Ex–Straw–Dinary Scarecrows and more fall fun at Dawes Arboretum in Newark

Head to Licking County to enjoy acres of nature at Dawes Arboretum in Newark, Ohio. Home to over 5300 different types of plants with more than 15,400 plants on grounds, you’ll find new things to explore every time you visit.

Located about 30 minutes east of Columbus, Dawes Arboretum features 2,000 acres with 12 miles of trails, an informative Auto Tour,  Japanese Garden, lakes, or take in breathtaking views from the Observation Tower, and more. There’s also an indoor and comfortable bird-watching sitting area, and children’s exploration area in the basement of the visitor center.

There are so many landscapes to choose from, with lakes, bridges, woods, beautiful flowers, Japanese garden, walking paths, Red Barn, and more. You’ll want to pack a picnic and stay for awhile. Drive through to explore the various gardens. There are parking areas throughout the Auto Tour so you can get out and explore. 

Admission for Dawes Arboretum

Buy tickets online! Non-members to pre-purchase admission at this time.

• Adult: $10.00
• Child (Ages 5-15): $5.00
• Children Under 5: Free

If you are unable to visit during the date you purchased your ticket for, please call The Arboretum to reschedule your visit. Admission tickets must be rescheduled within 30 days of purchase.

Discounts and Free admission for Dawes

Free admission passes are available for check out at Licking County Library, the Muskingum County Library, the Granville Public Library, Alexandria Public Library, Homer Public Library, Perry County District Library, Fairfield Library and Pataskala Library. Please check your library for availability.

Free admission passes for foster care families will be available through Licking County JFS.

Those with a SNAP card will be offered discounted admission, daily.

Free admission days are offered throughout the year. Check the website or scroll down for events to see if any are coming up!

Membership at Dawes Arboretum

Membership for Dawes supports the programs, while it gives you discounts, Free catch-and-release fishing at Dawes Lake, Reciprocal benefits at more than 300 gardens in North America, and more. Plus member-only hour from 8 am – 9 am.

• Individual +1: $40 per year
• Family Membership: $60 per year
• Photographers who use The Arboretum for business purposes (including photo shoots and nature photography), are required to purchase a photography membership. Photography memberships come with 60 individual shoot passes. $100

Fall Foliage at Dawes

Dawes Arboretum is a perfect choice to explore fall foliage – whether you plan to walk or drive (or a little of both).  The paved trails (open to cars and walking) through the arboretum lead to a variety of ecosystems and gardens.  Park at the beginning and spend a couple of hours walking, or drive from parking area to parking area and explore the nearby gardens. 

My top picks include the overlook over the valley, just past the visitor’s center, Dawes Lake and the Observation tower overlooking the hedge lettering, Garden Gateway (including the Japanese Garden), and Hikes through the Woodlands. 

Upcoming Events at Dawes 

Preschool Storybook Science
Thursdays through October, 10 am – 11 am
45 minute sessions may include songs, games, crafts, creative movement, outdoor exploration and hands-on science discovery suitable for children ages 3-5 and their caregiver. 

Fall Fun Wagon Tour
Saturday, October 9 | 11am – 1pm
Saturday, October 16 | 11am – 1pm
Grab some cider, and jump on for a tour of The Dawes Arboretum’s collections with an Arboretum expert. Enjoy the end of summer and the start of fall in an open air wagon while learning about our collections and Arboretum history! Seats on the wagon are limited and space is first come first serve. These tours are included with Arboretum admission.

Pop-Up Exhibit: Spooky Critters: Snakes, Spiders, and Bats
October 14, 15, 16 | 1 – 5pm
Take a look at some of the treasures that nature has to offer in autumn and dive into some of the biology, ecology, history and chemistry that make these natural happenings so special. A vast majority of people have a fear of at least one of these three spooky critters. We will dispel myths, get into the history and psychology surrounding this fear and learn how to identify the few dangerous species you might find in Ohio.

Ex-STRAW-dinary Scarecrows
October 16 – 31, 2021
Ex–Straw–Dinary Scarecrows are returning to The Dawes Arboretum from October 16-October 31. More than 50 custom-outfitted scarecrows will line the Parkwoods Trail and guests will be able to vote on their favorite one

Family Tree and Me: Fall Leaves
Saturday, October 16 | 12:30 – 2:30pm
Tour the Sala Bosworth exhibit and hunt for the connections as you complete a Dawes family tree. Test your skills as you fill in the family tree interactive board. Work as a family to complete your own family tree using real fall leaves! This program is included with Arboretum admission.

Pop-Up Exhibit: Fall Foliage – Chemistry of Color
October 21, 22 and 24 | 1 – 5pm
Take a look at some of the treasures that nature has to offer in autumn and dive into some of the biology, ecology, history and chemistry that make these natural happenings so special. What gives the leaves their bright fall colors? And why are some years better than others? Explore these questions and get the scoop on the best places to go to see the fall foliage at its best.

