Such a beautiful place. Highly recommend starting your visit the the driving tour. It will give you the lay of the land and allow you to stop in different areas. We loved the Japanese garden and also love that everything is pet friendly. read more

The Dawes Arboretum - Hiking Near Me - Newark, Ohio

See all

I was able to visit Dawe's Arboretum for the first time, and for Arbor Day! It also happened to be Prom night - so there were many teens taking photos in their fancy outfits. There are both walking and driving paths at Dawe's - I felt like I could get lost here, but in a good way. I learned a lot about the different trees here and am filled with awe as I leave. I hope to return soon! read more

See all

I've lived in CEntral Ohio for 25 years and I'm sorry to say this was my first trip to the Dawes Arboretum but it certainly won't be my last, I can't believe it has taken me 25 years to drive less than an hour from home to visit this amazing arboretum. The staff were all extremely friendly and all seemed to love their jobs. They were willing to share stories and to talk about the site. My wife was especially impressed with the lady working in the "history center" near the Dawes House. This lady had grown up next to the arboretum and really knew the history of the site. We were there the 4th week of October and the fall colors were spectualar. We did the driving tour which doesn't do justice to the arboretum. You need to get out and walk some of the trails - especially the Japenese Garden which is barely visible from the auto tour but well worth the short hike. And - don't miss the observation tower. The Dawes Arboretum is definitely worth the admission price of $10 with discounts for military personnel, senior citizens and others. read more

Don't keep putting off coming here.... even though its no longer free. (Might be worth a membership if you love nature). Only about a 45 minute drive from Cbus. there are hundreds of acres of beautiful landscaping, trails and gardens. One of the best places to enjoy a gorgeous day. Walking, driving and biking are all options to get around. You may want to drive around first to get a feel of the place. Then go back to where you want to spend most of your time. The Japanese garden is a must see. Just so you know the park map isnt very clear! At the time of our visit, there was a special exhibition of giant sculptured insects. It was fun trying to find there location in the arboretum. Ps pets are allowed! read more

See all

Amazing place! Wonderful history and cause. The Japanese gardens are simple yet elegant. The look out tower and the salamander swap were or favorite spots. If you're in the area, spend some time here, it will refill your soul. read more

Went to see the Big Bugs exhibit as it ends in a week. This place is so beautiful and you don't have to walk if you can't, there is an auto tour that takes you by most places with several places to pull off and easily walk to what you want to see. read more

See all

Visited Dawes Arboretum on a Saturday morning. I read they had Cherry Blossoms. Unfortunately it was a bit early, as the cherry blossom trees were not yet in full bloom. I still really enjoyed walking around the Japanese Garden. There were many other sections that can be accessed by car or on foot. The Hedge Letters and Observation Tower were also highlights. There is a $10 charge for adults. There is plenty to see and do, so it is worth the price. I may go back in a few weeks to check on the cherry blossom trees. read more

See all

We pulled up and a docent in a gatehouse collected $10/adult $5/kids. Just looking for something to do when buckeye lake didn't provide much activity for our kids. Great paved and gravel paths. Nature center was gift shop/restroom upstairs and kids discovery and bird watching area downstairs. We spent about 2hours between the center and paths. Good price. Hoping to come back in the summertime when more of the gardens are in bloom. Membership is apparently $60 unlimited so we may or may not buy in the future. read more

See all

Me and my class took a field trip here it was all very well organized and under control it was an enjoyable experience and we had fun walking through the trails and studying the swamp my favorite part of the whole experience was when people wrote their initials with a heart on the tree below a sign read what do you think will last longer the relationship or the tree read more

If I lived closer to this beautiful arboretum, I would become a member for sure. Such foresight in planning! I loved seeing how the wide variety of trees and shrubs work together. I loved the historic markers of people who planted trees, and I loved the variety of environmental experiences including the Japanese gardens. The stumpery was a favorite because it offered an interesting insight into a different time period. The only weakness was the selection in the gift shop, but we did visit in November, so we probably saw the tail end of the season's merchandise. Their program offerings (wine and wreath-making anyone?) looked interesting too. read more

See all

I used this location for a photo session with a client and it was just absolutely stunning. We went during the fall season and I cannot wait to go back. We didn't even get to see a quarter of the land but what we did see what just amazing. read more

