Are you ready to go on an adventure? The Dawes Arboretum has something for everyone, whether you're an outdoor adventurer or you prefer a slow stroll through nature. Check out our different adventures below and don't forget to have fun!
First-Timer?
With nearly 2,000 acres of The Dawes Arboretum to explore, it can be difficult to know where to start. This adventure will take you to some of our most popular destinations and give you a taste of the beautiful sights at Dawes.
Visit Popular Attractions
- Hedge Letters
- Observation Tower
- Auto Tour
- Discovery Center
- Bird Watching Garden
- Japanese Garden
- Learning Garden
- Dawes Lake
- Daweswood House Museum
- History Center
- Log Cabin
- StoryTrail
- Cypress Swamp
- Parkwoods Trail
Time and dates vary for Public Wagon Tours and daily engagement opportunities. Check the calendar for details.
Children & Families
If you are looking for activities for your family when you visit Dawes, then look no further! This adventure includes fun activities that will have you searching high and low to explore the colors, shapes and sounds of nature.
- StoryTrail
- Natural Play Area
- Family Explorer Backpacks
- Geocaching
- Discovery Center
- Free Little Library
- Daily Engagement Opportunities
- The Dawes Arboretum's Scavenger Hunts: Fall Color and Leaves, Red Barn Reserve, Rotten Log, Trees as Habitats and Winter
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Gardens & Collections
Our carefully curated gardens and collections are the key areas that make The Dawes Arboretum such a unique and enjoyable experience. Adventure through these areas to admire their aesthetics or get inspiration for your own home landscapes.
Visit one of our popular display gardens:
- Japanese Garden
- Sunken Garden
- Learning Garden
- Native Plant Demonstration Garden
- Hillside Garden
- All-Seasons Garden
- Woodland Garden
- Stumpery
Visit one of our four nationally accredited collections:
- Witch-hazel collection
- Buckeye & Horse-chestnut collection
- Maple collection
- Dawn Redwood collection
Other popular collections:
- Holly Hill
- Conifer Glen
- Azalea Glen
- Magnolia Collection
- Flowering Shrubs Collections
Outdoor Adventurer
Unwind in nature and find your next adventure on the miles of trails throughout The Arboretum. Whether you are looking for a short stroll or a tiresome trek, we have a wide range of paved and unpaved trails to help you explore Dawes!
Best Birding Locations
- Red Barn Reserve
- Deep Woods
- Dawes Lake
- Dutch Fork Wetlands
- Holly Hill
Recommended Trails
- Best for families: Story Trail
- Best for furry friends: Deep Woods trail
- Best for serious hikers: Arboretum East Gorge Overlook Trail
- Best for paved paths: Parkwoods Trail
- Best trail for a quick walk: Woodland Garden Trail
- Best trail for a long walk: Lake Trail
Where to Hike
- Log Cabin
- Gorge Overlook
- Arboretum East
- Holly Hill
- Appalachian Hollow Trail
- Deep Woods
- Red Barn Reserve
- Dutch Fork Wetlands
- Hopewell Era Mound
History Buff
There is plenty of nature to explore during your visit to Dawes, but it also have a rich history that can make for a unique experience. Adventure through different areas of The Arboretum to learn more about its co-founders, Beman and Bertie Dawes, as well as the history of The Arboretum.
- Tree Dedicators Scavenger Hunt
- History Hangouts
- Daweswood House Museum
- History Center
Historic Locations of Interest
- Log Cabin
- Dawes Family Memorial
- Hopewell Era Mound
- Pershing Avenue
Audio Tours?
Do you know about the Audio Tours?
Audio Tours offer an accessible option for those who want to take a drive around The Arboretum.
Before You Go
Before you head out on your adventure, here are some key items you'll need. Happy exploring!