To maintain our beautiful grounds and protect the thousands of species of plants and animals that inhabit our acreage, we ask that each of our visitors read and follow the guidelines listed below.
- Be respectful of the plants and trees at all times. Do not enter flower beds, climb tree branches, damage trees and plants or enter areas that are fenced off.
- Exit The Arboretum by the designated closing time
- Do not litter. Take your trash and recyclables with you or use the trash cans and recycling bins at the Visitors Center and Main Shelter house.
- Collecting plant materials including but not limited to leaves, branches, fruits, nuts and mushrooms is not permitted.
- Be respectful of wildlife at all times. Do not feed, harass or collect wildlife on Arboretum grounds.
- Do not move tables, benches, decorative pots, lawn furniture, traffic cones and other materials placed by Arboretum staff.
- Pets must be kept on leashes. Clean up pet waste and dispose of in a trash can. Do not allow pets to urinate on labeled plants.
- Keep bicycles off of grass and dirt trails. Bicycles are prohibited in the Japanese Garden. Please note, we allow class 1 and 2 ebikes on Arboretum roads, following posted speed limits.
- Sledding, flying discs, roller skates, skateboards, hammocks, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are not permitted.
Alcohol is not permitted on Arboretum Grounds.
- Park vehicles in designated parking areas only.
- Visitor vehicles are not permitted on walking trails.
- The speed limit on Arboretum roads is 15 mph.
- Keep dogs out of all ponds, bodies of water and the Conifer Glen.
- Recreational drones and drone photography are prohibited.
- Grills and fires are prohibited.
- Guests are required to wear appropriate attire at all times. The Dawes Arboretum reserves the right to deny Arboretum access to guests wearing articles of clothing that may be taken as profane, vulgar, racist, sexist, or sexually suggestive, including slogans/illustrations.
- A manual wheelchair is available at the Visitor Center, free of charge, on a first-come, first-served basis. A photo ID is required and will be held for the duration of the loan. Please check in with the Visitor Center staff as soon as you arrive to check availability and check out the wheelchair. Please note, wheelchair availability may be limited and should only be used on paved trails.
- Effective January 1, 2023, The Dawes Arboretum is a tobacco-free establishment. This will apply to all indoor and outdoor areas of The Arboretum. Learn More