s

The Dawes Arboretum

MAP &
KEY LOCATIONS


Full Arboretum Map


The Dawes Arboretum’s nearly 2,000 acres has something for everyone. Hike our miles of trails, enjoy a drive through our Auto Tour, relax in our Japanese Garden or take in breathtaking views from the Observation Tower. Explore, experience and enjoy the beauty of over 15,000 living plants.


DOWNLOAD MAP (PDF)

Arboretum Audio Tours

DOWNLOAD NORTH TOUR DOWNLOAD SOUTH TOUR DOWNLOAD 2021 HISTORY CENTER TOUR

THE VISITORS CENTER


The Visitors Center is the perfect spot to begin your Arboretum adventure! At the center, you can get information, view current brochures, find restrooms and more! The gift shop, located in our Visitors Center, offers snacks and unique nature-themed gifts. Plus, our Discovery Center, located in the lower level of the Visitors Center, is a fun learning experience for the whole family! Kids enjoy the hands-on nature activities while adults can relax and enjoy the nearby Bird Watching Garden. The Center offers a unique opportunity to view a spotted turtle and more!

The Visitors Center is currently open Sunday through Thursday, 9am - 5pm and Friday and Saturday, 9am - 7:30pm.

GLACIER RIDGE


Take in a view from the top of Oak Hill, looking at the valley below where 10,000 years ago a glacier was located! Visit some magnificent tree collections including hollies, oaks, boxwoods, beeches and buckeyes. A magnificent destination during any season!

RED BARN RESERVE


A natural outdoor classroom for all ages, the Red Barn Reserve offers meadows, a pond, boardwalk, wetland, wooded areas and a rustic barn. Use the trails to explore the many ecosystems located in this area.

GARDEN GATEWAY


Discover some of our visitors' favorite areas including the All Seasons Garden, Japanese Garden, Azalea Glen, Learning Garden and the Cypress Swamp.

Escape to the Japanese Garden, a serene area artistically created with rocks, gravel, hills, a pond, flowing water, trees, shrubs and a stone path that crosses a reflecting pool.

Our Azalea Glen, located just south of the Visitors Center, is especially beautiful when in bloom during the spring season.

Our Learning Garden features an arbor, tables and chairs, raised beds of vegetables, an ADA-accessible walkway and beautiful plantings in the surrounding areas.

The Cypress Swamp is one of the northernmost examples of a bald-cypress swamps in North America. Come in late winter through spring if you are hoping to see Jefferson and Spotted Salamanders.

WOODLANDS


Hike through the Deep Woods and observe the native plants alongside the Woodland Garden trail. Relax in the gazebo and take in all the sights and sounds of nature.

ARBORETUM EAST


A vast natural area of unique cultural history, Arboretum East consists of woodlands, a pond, agriculture fields and a gorge. Our East Trails are suited for our more adventurous visitors. These trails are moderately difficult, mostly because of uneven terrain and seasonally wet and muddy areas.

DAWESWOOD


Beautiful display gardens and large maple trees are found in the oldest section of The Arboretum. This area also offers a glimpse into the lives of the Dawes family.

The Daweswood House Museum displays 19th and 20th century antiques and memorabilia from four of the Dawes Family’s five homes. The “Rathskeller” in the lower level of the house displays the shovels used by over 100 notable people who dedicated trees at The Arboretum, the earliest of whom left their initials on the Rathskeller ceiling with soot from a burning candle.

Click here to register for a 2022 Daweswood House Museum Tour!

DAWES LAKE


This area is located in the southern end of our Main Grounds. Discover trees and shrubs, deciduous and evergreen conifers, an 8-acre pond with an island and amazing hedge lettering.

The climb up our 36-foot Observation Tower is worth the visit in any season! Not only can you see for miles, but it’s the best view of our 2,040-foot-long Hedge Lettering, spelling out “Dawes Arboretum.”

DUTCH FORK WETLANDS


The Dutch Fork Wetlands’ diverse ecosystem is home to six pools, a meadow, observation deck and shelter house, as well as a variety of plants, birds, insects and mammals. Historically a natural wetland, this 70-acre gem was restored after being in agriculture for many decades.

PLANT SEARCH

View and find all the various plants currently in The Arboretum’s collection on Main Grounds.


Something for everyone. Individual or family. Beautiful fall foliage and currently a scarecrow contest on display. Oh and enchanting wind sculptures on display. Nice!
The Dawes Arboretum
5
2020-10-13T14:49:37-04:00
Something for everyone. Individual or family. Beautiful fall foliage and currently a scarecrow contest on display. Oh and enchanting wind sculptures on display. Nice!
Such a beautiful place around fall time!! Gives you something different to do!!
The Dawes Arboretum
5
2020-10-13T14:59:25-04:00
Such a beautiful place around fall time!! Gives you something different to do!!
5
2
The Dawes Arboretum