer something new to discover with every visit. I especially love the auto tour for a relaxed experience, and climbing the observation tower for that amazing view of the hedge letters is a must. It's clear how much care goes into maintaining the grounds. A truly enriching and beautiful experience for all ages!""
Buckeye Bug Services
"We are traveling in the area. Decided to check this place out. So happy we did. I know we missed things. So we will be back here before we leave. They have paved and dirt trails. Have a little gift shop. Employees were very knowledgeable and helpful. Plenty of parking."
Linda Johnson
"My wife and I visited Columbus recently and I found out about this place after looking for something peaceful and pleasant to do outdoors on our way home as we always do on road trips. Before we stopped we had some idea of the scale of this place, but when we actually got there it was truly mind blowing. The grounds are so vast and so beautiful we spent the entire day and learned a lot about trees and the various plants.
I also booked a tour of the house ahead of time. We learned a lot of history on the tour and our guide was extremely knowledgeable and super friendly. Plus the tour itself is very detailed and they show you more of the house than I was expecting (including an amazing surprise in the basement). I can’t recommend highly enough.
It’s a lot of walking because the grounds cover thousands of acres all of which is absolutely stunning, so plan accordingly. There is also an “auto tour” around the arboretum, with places along the way to pull off and take in the sights and fresh air.
It’s amazing the dedication and care that all of their marvelous staff puts into maintaining this treasure including past caretakers (who are thoughtfully and graciously memorialized in one of the outbuildings telling you about the history of the arboretum and the people who established it).
Some of the cool things that we saw there have inspired us in our own gardening endeavors at home as well. We will be returning again and again! We absolutely LOVED The Dawes Arboretum. I told all of my family about it as well, because I think everyone should enjoy their splendid green spaces, fresh air, and tall trees (especially for how low the price of admission was). If you’re a tree lover, a gardener, or you just appreciate the great outdoors and aesthetic beauty in general, this is the place for you. Actually it’s the place for everybody, because it is impossible not to find peace, tranquility, and harmony while strolling their forested trails and beautiful gardens. We could all use some of that in our lives and the Dawes Arboretum certainly provides."
Benjamin Turlik
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Dawes Arboretum is located in Newark, Ohio. It's about a 45-minute drive east of Columbus.
Public transport options to Dawes Arboretum are limited. It is best accessed by car.
From Columbus, take I-70 East to OH-79 North towards Newark. Take the exit for OH-16 East and follow signs for The Dawes Arboretum.
Yes, there is plenty of parking available at Dawes Arboretum, making it easy for visitors arriving by car.
Yes, you can use GPS navigation systems. The address is 349 W Main St, Newark, OH 43055.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices are very reasonable. Check their official website for current pricing, but it's generally considered a low-cost option for the value.
Yes! Many local libraries offer a Culture Pass that covers admission for up to six people for two weeks. It's a great way to save money. :ticket:
The arboretum's hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date opening and closing times before your visit.
While not always required, booking in advance, especially for special events or tours, is recommended. For general admission, walk-ins are usually fine, but check their website.
Yes, Dawes Arboretum offers various membership levels, which can be a great option if you plan to visit multiple times a year.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the stunning Japanese Garden, the panoramic views from the Observation Tower, and the enchanting Storybook Woods.
Absolutely! Dawes Arboretum features miles of well-maintained paved and dirt trails, catering to various fitness levels.
Typically, pets are not allowed in the arboretum to protect the plant collections. Always check their specific pet policy before visiting. (Note: This TikTok refers to the National Arboretum, but policies are often similar.)
Yes, an 'auto tour' is available, allowing you to drive through parts of the arboretum and stop at scenic points.
Dawes Arboretum frequently hosts unique exhibits, such as 'Big Bugs' sculptures, art installations like 'Artisans at the Arboretum,' and monumental bamboo structures.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Dawes Arboretum has a gift shop that may offer light snacks or beverages. It's advisable to bring your own food for a picnic.
Yes, picnic areas are available, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely outdoor meal surrounded by nature.
Newark, Ohio, has several local restaurants and cafes offering various dining options if you prefer to eat out.
The gift shop typically offers souvenirs and possibly some pre-packaged snacks or drinks. It's not a full-service cafe.
For a more extensive meal, packing your own picnic is recommended. Snacks are available at the gift shop.
📸 📸 Photography
The Japanese Garden, the Observation Tower view, and the diverse plant collections offer stunning photographic opportunities.
Yes, photography is generally encouraged for personal use. However, commercial photography may require special permits.
Drone usage is typically restricted in arboretums to ensure the safety of visitors and the preservation of the environment. Check their specific policy. (Note: This TikTok refers to the National Arboretum, but policies are often similar.)
Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light, ideal for capturing the beauty of the gardens and landscapes.
Photography of special exhibits is usually allowed, but always check signage or ask staff if you're unsure.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The Storybook Woods also sparks imagination, and the vast grounds offer plenty of space for kids to explore and burn energy. For a more structured experience, look into any educational programs or guided tours that might be available, as these are often designed to be engaging for younger audiences. The auto tour can also be a great way to keep little ones entertained if they prefer staying in the car for parts of the visit.
💰 Budget Travelers
Beyond free admission, packing your own picnic lunch is a great way to save money on food.
The arboretum's beauty and extensive grounds offer hours of enjoyment without requiring expensive activities. Consider visiting during off-peak times or weekdays for a more serene experience without additional cost. 🚶♀️ Nature Enthusiasts & Gardeners
Explore the meticulously maintained themed gardens, from the tranquil Japanese Garden to the impressive Redwood section, and draw inspiration for your own gardening projects. Don't miss the opportunity to learn about the arboretum's history and conservation efforts through guided tours or by reading the informative displays.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Grounds: Trails and Tours
For those who enjoy a deeper dive, the arboretum is meticulously organized into various themed gardens and collections. Highlights include the serene Japanese Garden, known for its tranquil pond and traditional elements, and the impressive Redwood section, offering a sense of awe.
The grounds are a testament to the dedication and care of the staff, with past caretakers thoughtfully memorialized, adding a layer of historical appreciation to the visit. Beyond the permanent collections, Dawes Arboretum frequently hosts engaging temporary exhibits. These can range from large-scale art installations like the 'Big Bugs' sculptures or 'Artisans at the Arboretum' murals, to monumental bamboo structures.
+2 These temporary features add an exciting, ever-changing dimension to the visitor experience, making each visit potentially unique.A Living Museum: Plant Collections and History
The plant collections are diverse, featuring everything from young saplings to ancient trees, providing a rich educational experience for visitors interested in botany and horticulture. The history of Dawes Arboretum is deeply intertwined with the vision of its founders. The historic home on the property offers guided tours that delve into the arboretum's past, revealing the stories of the people who established and maintained this treasure.
Visitors often find inspiration for their own gardening endeavors after exploring the diverse flora at Dawes. The themed gardens and unique plant species can spark creativity and provide practical ideas for home landscapes.
Salamander Season: A Unique Natural Event
During Salamander Season, the arboretum often features programming and updates from experts like 'Doug the Salamander Guy,' providing insights into the migration patterns and ecological importance of salamanders.
This natural phenomenon adds an extra layer of wonder to a visit, especially for families and nature enthusiasts. It highlights Dawes Arboretum's role not just as a beautiful garden, but as a vital center for ecological study and public engagement with the natural world.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit