If you are looking for a place to enjoy nature, art, and culture in Dallas, you should visit the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. This 66-acre oasis of beauty and tranquility features stunning floral displays, breathtaking sculptures, and educational programs for all ages. Whether you want to relax, explore, or learn something new, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden has something for everyone.
What’s the Project About?
The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is a project that aims to create a world-class destination for horticulture, education, and entertainment. It was founded in 1984 by the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Society. This nonprofit organization manages and operates the garden with the City of Dallas Parks and Recreation Department. The garden is located on the shores of White Rock Lake, on the former estates of Everette L. DeGolyer and Alex Camp.
Who Developed the Project? What’s Their Background?
The project was developed by a team of dedicated volunteers, donors, staff, and board members who share a passion for plants and nature. Some of the key figures behind the project are:
- Everette L. DeGolyer, a prominent oilman and philanthropist who donated his 44-acre estate and mansion to the city in 1976. His house, built in 1940, is now a museum that showcases his collection of books, art, and antiques.
- Alex Camp, a businessman, and civic leader, donated his 22-acre estate adjacent to DeGolyer in 1982. His house, built in 1938, is now a restaurant and event venue called The Camp House.
- Nellie B. Connally, the former first lady of Texas who served as the honorary chairwoman of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Society from 1984 to 2006. She helped raise funds and awareness for the garden and its programs.
- Donald A. Riddle, a landscape architect who designed the master plan for the garden in 1983. He envisioned a series of themed gardens showcasing plants from different regions and seasons.
- Gary Lee Price, a renowned sculptor who created The Great Contributors Bronze Sculpture Exhibit that features life-size statues of historical figures such as Abraham Lincoln, Benjamin Franklin, Albert Einstein, William Shakespeare, George Washington, Claude Monet, Mark Twain, and Mother Teresa.
Is the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens Ecologically Sustainable?
The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is committed to being ecologically sustainable and environmentally friendly. Some of the ways it achieves this are:
- Using organic fertilizers and pest control methods
- Recycling water through irrigation systems and ponds
- Composting plant materials and food waste
- Installing solar panels and LED lights
- Planting native and drought-tolerant plants
- Educating visitors about conservation and ecology
What Amenities Does Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens Have?
The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden has a variety of amenities that make your visit more enjoyable and comfortable. Some of these are:
- A visitor center that offers information, tickets, memberships, gift shop, restrooms, lockers, strollers, wheelchairs, scooters, umbrellas, maps, guides, audio tours, and free Wi-Fi
- A children’s adventure garden that features interactive exhibits, games, labs, trails, playgrounds, splash pads, tree houses, and educational programs for kids
- A tasteful place that offers cooking demonstrations, tastings, classes, recipes, gardening tips, seasonal produce, herbs, flowers, fruits,
and vegetables - A concert stage and lawn that hosts live music performances every Thursday night from April to October
- A picnic area that allows you to bring your own food and drinks or buy them from on-site vendors
- A tram service that transports you around the garden for free
- A photography policy that permits you to take photos for personal use or professional sessions with a fee
Transportation in Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is easily accessible by car or public of transportation.
Points of Interest Near Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is surrounded by many points of interest you can explore before or after your visit. Some of these are:
- White Rock Lake, a 1,015-acre lake that offers scenic views, trails, boating, fishing, birdwatching, and picnic areas
- Dallas Museum of Art, a museum that displays more than 24,000 works of art from various cultures and periods
- Dallas World Aquarium, an aquarium that showcases marine and terrestrial animals from around the world
- Reunion Tower, a 561-foot tower that features an observation deck, a revolving restaurant, and a digital interactive experience
- Klyde Warren Park, a 5.2-acre park that spans over a freeway and offers green space, food trucks, games, activities, and events
Fun Places to Visit Near the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is also close to many fun places to visit that can make your trip more memorable and exciting. Some of these are:
- Six Flags Over Texas, an amusement park that features thrill rides, shows, attractions, and events
- Dallas Zoo, a zoo that houses more than 2,000 animals from over 400 species
- Perot Museum of Nature and Science, a museum that offers interactive exhibits, simulations, films, and programs on science, nature, and history
- Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, a dinner theater that recreates a medieval feast and jousting tournament
- Topgolf Dallas, a golf entertainment complex that combines golf games, food, drinks, music, and fun
FAQs—Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
Open Hours
The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. The Children’s Adventure Garden is also open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on Mondays from September through February. The Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden will be closed January 1-February 21 for preventative maintenance.
