Where to find Cherry Blossoms in Ohio this Spring

When flowering cherry trees are in bloom, it’s a beautiful sign that spring is finally here in Ohio. Cherry blossoms fill the branches with tiny, fragrant confetti-like flowers in shades of pink, white, and red. The blooms are stunning, but they don’t last long! If you want to find Cherry Blossoms in Ohio, and even in Columbus, you don’t want to miss the 1-2 week bloom time!

Image by Couleur from Pixabay

Cherry trees represent different things to different cultures, with special significance in Japanese, Chinese, and Korean cultures. In 1912, Japan gave more than three thousand trees to Washington, D.C. in an effort to restore friendship and political alliances. As a result, many in the United States see cherry blossoms as symbols of tranquility and peace.

We are fortunate in Ohio to have several places to view the beautiful blooms of cherry blossoms in the Spring, including one of the best places to see cherry blossom trees bloom in the United States. There are also several Cherry Blossom Festivals within driving distance, including the National Blossom Festival in DC, however, most of the festivals are virtual or cancelled for 2021.

Cherry Blossom blooms can draw crowds at times, so in 2021, it’s especially important to remember to allow space from others, and wear your masks when in public.

Cherry Blossoms at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio

With peak bloom happening over Easter in 2021, it’s a great chance to dress up and take some casual Easter photos!

Typically in bloom from late March – early April, Ohio University in Athens is one of the best places to see cherry blossoms bloom in the US, according to National Geographic. The grove is filled Yoshino Cherries down the bike path, along the Hocking River to O’Bleness Hospital.

In 1979, 175 trees were donated from partner Chubu University in Japan to commemorate the university’s 175th anniversary. Chubu University made a another donation of over 100 cherry trees in 2003, just before Ohio University’s bicentennial. Grounds crew at Ohio University regularly replace and plant new trees to ensure the longevity and beauty of the grove.

As of Match 29, 2021, blooms are opening along the Bike path. Starting Tuesday, March 30, they will start lighting the trees near Wren Stadium nightly from 8:00-10:00 PM beginning Tuesday, March 30, 2021. They expect blooms to last through next week, and possibly through the 2nd weekend of April

You’ll find the grove along Hockhocking Adena Bikeway — between the Hocking River and the Ohio University Campus. There is parking available across the street in the Ohio University Convocation Center parking lot after 5 PM during the week, and on Saturday and Sunday. You can also park in metered parking spaces near Peden Stadium. You can also bring your bikes and park at one of the many trailheads along the bikeway to ride to the blooms. Tag photos with @GlobalOHIO and #OhioCherryBlossoms!

Find current bloom updates and photos at ohio.edu/cherry-blossoms. Tag photos with @GlobalOHIO and #OhioCherryBlossoms! There were still blooms on April 9, but they are likely on the downswing from peak bloom and will fade over the next few days.

Check out Visit Athens Ohio on Facebook for other places to check out while you’re visiting, such as Bagel Street Deli.

Imgage by shell_ghostcage from Pixabay

Cherry Blossoms in Columbus

These spots are a great place to stop to view Cherry Blossoms in Columbus this Spring. Leave us a comment if you know of other great spots!

Note: We don’t know exact bloom time or whether blooms have been damaged by frost, so we cannot guarantee when or where you’ll find cherry blossoms. Below is a list where cherry blossom trees are growing and accessible, but you may need to scout them out to see when they’ll be in bloom. Remember, blooms can be very short-lived and may be affected by changing weather within hours.

HIDAKA USA, Inc. Dublin, Visitors are welcome to enjoy the cherry blossom trees at Hidaka USA, Inc. More than 100 cherry trees line the property, planted in honor of the owner’s heritage. Photographers are permitted; please be courteous of other visitors. 5761 Shier-Rings Rd Dublin, OH 43016

Franklin Park, which is the backdrop of Franklin Park Conservatory. 1755 E. Broad St. Columbus, OH 43203

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, 1777 E. Broad St. The site of 20 trees gifted from Japan, 100 years after Tokyo shipped thousands of the trees to Washington, D.C.