We needed a stop for our kids to get out of the car and run around, feel the sunshine and have a snack. $20 is what we paid for us as adults. Our kids were free. Was it worth $20 for a small pit stop? YES! The grounds are beautiful. There's an outdoor option for every physical and age level. The natural playground was a huge hit with my toddler. She was very upset we had to leave. We enjoyed our walk to the Japanese strolling garden. It looks like they were doing some work in this area but it was still enjoyable. All of the staff we encountered were helpful and friendly. We've told the rest of our family about this spot for road trips between Indiana and DC. Also perfect for dogs (on leash). read more

What a wonderful place for all ages! I took my grandsons for the big bug exhibit, and found everything to be top notch. Great signage made made it easy to find our way around, the boys had fun finding the bugs all over the grounds. Friendly and helpful staff, and a thoroughly beautiful setting. I highly recommend the Dawes Arboretum! read more

See all

Such a special place. Currently, they are only open to members and all of the onsite amenities (restrooms, gift shop, museum) are closed. It does make for a less crowded visit, but you may miss a few things being open. The trail map available at the visit center is great for offering various trail options (and mileage), but the trails are not marked when you are out walking on them. There is a beautiful lake here, with a lookout and the views are amazing. We loved the flower gardens around the Dawes house museum and the sitting swings overlooking the pond. It was a much needed respite from the cares of the real world. read more

See all

It's really lovely place to go hiking. Has a lot of trails, has a lot to look at, you can bring your dogs, I definitely recommend that you leave your whiny EX at home.... They never used to have a cover charge but they just started charging $10. But I get it, somebody's got to pay for all those trees lol AND IT'S TOTALLY WORTH EVERY PENNY! it's a beautiful way to spend your day! Perfect for a date, family time, or self care, it meets all the requirements for a great time. 10 out of 10 definitely recommend! read more

The Dawes Arboretum - Hiking Near Me - Newark, Ohio

See all

Dawes Arboretum began about 1917 as a place for a Columbus family to cultivate the trees and plants they had collected from around the world. Later they created a foundation around it to "encourage the planting of forest and ornamental trees" & "give pleasure to the public and education to the youth." Miles of winding hiking paths are spread amongst the beautifully manicured, rolling hillside grounds. There is also a four mile driving trail for vehicles. One of my favorite areas, when is it is bloom, is the Azaela Glen. This is a wonderful, calming, & quiet place to visit for some fresh air & exposure to nature. That's the setting for the Ex-STRAW-dinary scarecrow exhibit! Scattered about the rolling hiking trails are cute, funny, and imaginative scarecrows created of straw. I noted that there was an abundance of afternoon wind coming from the west and thought to myself it would be a great place to fly a kite - but I'm not sure that is permitted on the grounds. I did also note that a couple folks had their dogs with them, on leashes of course, so it is a dog friendly destination. Lots of families & groups of friends were visiting when I was at the Scarecrow Exhibit, and I thought to myself it would be a wonderful location for a wedding, school, or other photo shoot & for portraiture. It wasn't very long before I rounded a corner on the path and found folks doing exactly that. And then more! So if you're looking for someplace for special photos, this may be just your ticket. This was a lovely place to visit, and a calming way to end the weekend & head into the week. read more

If you're a lover of all things outdoors and mother nature, Dawes Arboretum should definitely be on your list of places to explore in central Ohio. It's a beautiful space that includes a Japanese garden, botanical garden, an observation tower, and around 2,000 acres to explore! Pro tip - Climb to the top of the tower to admire the greenery that spells out Dawes from above. It's way cool! I've never paid for a membership or anything, I've only gone to walk around and enjoy the vast collection of trees, plants, and shrubs they have from all over the world. I appreciate that the greenery is often marked and shows the type of plant it is. I bet this is a great time of year to go too, all the leaves are starting to change! read more

A beautiful place to visit. Many species of trees and plants, trails to walk , areas to explore, and drivable. . They offer programs and events for all ages. The wonderland walk happening now makes for a wonderful event. read more

Have you ever wanted to take a stroll in a little sliver of paradise; where there are more species of plants than you'd ever have time to examine or gaze upon in a full day? If so, you'll be wanting to add Dawes to your near-future Bucket List! This place is simply lovey. Quiet, clean, peaceful. A multitude of seats, benches and chairs around the property for convenient resting sites - usually situated in a locale with a prime view. What a gorgeous destination - a true treasure of Licking County. I bet Perry County is jealous! If you're in the area for any reason - attending a Legend Valley event, for example (like Lost Lands - throw your X up!), you may as well allocate a small percentage of your time to visit Dawes! Yes, there is an entry fee now - which is new; but it is very worth it if you love nature. The money goes toward the phenomenal upkeep to keep the place looking pristine. Don't hesitate! Visit soon! read more

The Dawes Arboretum - Pano of Lake - Hiking Near Me - Newark, Ohio

See all

Dawes is a beautiful arboretum. They have several different areas to explore and many activities on the weekends.