Why Do People Visit the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens?
People visit the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens for many reasons. Some of them are:
- To enjoy the beauty of nature and the changing seasons. The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden provides rotating displays four times a year, delivering breathtaking color for visitors from March through November.
- To learn about plants, gardening, and the environment. The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden offers a variety of educational programs for children, adults, and families, such as guided tours, workshops, lectures, festivals, and camps.
- To have fun and make memories. The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden has many attractions and activities for visitors of all ages, such as the Children’s Adventure Garden, the Cool Thursdays Concert Series, the DeGolyer House Historical Tours, and the seasonal events like Autumn at the Arboretum and Holiday at the Arboretum.
What Can You Do in the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens?
There is so much to do in the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens that you might need more than one day to explore it all. Here are some things you can do:
- Stroll through the 66 acres of gardens and admire the diverse plant collections and displays.
- Visit the Children’s Adventure Garden and enjoy the interactive exhibits, games, and activities that teach about science, nature, and art.
- Listen to live music at the Cool Thursdays Concert Series on the Martin Rutchik Concert Stage & Lawn.
- Tour the DeGolyer House, a historic mansion that showcases elegant furnishings, art, and antiques.
- Experience the seasonal events that celebrate different themes and holidays throughout the year.
- Have a picnic on the lush green lawns or dine at one of the on-site restaurants or cafes.
- Shop for gifts, souvenirs, plants, and books at the Hoffman Family Gift Store or the Plant Sales area.
What are the Areas of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens?
The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens has 19 named gardens, each with a unique design, theme, and features. Some of the most popular ones are:
- A Woman’s Garden: A tranquil garden that honors women with sculptures, fountains, pools, and flowers.
- Jonsson Color Garden: A vibrant garden with large beds of seasonal plants and flowers that create stunning color combinations.
- Nancy Rutchik Red Maple Rill: A serene garden that showcases over 80 varieties of Japanese maples that display brilliant fall colors.
- Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden: A fun-filled garden with 17 galleries with interactive exhibits teaching about science, nature, and art.
- The Paseo de Flores: A scenic walkway that connects the main entrance with the DeGolyer House and offers views of White Rock Lake.
How Long Is the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens Tour?
The length of your tour depends on how much time you have and how much you want to see. You can spend as little as an hour or as long as a day at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. However, if you want to see most of the gardens and attractions, you might want to plan for at least three to four hours.
What Animals Can I See in the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens?
The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens is home to many animals that live in harmony with the plants and flowers. Some of the animals you might see are:
- Birds: You can spot many birds, such as cardinals, blue jays, hummingbirds, woodpeckers, ducks, geese, and herons.
- Butterflies: You can admire the beauty and diversity of butterflies, especially in the Butterfly House and Garden in the Children’s Adventure Garden.
- Fish: You can see colorful fish swimming in the ponds and fountains, such as koi, goldfish, and catfish.
- Turtles: You can watch turtles sunbathing on the rocks or diving into the water, such as red-eared sliders and snapping turtles.
- Squirrels: You can observe squirrels scampering around the trees and lawns, looking for nuts and seeds.
Is There Anything Not Allowed?
The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens want to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors. Therefore, some things are not allowed, such as:
- Smoking or vaping
- Alcohol (except for purchase at on-site restaurants or during special events)
- Weapons (except for licensed concealed handguns)
- Bicycles, skateboards, rollerblades, or scooters
- Drones or remote-controlled devices
- Balloons or confetti
Are Pets Allowed?
