The Dallas Arboretum is one of the most incredible sites you can see while visiting Dallas. Located on the shores of White Rock Lake, you can explore 66 acres of magnificent grounds with an incredible backdrop of the Dallas skyline. Whether you visit during peak bloom or during the off-season, you are sure to find beauty in every last corner of the Dallas Arboretum.
History of the Dallas Arboretum
Not only will you be stepping into gardens of phenomenal beauty, but the history of the Dallas Arboretum is also extensive. Although it is young compared to other botanical institutions in the nation, its history is rich. The Dallas Arboretum was born from civic leaders and philanthropists who believed that Dallas deserved a place where the community could flourish in tandem with nature. So, in 1974, the Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Society adopted bylaws, elected officers, and incorporated as a nonprofit.
The Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Society then raised funds to purchase the historic DeGolyer estate, as well as the adjacent property. In 1982, the City of Dallas signed a contract with the Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Society, which created the arboretum and botanical garden on the grounds of these properties. The Dallas Arboretum officially opened to the public for the first time in 1984.
Since the roots of the arboretum come from civic leaders and philanthropists, the mission of the Dallas Arboretum remains similar to the mission at its founding. The arboretum supports equal opportunity and accessibility for all and promotes a safe and engaging experience that is welcoming to all. The garden hopes to inspire curiosity, foster connection, and create experiences that follow all who visit long after they leave the beautiful grounds of the Dallas Arboretum.
When to Visit the Dallas Arboretum
While you can visit all year round, the best times to visit the Dallas Arboretum are the spring and the fall. In the spring, you can catch the Dallas Blooms festival, which features over 500,000 blooming bulbs including 350,000+ tulips. In the fall, you can experience Autumn at the Arboretum, where there are 90,000+ pumpkins, gourds, and squash on display. That being said, the grounds are kept lovely all year round, so if you can’t make it during those times, don’t worry! Find out more about what the Dallas Arboretum has to offer below.
Areas to Visit in the Garden
A Woman’s Garden
A Woman’s Garden at the Dallas Arboretum is a wonderful area if you’re looking to be surrounded by natural beauty, incredible gardens, and elegant stonework. This garden is designed to celebrate women’s strength, grace, and spirit. A Woman’s Garden is the only public garden in the nation conceived by women, funded by women, and dedicated to women. There are two parts to this garden, with the first opening in 1997 and the second in 2006.
One of the most unique aspects of A Woman’s Garden is the blend of sculpture and stonework with the incredible natural features. The part I enjoyed the most was the fabulous view of the Dallas landscape that you can see from the garden. These elements combined are intended to represent how women are many things at once, and that is what makes them beautiful.
Margaret Elizabeth Jonsson Color Garden
The Margaret Elizabeth Jonsson Color Garden is an incredible garden on 6.5 acres of land that features sweeping beds full of seasonal flowers and plants. In the spring, the garden is home to 2,000 varieties of azaleas, which bloom incredibly along with daffodils and tulips. In the summer, there are vibrant bananas and tapioca plants, and in the fall, you can catch beautiful chrysanthemums. I visited this garden in the spring, and I definitely think that is the best time to catch the brightly flowering azaleas and tulips. The color in this garden is magnificent, and a stop that you don’t want to miss on your visit to the Dallas Arboretum.
Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden
The Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden was designed with the hope of connecting children with nature. Although this garden was designed with children in mind, anyone is sure to enjoy these sprawling 8 acres of fun.
In this garden, guests can find interactive exhibits, whimsical gardens, and STEM-centered programming geared to connect young learners to the natural world. Although each gallery is designed to be age-specific, they are not age-restrictive. Educational programs run daily throughout the garden to facilitate learning for everyone. Enjoy this site with your family, or even if you’re just curious and want to learn more about the natural world.
Lay Family Garden
The Lay Family Garden is another nice stop during your visit to the Dallas Arboretum. This garden is home to hundreds of perennials and woody plants. Along with the incredible plants, you can also see the Lay Grotto, as seen below. This grotto boasts a waterfall and a koi pond. On the other side, there are more cascading water elements that are underneath a lush trellis. The ambiance of this garden is unmatched, and it is a great place for you to take a moment to appreciate the tranquility of nature while observing some playful koi fish.
The Chandler Lindsley Shadow Garden
The Chandler Lindsley Shadow Garden is a beautiful location, whether you’re visiting the Dallas Arboretum in the spring, summer, or fall. When I visited in the spring, lush green grass served as a backdrop for amazing white, pink, and fuchsia azalea blooms. The magnificent magnolia trees were an even better perk, and helped me stay cool in the Texas heat. The Chandler Lindsley Shadow Garden is a must-visit and is even a great spot to picnic.
Grab a Bite to Eat
Restaurant DeGolyer
If you want to experience a piece of the Dallas Arboretum’s history, dining at the Restaurant DeGolyer is an absolute must. Guests are able to dine in the historic Tea Room of the DeGolyer House all year round. You can enjoy fresh American cafe fare, including seasonal specialties. Guests are served a three-course meal consisting of light bites. Your first course will be a flavorful soup or similar dish, with options changing seasonally. The second course is an assortment of tea sandwiches made with seasonal ingredients. The final course has a selection of sweet treats and desserts inspired by the season. Each meal is also accompanied by a selection of fine teas that are chosen to complement the seasonal flavors. They have gluten-free, vegan, and dairy-free options. This will for sure be a memorable dining experience.
Lula Mae Slaughter Dining Terrace Grill
A great break spot mid-visit is the Lula Mae Slaughter Dining Terrace Grill. This relaxed, counter-style restaurant has wonderful garden views, a view of the lake, and a view of downtown Dallas. This would be a wonderful spot at sunset, where you can enjoy a nice sandwich while overlooking the beautiful Dallas skyline. They have seasonal specials, but also have a consistent menu all year. They also have a wonderful beverage menu if you’re looking for a nice coffee to accompany your travels around the garden.
Picnic
Between the beautifully kept lawns and the tranquil atmosphere, the Dallas Arboretum is a wonderful spot to have a picnic! The Arboretum allows guests to order to-go food from any on-site dining venue or bring their own food from home. Guests may enjoy a picnic anywhere in the garden, but the Dallas Arboretum has some suggestions on its website. Whatever picnic experience you’re trying to have, you’re sure to be able to find it at the Dallas Arboretum!
Annual Events at the Dallas Arboretum
Thursday Night Music Series
Started in 1997, Cool Thursdays music series has become one of the Dallas Arboretum’s most loved events. Guests can enjoy live music with a wonderful backdrop of White Rock Lake. Here, the Dallas Arboretum celebrates national tribute acts and the area’s greatest performers. Some previous performers include Fleetwood MAC, a Fleetwood MAC tribute, Always Adele, an Adele tribute show, and Blonde Ambition, a Madonna Tribute. There are two series, one in the spring and one in the fall. This is an incredible opportunity to visit the Dallas Arboretum and see great live music.
Dallas Blooms
The largest annual floral festival in the Southwest is held every year at the Dallas Arboretum! The Dallas Blooms festival is known throughout the world as a celebration of spring. This incredible festival features stunning floral displays and immersive garden experiences. It is held annually from mid-February through mid-April. There are over 500,000 blooms from tulips to pansies, live entertainment, Easter events, and more! Each year, there is a new theme and corresponding exhibits and displays. If you are in Dallas in the Spring, this is an event that you sure do not want to miss!
Published by