Trick or Trees
October 27 | 5:30 – 7pm
Come dressed in costume and walk the Parkwoods Trail to experience fall color, get a sweet treat and enjoy the spooky season. Those 15 and younger will receive free admission for the event!

Pop-Up Exhibit: Mimics: Animals Playing Dress-Up
October 28, 29 and 30 | 1 – 5pm
Take a look at some of the treasures that nature has to offer in autumn and dive into some of the biology, ecology, history and chemistry that make these natural happenings so special. When camouflage just doesn’t cut it, mimicry is an adaptation that a huge variety of animals have evolved to avoid predation. Learn about the different types of mimicry and some of the most interesting examples.

Not So Scary Halloween Hike
Saturday, October 30 | 5 – 6:30pm
Wear your costumes, bring the family and join us for a short hike through the woods at dusk. We’ll point out all the wonders of The Arboretum as the sun sets over the woods, and end our hike with a campfire by the Dawes log cabin.

Coming up…

The Arboretum will host its Winter Wonders Walks on December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 and 18, 2021 when visitors can stroll along the illuminated Parkwoods Trail. Registration will be required; details tba.

Find additional information on programming and events at the website. 

DAILY HOURS MARCH – OCTOBER

• Members’ Hours: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
• Non-Members’ Hours: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm

DAILY HOURS NOVEMBER – FEBRUARY

• Members’ Hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
• Non-Members’ Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

CLOSED: Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day, After 1p.m. Christmas Eve, After 1p.m. New Years’ Eve
ADMISSION IS FREE ON VETERANS’ DAY
The Dawes Arboretum Visitors Center is open daily from 10am to 4pm.

Dawes Arboretum
7770 Jacksontown Rd.
Newark, OH 43056
website | Facebook

About Dawes Arboretum: Founded in 1929 by Beman and Bertie Dawes, The Dawes Arboretum is a living museum celebrating the history and beauty of trees and nature. Located in Newark, Ohio (30 miles east of Columbus), The Dawes Arboretum offers paths, trails and boardwalks to explore along with historical and art exhibitions and educational programming. The Dawes Arboretum is recognized by the National Registry of Historic Places

Past events at Dawes Arboretum

Sundays in the Woodland Garden: Through April. Celebrate Ohio Native Plant Month by exploring the Woodland Garden on Sundays in April. Stop by the Gazebo from 12-2pm to discuss native plants with Arboretum staff and receive a native plant seed packet (while supplies last).

Free Admission on EARTH DAY! April 22.  Spend the day enjoying nature and celebrating Earth Week by exploring the beautiful grounds of The Arboretum. Make your way to the Red Barn Reserve between 12-2pm for a tree giveaway, while supplies last! Due to COVID protocols, Earth Day attendees are asked to reserve a ticket on the website before visiting. Use promo code EARTHDAY21 when reserving tickets. Details here.

Please note, Arboretum capacity is limited and additional tickets will not be available once capacity is reached. Dawes Arboretum members are not required to reserve admission.

Arbor Day Events
The Dawes Arboretum will celebrate Arbor Day April 29, 30, and May 1 with a tree giveaway from 12 – 3 p.m., while supplies last. Visit The Arboretum and stop by the Visitors Center Deck from noon to 3pm to receive your free tree! See details here. 

Go Public Garden Days, May 7-16: The Arboretum is celebrating all the ways public gardens better our lives by offering $2.00 off the general admission price.

Spring Cherry Blossoms

Dawes Arboretum, located just 35 minutes from Columbus in Newark, Ohio. You’ll find plenty of flowering cherry trees in the Japanese Garden this Spring. 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.

Little Buckeyes Imagination Station, Wednesdays, May – August 11, from 10-11 am. Let the creative educators of the Dawes Arboretum bring your family closer to the wonders of the natural world. Stop by the Education Center to get everything you need for self-guided exploration. Little Buckeyes Imagination Station activities, geared toward children ages 3-8, will give curious youngsters an opportunity to get moving as they observe and create in nature! Station activities are included with admission and no advance registration is required. See full schedule here.

Sunday Strolls: Sundays, May – September, from 1-2 pm. During this 45-minute guided, walking tour, visitors will get an overview of The Arboretum, learn what plants are blooming and discover what they can see and do during their visit.

Ribbit The Exhibit at The Dawes Arboretum
24 whimsical frog sculptures will delight visitors along the Parkwoods Trail, in the Japanese Garden and the Learning Garden. The exhibit features frogs dancing the tango, playing leap frog, working in the garden and more. This unique exhibit will be on display until September 8.

Discovering the Magic of Monarchs
Saturday, September 4 | 12 – 3:00pm
Bring the family for this drop in Monarch program. Tour our pollinator spaces, net some butterflies, tag and release monarchs onsite and take home a pollinator craft. Learn about monarchs and other butterflies found at the Arboretum, our conservation efforts and how you can help these butterflies in your own spaces.