The arboretum features a historic log cabin built in 1917, which served as the inspiration for the site's founding.
It maintains a unique 'Hedge Lettering' display that spells out 'THE DAWES ARBORETUM' in living plants, visible from the auto tour.
The site houses a collection of trees grown from seeds collected at historic sites across the United States.
It contains a 5-acre lake that serves as a focal point for the site's migratory bird population.
The Japanese Garden was designed by Makoto Nakamura and features authentic stone lanterns and bridges imported from Japan.
The Dawes Arboretum is a nearly 2,000-acre botanical collection in Licking County, Ohio, featuring over 15,000 living woody plants. Founded in 1929 by Beman and Bertie Dawes, the site is accredited by ArbNet as a Level IV Arboretum. It maintains an extensive collection of rare and endangered species, including a notable Japanese Garden and a dedicated bonsai collection. The grounds are traversed by over 12 miles of hiking trails and a 4-mile auto tour loop. The site hosts specialized gardens, including the Dutch-style Discovery Garden and a collection of conifers. The visitor center acts as the primary hub for educational exhibits and seasonal programming. The arboretum functions as a research facility focused on plant conservation and regional ecology. It is an official site on the Ohio Buckeye Trail.
The wooden bridge in the Japanese Garden provides a clear view of the water feature and surrounding maples.
Use the auto tour route to access the more remote sections of the park if you have mobility concerns.
Check the online bloom calendar before visiting to time your trip with specific floral cycles like the crabapple or dogwood seasons.
Wear sturdy walking shoes, as the terrain varies between paved paths and natural mulch trails.
Do not attempt to walk the entire 4-mile auto tour on foot, as it is designed for vehicles and lacks consistent pedestrian shoulders.
Open daily year-round, except for major winter holidays.
Stay on marked trails to protect the specialized plant collections; pets must remain leashed at all times.
