Yesterday my wife and I decided to go check the trails at Dawes Arboretum. Can't believe it's the middle of December and we can still go for a bike ride. Lots of paved trails and dirt as well. The only place off limits to bikes is the Japanese Garden. We enjoyed it so much we decided to roll our admission into a couples membership for next year. A very restful place even in the off time of year.

So many acres of fun! Felt like this was a very worthwhile experience. It truly is a huge arboretum with beautiful sights to see. I also loved their gift shop and their discovery area! Def recommend coming when the leaves change colors

This place is gorgeous and expansive! We spent hours walking around one Saturday and will still have to come back. Personally, I felt the $10 per person entrance fee was worth it because it really is a place you can explore all day. It's also dog friendly, and you can bring your own snacks/food/beverages. Also, the arboretum even has tours, classes, and events year round, so check it out!

Extremely dog friendly starting at the gate with treats, throughout all trails and including inside the gift shop!! Every person working was extremely friendly and helpful at the gate, Haley answering the phone and again inside the gift shop and both ladies from the Licking County Master Gardeners at their pop up display! I had not been to Dawes in 7 or 8 years and a LOT has gotten even better!! There is a driving tour and there are MANY trails!! The native Ohio plants area behind the visitors center is amazing. The bees and butterflies were in full force bc of the plant choices mapped out for the area!! Many of these plants are available for purchase if you go through the gift shop for $10 each. I believe the bonsi trees were available for purchase but not $10. The natural play area for kids is amazing with the living bamboo tunnels and rooms and it's in the shade, so that's a bonus. There's a Little Library there, too. The woodland bird and owl sculptures are huge!! The view from the bench inside the owl is unexpectedly wonderful! Many areas are wheelchair or stroller friendly but not all. There is a wheelchair friendly portapot in the parking lot to the left which also helps when you need to take your young children or your dog inside with you. The letter hedges, observation tower, pioneer cemetery and Japanese gardens are all as wonderful as always. There is a tunnel that goes under the highway from close to the cemetery that goes to another meadow type area. Be sure to take a paper map with you as the map at the kiosk is faded. Twice the heavenly scent of pine added to the enjoyment of Dawes today. One of these locations was in the Japanese gardens. Suggestion: drive the entire property once you have paid at the gate. You will see which areas have their own parking and you can visit 2 or 3 areas from one parking spot. There is parking at the gift shop and visitors center, at the Japanese Gardens, at the Observation Tower, across from the cemetery and several other places. Many are now shaded. There is a drinking fountain at the Visitors Center. This place is bigger than many realize. Be sure you know where you are or don't venture too far if you aren't sure. I picked up two ladies and their dog and drove them back to their car today. They were overheated, very far away from their car and confused, as well. You can always call their phone number as the gift shop person answers. I did witness another situation today where it was nice to see that they take security seriously and security personnel come quickly. Bravo to all who continue to keep Dawes in such amazing shape and for the continuous improvement! I especially thank the board for allowing dogs!! So many people and so many kids and dogs (and Buckeye Lake cyclists) were there today!!!

Absolutely beautiful place to relax with plenty of trails to explore and stunning backdrops for photo ops or weddings. The visitor center has cool gift shop and educational center downstairs for the kids.

A prominent gem of Licking County, the Dawes Arboretum is world renowned. Once you've gone once you will want to go back, so save yourself some money and buy the membership option to take full advantage of Ohio's changing seasons. In the spring, blooming flowers and bird song will delight the senses with a renewed sense of purpose after a long winter. Summer brings with it shaded pathways, a welcome retreat as you run the paved paths. Fall is my personal favorite with the crescendoing rustle of changing leaves on a brisk autumn day surrounded by vivid color. Even winter has something to do with the Winter Wonder Walks event. The staff is also very friendly and knowledgeable about the flora and fauna. There are classes you can take advantage of as well that will help increase your knowledge of nature and the local ecosystem. All in all, a wonderful place to visit with the family, solo or on a date and I can't wait to return.

We loved the winter walk but we have a membership and have been there other times. It's always lovely and well maintained. We enjoyed the tram leaf ride tour this fall and a mushroom ID program in Oct

I have been going to Dawes for about 15 years now. It is amazing I love how clean it is & very dog friendly. We are members & visit about once a week. Lots of things for children to do as well & they have a lot of fun events here.