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    The Dawes Arboretum

    4.5 (72 reviews)
    Open 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

    The Dawes Arboretum Photos

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    Dragonfly
    Pat E.

    Don't keep putting off coming here.... even though its no longer free. (Might be worth a membership if you love nature). Only about a 45 minute drive from Cbus. there are hundreds of acres of beautiful landscaping, trails and gardens. One of the best places to enjoy a gorgeous day. Walking, driving and biking are all options to get around. You may want to drive around first to get a feel of the place. Then go back to where you want to spend most of your time. The Japanese garden is a must see. Just so you know the park map isnt very clear! At the time of our visit, there was a special exhibition of giant sculptured insects. It was fun trying to find there location in the arboretum. Ps pets are allowed!

    Tammi W.

    Went to see the Big Bugs exhibit as it ends in a week. This place is so beautiful and you don't have to walk if you can't, there is an auto tour that takes you by most places with several places to pull off and easily walk to what you want to see.

    Japanese Garden
    Joe F.

    Visited Dawes Arboretum on a Saturday morning. I read they had Cherry Blossoms. Unfortunately it was a bit early, as the cherry blossom trees were not yet in full bloom. I still really enjoyed walking around the Japanese Garden. There were many other sections that can be accessed by car or on foot. The Hedge Letters and Observation Tower were also highlights. There is a $10 charge for adults. There is plenty to see and do, so it is worth the price. I may go back in a few weeks to check on the cherry blossom trees.

    Lake
    Mrs Anne Marie W.

    We pulled up and a docent in a gatehouse collected $10/adult $5/kids. Just looking for something to do when buckeye lake didn't provide much activity for our kids. Great paved and gravel paths. Nature center was gift shop/restroom upstairs and kids discovery and bird watching area downstairs. We spent about 2hours between the center and paths. Good price. Hoping to come back in the summertime when more of the gardens are in bloom. Membership is apparently $60 unlimited so we may or may not buy in the future.

    There are audio tours available on their website and a mobile app to help you enjoy your experience.
    Colette F.

    If I lived closer to this beautiful arboretum, I would become a member for sure. Such foresight in planning! I loved seeing how the wide variety of trees and shrubs work together. I loved the historic markers of people who planted trees, and I loved the variety of environmental experiences including the Japanese gardens. The stumpery was a favorite because it offered an interesting insight into a different time period. The only weakness was the selection in the gift shop, but we did visit in November, so we probably saw the tail end of the season's merchandise. Their program offerings (wine and wreath-making anyone?) looked interesting too.

    The lake is beautiful - a great place to sit and relax.

    What a wonderful place for all ages! I took my grandsons for the big bug exhibit, and found everything to be top notch. Great signage made made it easy to find our way around, the boys had fun finding the bugs all over the grounds. Friendly and helpful staff, and a thoroughly beautiful setting. I highly recommend the Dawes Arboretum!

    Jennifer R.

    Such a special place. Currently, they are only open to members and all of the onsite amenities (restrooms, gift shop, museum) are closed. It does make for a less crowded visit, but you may miss a few things being open. The trail map available at the visit center is great for offering various trail options (and mileage), but the trails are not marked when you are out walking on them. There is a beautiful lake here, with a lookout and the views are amazing. We loved the flower gardens around the Dawes house museum and the sitting swings overlooking the pond. It was a much needed respite from the cares of the real world.

    Bella G.

    It's really lovely place to go hiking. Has a lot of trails, has a lot to look at, you can bring your dogs, I definitely recommend that you leave your whiny EX at home.... They never used to have a cover charge but they just started charging $10. But I get it, somebody's got to pay for all those trees lol AND IT'S TOTALLY WORTH EVERY PENNY! it's a beautiful way to spend your day! Perfect for a date, family time, or self care, it meets all the requirements for a great time. 10 out of 10 definitely recommend!

    Pano of Lake
    Travis S.

    Have you ever wanted to take a stroll in a little sliver of paradise; where there are more species of plants than you'd ever have time to examine or gaze upon in a full day? If so, you'll be wanting to add Dawes to your near-future Bucket List! This place is simply lovey. Quiet, clean, peaceful. A multitude of seats, benches and chairs around the property for convenient resting sites - usually situated in a locale with a prime view. What a gorgeous destination - a true treasure of Licking County. I bet Perry County is jealous! If you're in the area for any reason - attending a Legend Valley event, for example (like Lost Lands - throw your X up!), you may as well allocate a small percentage of your time to visit Dawes! Yes, there is an entry fee now - which is new; but it is very worth it if you love nature. The money goes toward the phenomenal upkeep to keep the place looking pristine. Don't hesitate! Visit soon!

    Beautiful day at Dawes.

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    3 years ago

    Dawes is a beautiful arboretum. They have several different areas to explore and many activities on the weekends.

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

    we had such a good time! beautiful place and a great way to get in exercise without even thinking about it! we already want to go again!

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    5 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Beautiful gardens, expertly kept. Fun to experience the Japanese garden and woodland trails

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    4 years ago

    Beautiful setting, multiple views, settings from Japanese Gardens to remote areas. Immaculately maintained. Worth the drive.

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - The Dawes Arboretum

    How long can you fish?

    Hi Lisa, Dawes Arboretum members can enjoy free catch-and-release fishing at Dawes Lake during Arboretum hours. Please call 740.323.2355 with any additional questions!

    Are there places to fish?

    Yes but in order to do so you must be a member of the arboretum.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - The Dawes Arboretum

    The Japanese Garden here is one of my favorite places as it captures beautiful light in a stunning setting.