Dawes went from free to now charging a family of 5 40$ just for one visit and if that was not greedy of them, they now charge 100-300$ If you would like to get your pictures taken now.. Shame on the new owners for being greedy thirsty people.. it's funny on your page you have a donate button absolutely not!!! read more

we had such a good time! beautiful place and a great way to get in exercise without even thinking about it! we already want to go again!

We love this place! Worth the drive from Columbus! Wonderful maintained grounds and clean! So many kids were there having photos taken before Prom! Just a perfect backdrop! read more

The Dawes Arboretum - Beautiful day at Dawes. - Hiking Near Me - Newark, Ohio

Beautiful gardens, expertly kept. Fun to experience the Japanese garden and woodland trails

Beautiful scenery. It was quiet and not too crowded. Well worth the drive. We only walked near the scarecrow area but this place is huge. They even allow dogs. This is a great place for a relaxing walk or a photo session. read more

The Dawes Arboretum - Hiking Near Me - Newark, Ohio

See all

Love this place!!!! So many different places to walk and drive around and see. It changes every season with the beautiful trees, flowers and displays. We love going back frequently! read more

Beautiful day hiking around this sanctuary of sorts. Able to enjoy the various regions of the Arboretum, each with its own essence of nature. Take a water bottle and try finding the lake in foot. Driving is swell but your own feet will give you a more connecting experience. Map is a little hard to follow, better trailheads would be nice. read more

Always something new each and everyday to see and behold. Colors come and go, timing is everything for your favorite flowers or trees. read more

The Dawes Arboretum - The Chinese Snowballs are one of my favorites in May. - Hiking Near Me - Newark, Ohio

See all

This is a gem of a place. Staff is so dedicated and truly passionate about their job. Licking county should be so proud to have Such a enormous scenic facility and also proud of the research and advancements this facilities has done for horticultural advancements in science and problem solving read more

See all

This is a fantastic park that offers breathtaking views to everyone, regardless of physical ability or energy level. There is something for everyone at Dawes Arboretum. Unable (or too much of a couch potato) to walk one of the nature paths? Do the auto tour! The auto tour is a wonderful way for those with limited mobility to get out and enjoy nature without committing to a long walk through the woods. The auto tour goes through the entire park, with places to stop along the way. You can leave the car and explore whatever area interests you, or you can partake in a picnic lunch at one of the tables and take in the gorgeous scenery. My favorite spots are the Observation Tower, which offers a picture-postcard view of the grounds, the Japanese Garden, Dawes Lake, and the historic Beard-Green cemetery. A trip to Dawes in the autumn is a must! Photos were taken on my annual fall visit, 2015 read more

See all

Beautiful area! Dawes Arboretum contains a lot of areas and trails that offers plenty to explore. It's free, with plentiful parking. There's a large lot by the Visitor's Center, and then additional smaller areas near some of the gardens. Since this was my first visit, I opted to start at the Visitor's Center to collect a map. The center also offers a shop, restrooms, and a collection of bonsai to view. There are a number of picnic tables and a shelter near the parking lot, as well. I then headed out on the trail with the intention of seeing most of the centrally located gardens. Unfortunately, the Japanese Garden was closed for renovations, but that just means I'll have to visit again! There is a lot of wildlife, good birdwatching, and some neat views from areas being up on hills looking down on the surrounding gardens. One section takes you to the lake, where you can cross a bridge onto the island. There's also an observation tower in that area, and bushes that have been shaped to spell out Dawes Arboretum. The woodlands area contains a historic cabin, which had a sign saying that it was used during maple syrup season, but you can still take a look at the exterior and read a little bit about the history of it. The cypress swamp was also a neat visit for spring - the vernal pools were there, and it really gave it a neat look. There are additional areas that lay a bit further out, including the Red Barn area, the Arboretum East area, and the Dutch Fork Wetlands. At the time of our visit, the wetlands were closed for nesting, so one could only get to the viewing platform, but it looks like a neat area, as well. I plan to return again, especially to see the areas that were shut at the time of my visit. read more

Huge. Beautiful. Free. What else can you ask for? I've lived nearby for five years and never went till last weekend. It's a bit early, so not much was blooming; I'd recommend waiting till May or later. Still, it is a beautiful place. We drove the auto loop, stopping whenever anything looked interesting. There is a visitor's center with gift shop, and apparently a nature center (which I didn't see.) I hope to go back. read more

Beautiful setting, multiple views, settings from Japanese Gardens to remote areas. Immaculately maintained. Worth the drive.

