Dawes Arboretum

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Dawes Arboretum is a 1,800-acre public garden and arboretum located in Newark, Ohio.


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Summary

The arboretum is known for its extensive collection of trees and plants from around the world, as well as its beautiful landscape and diverse wildlife.

Visitors to Dawes Arboretum can explore a variety of gardens, trails, and exhibits, including the Japanese Garden, the Daweswood House Museum, and the Dawes Lake. There are also several educational programs and events offered throughout the year, such as guided hikes, bird watching tours, and art classes.

One of the most interesting facts about Dawes Arboretum is that it was founded in 1929 by Beman and Bertie Dawes as a way to preserve and promote the natural beauty of the area. Since then, it has grown into one of the largest and most respected arboretums in the country.

The best time of year to visit Dawes Arboretum depends on what you want to see and do. Spring is a great time to see the gardens and wildflowers in bloom, while fall offers beautiful foliage and seasonal events like the Harvest Moon Festival. Winter is a quieter time, but visitors can still enjoy the peace and tranquility of the arboretum's snowy landscapes.

Overall, Dawes Arboretum is a must-see destination for nature lovers, garden enthusiasts, and anyone interested in learning about the natural world. With its diverse collection of trees and plants, beautiful gardens, and educational programs, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

       

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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.
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