The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens love pets, but they are not allowed in the gardens for their own safety and the safety of other visitors and plants. However, there are some exceptions, such as:
- Service animals that are trained to assist people with disabilities
- Pets that are part of special events or programs (such as Dog Days of Summer)
- Pets that are kept in carriers or strollers
What Is the Entrance Fee?
The entrance fee for the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens varies depending on the visitor’s age, the year’s season, and the ticket type. The general admission prices are:
- Adult (13-64): $20
- Senior (65+): $16
- Child (2-12): $12
- Children’s Adventure Garden: $3
- Parking: $15 (or $11 online)
However, there are some discounts and special offers available, such as:
- Any Day Discounted: $5 for all visitors from January 2 to February 18 and from July 1 to July 31
- August Discounted: $3 for all visitors from August 1 to August 31
- Members: Free admission and parking for members of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
- Group Rates: Discounted admission and parking for groups of 10 or more with reservations
Is It Wheelchair Accessible?
The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens is wheelchair accessible and strives to accommodate visitors with disabilities. Some of the services and facilities available are:
- Wheelchairs: Free wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Information Booths at both entrances
- Trams: Free trams run daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and stop at designated locations throughout the gardens
- Restrooms: Accessible restrooms are located at both entrances and near the DeGolyer House
- Elevators: Elevators are available at both entrances and at the DeGolyer House
Driving directions from Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens to Reunion Tower
Via I-30 W. 7.8 miles in 22 minutes.
- Head northeast on Garland Rd toward Tavaros Ave – 0.2 mi
- Make a U-turn at Ocalla Ave – 1.6 mi
- Continue onto E Grand Ave – 1.8 mi
- Turn right onto E R L Thornton Fwy – Pass by Jack in the Box (on the right) – 0.2 mi
- Use the left lane to take the ramp onto I-30 W – 2.4 mi
- Use the left lane to take exit 46B toward Ervay St – 0.2 mi
- Continue onto Griffin St W – 0.7 mi
- Continue on Memorial Dr. Drive to Hyatt Regency Hotel Dr – 2 min (0.6 mi)
- Turn left onto Memorial Dr – 0.3 mi
- Turn right onto Hotel St – 0.2 mi
- Continue onto Hyatt Regency Hotel Dr – Destination will be on the left – 0.1 mi
Public transport directions from Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens to Reunion Tower
Take the 214 and walk. Around 39 minutes.
- Start at The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, 8525 Garland Rd, Dallas, TX 75218, United States
- Walk east toward Garland Rd
- Turn right onto Garland Rd
- Destination will be on the right (about 1 min, 299 ft)
- Take Bus 214 Downtown Dallas from Garland at Whittier – S – FS
- Bus ride for 34 min (48 stops). Stop ID: 16845
- Arrive at Houston at Young – S – MB
- Walk to Reunion Tower
- Walk south on S Houston St toward Young St
- Turn right onto Reunion Blvd E
- Turn right onto Hyatt Regency Hotel Dr
- Arrive at Reunion Tower
- 300 Reunion Blvd E, Dallas, TX 75207, United States
Driving directions from Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens to Salut Event Rentals
Via E Lake Highlands Dr and Plano Rd. 10.5 miles in 27 minutes.
- Head northeast on Garland Rd toward Tavaros Ave – 0.8 mi
- Use the left 2 lanes to turn left onto N Buckner Blvd – 0.6 mi
- Turn right onto E Lake Highlands Dr – 1.7 mi
- Continue onto Plano Rd – 5.6 mi
- Use the left 2 lanes to turn left onto E Belt Line Rd – Pass by Wendy’s (on the right) – 0.9 mi
- Continue on N Bowser Rd to your destination – 2 min (0.8 mi)
- Turn right onto N Bowser Rd – 0.6 mi
- Use the left lane to turn right – 49 ft
- Turn left – 374 ft
- Turn right – 125 ft
- Turn left – 82 ft