Dawes Arboretum: A Slice of Heaven 30 minutes from Columbus, OH

Established in 1929 by Beman Dawes, the Dawes Arbortum is home to over 15,000 living plants on nearly 1,800 acres. Situated some 30 miles East of Columbus, OH off of Interstate 70, this arboreal oasis is the perfect place to hike, picnic, and learn about plants native to Ohio and from around the world.

Unlike many parks of its kind, the Dawes Arbortum caters to both pedestrians and drivers, making it easy for both the adventurous and the disabled to enjoy the facility. With 12 miles of of walking-trails, a drive-through auto tour, and observation tower, the arborteum allows visitors to expierience the breataking beauty of the park-like atmosphere at many different levels.

Glacier Ridge. A gentle ridge overseeing an amazing assortment of hollies, oaks, boxwoods, beeches, and buckeyes (Ohio’s State Tree).

Red Barn. A peaceful meadow with a pond, boardwalk, wetlands, and a rustic barn. The area is also home to an assortment of frogs, snakes, and an occasional coyote.

Garden Getaway. An beautiful collection of garden areas including an All Seasons Garden, Japanese Garden, Azalea Glen, Learning Garden, and Cypress Swamp. The Japanese Garden, which is currently under construction, is absolutely amazing with its carefully arranged combination of stone, sand, water, and shrubbery.

Woodlands. A deep woods hiking area with a gazebo and log cabin filled with the sounds of birds and native wildlife.

Arboretum East. A vast expanse of agricultural fields, a pond and woodlands.

Daweswood. The oldest section of Arboretum which gives a gilimpse into the lives of the founder’s family with its 5 homes and artifacts spanning generations of Dawes Family.

Daweslake. An 8-acrea pond with deciduous and evergreen conifers located at the southern end of the grounds.

Dutch Fork Wetlands.A diverse ecosystem with six pools, a shelter house, a meadow, and an observation deck.

Dawes Arboretum is open from 7 am to Sunset, 7 Days a Week. Best of All, The Arboretum is Free to Visit.

From North:

Take Interstate 71 south to exit #169, State Route 13. Travel St. Rt. 13 south approximately 50 miles to downtown Newark. Continue following St. Rt. 13 south for an additional 6 miles. The entrance of The Dawes Arboretum is on the right.

From South:

Follow State Route 13 north 3 miles north of Interstate 70. The entrance to The Dawes Arboretum is on the left.

From East:

Take Interstate 70 west to exit #132, State Route 13 (approximately 20 miles west of Zanesville). Travel north on St. Rt. 13 for 3 miles. The entrance to The Dawes Arboretum is on the left.

From West:

Take Interstate 70 east to exit #132, State Route 13 (approximately 30 miles east of Columbus). Travel north on St. Rt. 13 for 3 miles. The entrance to The Dawes Arboretum is on the left.