    Mentioned in 19 reviews

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    The Works: Ohio Center for History, Art & Technology - Historic exhibit

    The Works: Ohio Center for History, Art & Technology

    4.8(10 reviews)
    5.4 mi

    This is a cute little museum featuring exhibits, shows, and interactive stations related to…read morescience, history, technology, and more. There is a very nice little planetarium (the Scidome), and viewing a show is included in the price of admission. We saw "From Earth to the Universe," which provided a crash course on astronomy throughout history and a look at our galaxy and the universe. The first floor of the space features a lot of interactive and hands-on activities, such as building a circuit, learning about your body, building and racing cars from objects like Legos, plus a 6-and-under play area. The hot shop is also located in this area, and it was very interesting to watch them work with the hot glass (and a very pleasant space to be in on such a cold day!) Upstairs is a wealth of local and regional historical information for Newark and Licking County and its citizens and discoveries. A giant mastadon skull greets you as you come up the stairs, as the Burning Tree Mastadon was found in the county. The Jerrie Mock exhibit, complete with a flight simulator and a replica of her airplane, the Spirit of Columbus, was extremely popular with the kids. (Jerrie Mock, a Newark native, was the first woman to fly solo around the world). A little historic village, complete with cash registers, scales, and games is also available to walk through on this level. Given the weather, we didn't spend as much time out in the courtyard as we probably would have otherwise, but we definitely made it over to the building housing the interurban railway car, the back end of which you can walk in and look around the interior of. There's also a really well done mural on the topic out by the parking lot. Staff was friendly and welcoming, and the museum was clean and comfortable. There is plentiful parking outside. A small gift shop, including items made in the hot shop, is available near the entrance.

    My niece loves to go to another children's museum in a nearby city. Unfortunately, it's a little…read morepricey for what it has to offer beyond your 1st visit & there is very little for adults to interact with & engage. We recently went to Cosi 1 weekend instead. The Works is hands down a better experience than the other children's museum. This is now her favorite of the 3 places we've been. Unfortunately, the glass blowing was closed for routine maintenance & we have plans to return when open again. The bottom floor houses the small planetarium & hands on exhibits & play areas for kids & upstairs is more informative displays of the local area, the Works history & a brief technology over view. I've heard there's a café associated with the museum across the outdoor area but we didn't look into that the day we were there. 10/10 recommend a visit if you're in the area & looking for something new, fun & educational for kids to do.

    Photos
    The Works: Ohio Center for History, Art & Technology - Interurban car in courtyard

    Interurban car in courtyard

    The Works: Ohio Center for History, Art & Technology - Jerrie Mock exhibit

    Jerrie Mock exhibit

    The Works: Ohio Center for History, Art & Technology - Scidome Planetarium

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    Scidome Planetarium

    National Heisey Glass Museum

    National Heisey Glass Museum

    4.3(3 reviews)
    5.3 mi

    This is another "hidden gem" of an attraction. We went to Newark specifically to visti the…read moreNational Heisey Glass Museum but it was much much more than we expected. This is an amazing look at the history of glass and the incredible run of the Heisey Glass Company. The collections are organized into various eras - clearly labled - that show the development of Heisey Glass over the years. Other collections are based on the type of glass - i.e. the introduction of different colors and styles. There are also exhibits illustrating Heisey's "animal glass". The staff is not only VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE but also EXTREMELY PRSONALBE and VERY WILLING (EAGER) to talk about the collections. There is a very informative (approximatley 20 minute) video that you shouldn't miss. Having spent 4 summers working in a glass plant while working my work through college, seeing and hearing the stories behind the Heisey glass was especailly fasicnating. The gift shop is loaded with pieces of "original Heisey glass" for sale at very resonable prices.

    An amazing museum. I'm not into glass, but can appreciate the art and craft, well displayed here…read more Lots of different types of glass, from various eras, perfectly preserved and shown in well lit cases. Some knockoffs and more recent production, especially in the basement under the historic house. Another basement room is for meetings but also has artifacts from the factory and explains the glassmaking process. Staff are friendly and helpful. There's a gift shop with actual Heisey glass for sale, plus souvenirs and books. Parking out front, with this in the middle of the museum complex and park. Well worth a visit for anyone interested in local history, industry, art, and decor.

    Photos
    National Heisey Glass Museum
    National Heisey Glass Museum
    National Heisey Glass Museum

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    Viral Columbus - Sign

    Viral Columbus

    5.0(2 reviews)
    31.0 miUniversity District

    A friend wanted to celebrate her birthday here taking ridiculous photos with friends after not…read morebeing with groups of people for the first few years of the Coronavirus pandemic. Not enough people RSVP'd for an actual party that night so we all bought our own tickets (adult tickets are $15 Thursdays, $25 other days) and met up there. Street parking is available but watch for signs to make sure you aren't parking somewhere that needs a pass. If you can't parallel park, maybe have someone drive who is comfortable doing it. In total, 10 people showed up including a child in a wheelchair. Our tickets were for an hour but I believe we took about 2 hours; there were maybe 4 other people we saw during that time so the owner didn't rush us out. The business has around a dozen themes and several walls with fun graphics and lights. It was easy to start our way in the back and work towards the front. Or you could start on the left or right and work your way around the U shape. It was a really fun way for us to be silly, take photos, and make good memories.

    This place is so much fun!!! We took a group of 12 year olds on a Friday evening for some birthday…read morefun and they all thought it was so cool. My husband and I had fun too taking some pics. There are 20 areas plus they have some selfie lights around that you can also use. Parking is on the street but we didn't have any trouble finding spots. We reserved our tickets ahead of time by emailing with the business. Highly recommend!

    Photos
    Viral Columbus
    Viral Columbus - Current Special

    Current Special

    Viral Columbus

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    The Dawes Arboretum - hiking - Updated June 2026

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