The Dawes Arboretum

10/13/2026

Sugar maples are showing off their fall color 🍁, birds are on the move, and fall fungi are popping up! Take a closer look at the season’s changes and discover what to watch for on your next visit. 🍄🐦

Learn more at dawesarb.org/what-to-see

10/12/2026

10/12/2026

Fall color, fresh air, and a ride through The Dawes Arboretum! 🍂 Join us for our members-only Fall Color Tram Tour on Oct. 22 from 6:00-7:00 p.m. and take in the colors of the season.

10/11/2026

Then/Now: from garage to History Center! 📸

This 1929 photo offers a glimpse of the building before it became a home for Dawes history. Converted in 1984, the History Center was named in honor of C. Burr Dawes, son of Beman and Bertie Dawes and the Arboretum’s first historian.

Stop in to explore our story before the History Center closes for the season on October 31! Open Thursday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

10/09/2026

Explore, create and collect at Fall in Love with Dawes! 🍂

Pick up a STEM Passport and visit each activity table during the event to collect stamps. Complete your passport to earn a limited-edition STEM coin, courtesy of the Heath-Newark-Licking County Port Authority.

Join us for this free family event on Saturday, October 24, from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. at The Dawes Arboretum. Admission is free all day thanks to the Port Authority!

10/09/2026

Fall color is on the way in Ohio, The Heart of it All!

Our 2026 Fall Color Forecast is officially here. Use this map to see when you can expect peak color in your area, then get ready to enjoy the season 🍁🍂

Follow along here or on our website for weekly updates: https://bit.ly/4rsf6Q9

10/08/2026

Sensory Bags are here thanks to ASCO Autism Society Central Ohio!

Sometimes a little extra support can make a big difference. Sensory bags are now available at The Dawes Arboretum to help visitors feel more comfortable while exploring.

Each bag includes:
🎧 Noise-canceling headphones
🕶️ Sunglasses
👐 Fidgets
🌿 Calm breathing reminder cards

Check out a bag at the Visitor Center Gift Shop during your next visit. Everyone deserves the opportunity to feel included and enjoy their time in nature!

10/06/2026

Another week, another What to See! 🍂 As fall inches closer to peak and The Dawes is showing its true colors. Take a closer look at the seasonal changes unfolding across the grounds and find inspiration for your next visit.

Explore this week’s What to See: https://www.dawesarb.org/what-to-see

10/03/2026

Homeschool Investigations are in full swing! 🌱

During our recent seed collection program, young naturalists discovered the many ways seeds travel, from spinning “helicopters” and floating parachutes to hitchhikers that catch a ride on fur, feathers and more.

There are so many ways for kids to explore, investigate and learn from nature at Dawes. Join us for upcoming Homeschool Investigations:

🍂 October 16: Every Tree for Itself
🦌 November 6: Go Bucks! Discovering Deer
💧 November 20: Water Wonders: Investigating the Water Cycle

Learn more and register at dawesarb.org.

10/02/2026

Yesterday, we spent time in the beautiful Zaleski State Forest for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry’s Forest of Honor tree dedication ceremony. 🌳

We are honored to be recognized alongside organizations making a lasting difference for Ohio’s forests. This recognition celebrates work that supports responsible forestry, conservation, education and a greater appreciation for the trees and natural spaces that shape our state!

Thank you to ODNR Division of Forestry for this meaningful honor and for all they do to care for Ohio’s forests. 💚