Cox Arboretum Metropark

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cox Arboretum Metropark is a 189-acre park located in Dayton, Ohio.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The park offers visitors a chance to explore a variety of gardens, hiking trails, and educational exhibits, making it a great destination for families, nature enthusiasts, and garden lovers.

Some of the key attractions at Cox Arboretum Metropark include the Butterfly House, which is home to hundreds of species of butterflies and moths, and the Tree Tower, a 65-foot observation tower that offers great views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can also explore the bird-watching area, which is home to a variety of species of birds, or take a guided tour of the park to learn more about the history and ecology of the area.

One interesting fact about Cox Arboretum Metropark is that it was once the site of a working farm, and many of the original farm buildings and structures can still be found throughout the park. Additionally, the park is home to a variety of native plant species, including oak-hickory forests, prairies, and wetlands.

The best time of year to visit Cox Arboretum Metropark depends on what you are interested in seeing. Spring and summer are great times to visit if you want to see the gardens in bloom and spot butterflies and other insects, while fall is a great time to see the changing colors of the trees. Winter can also be a great time to visit for those who enjoy hiking and snowshoeing.

Overall, Cox Arboretum Metropark is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in nature, gardening, or outdoor recreation. With its beautiful gardens, hiking trails, and educational exhibits, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

       

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
View more

Featured Parks