Goodale Park, 120 W Goodale St, Columbus

Ohio Statehouse, 1 Capitol Square, Columbus, Ohio 43215

German Village, along 3rd St and other streets

Cherry Blossoms at Dawes Arboretum

Dawes Arboretum, located just 35 minutes from Columbus in Newark, Ohio. You’ll find plenty of flowering cherry trees in the Japanese Garden. The Zen garden features bridges, a meditation house, pond, stones, hills, and more, creating a serene backdrop.

Park at the Japanese Garden to start, and then drive around the south end of the Auto Tour to see additional individual trees.

Admission at Dawes is Adult: $10.00, Child (Ages 5-15): $5.00, Children Under 5: Free.

7770 Jacksontown Rd. Newark, OH 43056

source: Deposit Photos

Flowering Cherries in Dayton, Ohio

Operation 2000 Cherry Tree Project is the creation of Japanese-born businessman, Alex Hara, who lives in Dayton. Inspired by the American response, care, and kindness after the catastrophic earthquake and tsunmai in Japan in 2011, the project gives Japanese and Japanese-American people the opportunity to show their appreciation, and plants a seed for friendship that will continue to bloom.

Each $300 donation covers the expense of the tree, its installation, and maintenance. You can find trees planted at the following locations:

Dayton Art Institute
Dayton’s Carillon Historical Park
The Dayton Masonic Temple
150 cherry trees on the grounds of the National Museum of the US Air Force.
70 trees at Interstate 70/75 interchange
100 cherry trees adorning Edwin C. Moses Blvd and South Patterson Street
Parks and sites throughout the Dayton area

Canal Park in Akron

Towpath Trail for Ohio and Erie Canal run behind Canal Park in Akron. During late March and early April, the Towpath Trail is in bloom with cherry blossoms. You’ll find over 400 ornamental cherry trees, a donation from the Japanese Association of Northeast Ohio, from North Street to Russell Avenue.

Cascade Park: 57 W. North Ave, Akron
Canal Park: 300 S. Main St. Akron

Cherry Blossoms at Wade Park in University Circle

Find beautiful cherry blossoms in bloom in Wade Park, framing the Fine Arts Garden of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

University Circle, Cleveland, Ohio

Bowling Green State University

Find Cherry Blossom trees at Alumni Mall, between Harshman and Kreischer quadrangles at the corner of Alumni Drive and Mercer Road.

Three of BGSU’s trees are direct descendants of the famous Washington, D.C., cherry trees, a thank you to President Taft for his support during the Russo-Japanese War of 1905. In 1912, first lady Helen Taft accepted a gift of cherry blossom trees from Japan as a token of friendship.

More than 4 dozen cherry blossom trees were planted for the dedication of the new Alumni Mall, including three trees grown from cuttings of those original Yoshino cherry trees. The project was a collaborative effort between BGSU alumni in Japan and the BGSU Alumni Board of Trustees to beautify the east portion of campus. The other 50 Yoshino cherry blossom trees were donated by BGSU alumni residing in Japan.

The Annual Cherry Blossom Festival, hosted by the BGSU Japanese Club and the Asian Studies Program, is typically held in May, but was cancelled for 2020 and 2021.

Cherry Blossoms and Cherry Blossom festivals within driving distance of Ohio

Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival
Nashville, TN. typically held mid-April; festival cancelled for 2021.
You’ll find around 1,000 cherry trees in inner-city parks and neighborhoods Nashville during the Nashville Cherry Blossom Tree Planting Project between 2009-2018. While the festival is cancelled, you can still visit the blooms in Nashville, and check out virtual events being held in the place of the festival. Sakura season is expected to start on March 29.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival
Washington, D.C. March 20-April 14 with virtual events for 2021.
There are 11 species of flowering cherry trees at Tidal Basin, East Potomac Park and West Potomac Park. Peak bloom of the cherry blossoms draws millions of visitors each year. As a result, pedestrian and vehicle access is limited during bloom, expected to run from March 26 and April 12 to prevent crowds and public health risk.

Cherry blossom trees can be viewed at sites and parks throughout Washington, DC. You can virtually experience the trees at the Tidal Basin this year through a variety of online opportunities. Watch blooms live with #BloomCam, a 24/7, live, real-time view of the cherry trees lining the Tidal Basin.

See more details and programming for the National Cherry Blossom Festival here.

Know of other beautiful Cherry Blossom displays? Leave a comment, or email news@columbusonthecheap.com

Where to find Cherry Blossoms in Ohio this Spring