Welcome Center
The Dawes Arboretum is breaking ground on a new $17 million Welcome Center in 2026.
This project was fully funded by The Arboretum's endowment, trustees and staff.
Please note, all artist renderings of the Welcome Center are conceptual and subject to change.
Expanded Amenities
The Welcome Center will provide expanded amenities for every visitor to enjoy.
It will have triple the amount of restrooms available in the current Visitors Center, a 50% increase in retail space, a fireplace, a quick food service area and a casual seating area. It will have an expansive deck overlooking the Japanese Garden, perfect for relaxing during a visit at The Arboretum.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the designer of this project?
The designer of this project is MA Design.
When is Dawes breaking ground on this project?
Dawes will be breaking ground on the Welcome Center in late summer or early fall of 2026.
How long is the project going to take?
This project is estimated to take 18-24 months to complete.
What will happen to the current Visitors Center?
The current Visitors Center will be reimagined as a Discovery Center with educational and programming opportunities.
What will happen to the plants and trees that surround the area of the Welcome Center?
The Dawes Arboretum is committed to keeping as many trees as possible. Any large trees that must be removed are being salvaged for building materials. For the plants that need to be moved, they will be transplanted to different areas on the grounds.
What will happen to the Natural Playground?
In preparation for construction of the new Welcome Center, the Natural Playground near the Visitors Center parking lot will be moved to a secondary location on the Parkwoods Trail, through The Stumpery and near the Daweswood House Museum. The chairs and tables will be moved to the new site, and shade sails will be added to the area for sun protection. The existing trail to the new playground area will be hardened for easier access for strollers. The Little Free Library will be moved to the Learning Garden near the Zand Education Center.
This is a temporarily solution during the construction process. Once the Welcome Center is open in the spring of 2028, an enhanced natural playground will be built. The Arboretum is consulting with another arboretum who specializes in play areas to see what new ideas Dawes can incorporate.
How is The Arboretum committed to accessibility during this project?
The Dawes Arboretum has accessibility at the heart of this project. In our new Welcome Center, you will find ADA-accessible bathrooms, an adult changing station, ramps, an accessible reception counter and a scenic outdoor deck accessible for all.
How is Dawes maintaining sustainability throughout this project?
Sustainability is at the heart of this project. To learn more about how Dawes is maintaining sustainability, please read by clicking the button below.
What were Beman and Bertie’s thoughts about admission?
Beman Dawes never commented directly about admission. To learn more about why The Dawes Arboretum started charging admission, please visit here.
How is this being funded?
This project was funded through staff, trustees and The Arboretum’s endowment that was created by Beman and Bertie Dawes.
Are community tax dollars or state funding being used to fund this project?
No community tax dollars or state funding are being used to fund this project. This project is fully funded from The Arboretum's staff, trustees and endowment. Dawes is investing in Dawes for the benefit of the public.