One of the most beautiful places I've ever been! Worth the drive ! Today all the spring trees and shrubs were in bloom and the air was filled with amazing smells ! So pretty! U must stop by the Japanese Garden! It's a show stopper. I will be returning every season to enjoy this amazing place read more

See all

I found the Dawes Arboretum to be so big it needs more than one visit. It's more than a park, it's like a nature preserve including flowers and trees. The arboretum is free and open almost every day until sunset. In addition bicycles and pets are allowed. There are many sections connected by gravel, mowed, or paved trails, and it's a nice way to be outside. I have been here several times before but had been a few years so I went recently. It's a big park and has many exhibits and plant species, and there's plenty of places to sit and observe. The visitors center is near the main entrance. It has a big parking lot but there's other parking lots around the arboretum. The auto tour is along the paved road so you can get around faster. Admission is free which is cool since you will probably want to come here again because it's hard to see everything with one visit. The arboretum is open at 7 every day and the visitor center is open Mondays to Saturdays 8 to 5 and Sundays 10 to 5. A favorite place is the Japanese garden. It has a pond and a Zen garden and is a nice place for a sit. Another is the observation tower. The trees below spell out Dawes Arboretum. It's next to a big lake with an island. The Dawes House and Museum is open for tours for a few bucks. Close to the visitor center is a sundial that can tell the month. The members of the Dawes family are buried at the tomb. A few other things to know before. Bicycles are allowed on the paved trails. Pets are okay if they are on leashes and kept from urinating on plants. A few things are prohibited. Visitors can't collect plant materials including branches, fruits, and leaves. Also they can't enter flower beds or climb trees. Really, if you think it's okay to enter the flower beds or climb the trees you're an idiot and shouldn't be allowed there. The idea is to be respectful of the plants and not touch any of them. In the visitor center there's a taxidermy exhibit and a some educational materials. There's also the gift shop. A tunnel leads to the east side. This is not as well taken care of and is harder to get around so you need a permit to get here. I would recommend a visit to Dawes Arboretum if you have not yet. It's a good way to spend time outside and learn about plants. There's a lot to see so you will have to come back several times. read more

See all

My husband and I and our 2 dogs came here around 9:30am on a Saturday morning. It was FANTASTIC weather, sunny and not too hot. The Japanese Gardens were awesomely cool and quiet. A few people were painting pictures of the pond and gardens. A short walk later and we were in a bald cyprus swamp. There is a lot to see here. We would come back. read more

Dawes Arboretum is a beautiful park with several trails and lots of little surprises. The Japanese garden is really popular with good reason. At the entrance there's a zen garden with the raked gravel and black boulders. It's kind of cool because you can't see the whole thing from any perspective on the path. Continuing on from there is a large pond surrounded by stones. There are a handful of places to sit and enjoy the view. There is a pair of tiny islands in the pond but the bridge was closed and I couldn't go out there, maybe when it's warmer. If you go, make it a point to check out the sundial, it's right next to the parking and I thought it was fun. Dawes Arboretum is just a few minutes north of 70 on St Rt 13. There are Yelpable restaurants on the way, go get 'em! read more

See all

Used to be a great place to visit and take in nature until they started charging entrance. Our family has not been back since they charge a fee. Not that we can't afford , just not going to pay a fee as it's ridiculous and I bet the founders are turning in their graves read more

Beautiful!!! Excellent walking trails. Some paved others natural. Spring weather caused some muddy spots but still doable. Excellent learning center in lower level of visitor center. Such a wide variety of species. No trash containers anywhere on trails and zero bathrooms on trail. Definitely keep that in mind. Can't wait to come back! read more

The Dawes Arboretum - Hiking Near Me - Newark, Ohio

See all

Dawes is a nice, quiet, rural location for walking/relaxing just outside of the Newark, Ohio area. There is also the option to drive through the grounds and stop at different locations rather than simply walking. Dawes is a medium size park and can all be taken in within a few hours. The park is currently charging $10 per person for admission after previously being free for admission. By no means is the visit worth $10 per person considering what other options can be had for $10 or less (or free). Another option would be to check in with the Newark public library which offers a limited number of free passes to the park. read more