Background

Donald E. Davis Arboretum: A Native Plant Sanctuary

4.8 (430)

Discover Alabama's natural beauty at Auburn University's Donald E. Davis Arboretum, a living museum of native plants and ecosystems.

The Donald E. Davis Arboretum at Auburn University is a 13.5-acre living museum showcasing plant life native to Alabama and the Southeastern United States [4, 5]. With diverse collections and educational programs, it offers a peaceful retreat and learning experience for all [5, 9].

A brief summary to Donald E. Davis Arboretum

  • Monday 6 am-7 pm
  • Tuesday 6 am-7 pm
  • Wednesday 6 am-7 pm
  • Thursday 6 am-7 pm
  • Friday 6 am-7 pm
  • Saturday 6 am-7 pm
  • Sunday 6 am-7 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the Azalea Festival or Red, White, and Blueberry Bash for seasonal celebrations [5].
  • Pick up a brochure at the Pavilion for self-guided tours of the plant collections and sustainable stormwater management practices [8].
  • Check the Arboretum's website for workshops, presentations, and guided tours [9].
  • Wear comfortable shoes to explore the two miles of walking trails [20].
widget icon

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

Attraction

The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art at Auburn University

Discover Artistic Treasures at The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art
Attraction

Graham McTeer Park

Graham McTeer Park: A Natural Escape in Auburn
Attraction

Toomer's Oaks

Toomer's Corner: Auburn's Celebratory Crossroads

Unlock the Best of Donald E. Davis Arboretum

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Getting There

  • Walking

    From the heart of Auburn University's campus, the Donald E. Davis Arboretum is easily accessible on foot. Head south, passing the Student Center and the Haley Center. Continue along the paved pathways, following signs for the College of Sciences and Mathematics. The Arboretum is located just beyond the buildings, a short walk down Garden Drive. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    The Auburn Transit system provides several routes that stop near the Donald E. Davis Arboretum [12, 16]. From downtown Auburn, take any bus heading towards the university campus. Get off at the stop closest to the intersection of South College Street and Garden Drive. From there, it's a short walk east on Garden Drive to the Arboretum entrance. A single ride fare is typically around $1-2 [12]. Check the Auburn Transit website or app for the most up-to-date schedules and fare information [12].

  • Driving

    From downtown Auburn, head south on College Street. Turn right onto Garden Drive. The Donald E. Davis Arboretum will be on your left. Parking is available along Garden Drive and in the Arboretum parking lot [3]. During weekdays, an Auburn University parking permit is required, but parking is free on weekends and holidays [3, 5]. Daily parking permits can be purchased for around $17 [21]. Limited hourly parking may also be available [21].

Discover more about Donald E. Davis Arboretum

The Donald E. Davis Arboretum, nestled on the campus of Auburn University, serves as a sanctuary for native plants of Alabama and the Southeastern U.S. [4, 5, 14]. Spanning 13.5 acres, the arboretum features over two miles of accessible walking trails that wind through diverse plant collections and native southeastern plant communities [4, 20]. Founded in 1963 and dedicated to Dr. Donald E. Davis in 1977, the arboretum's mission is to preserve and display living plant collections, inspire understanding of the natural world, and promote conservation, research, and education [4, 6, 7]. Visitors can explore representations of Alabama's varied ecosystems, including coastal dunes, blackbelt prairies, longleaf pine savannas, and carnivorous bogs [8, 9]. The arboretum boasts almost 900 trees, with over 300 different species represented [8]. Its nationally accredited collections of oaks and native azaleas are particularly noteworthy [8, 20]. Self-guided tours are available to explore the oak collection, large trees, and small trees and shrubs [8, 9]. The Arboretum also demonstrates sustainable practices, offering an 11-stop self-guided tour on stormwater management [8, 9]. The Donald E. Davis Arboretum is open to the public, free of charge, from sunrise to sunset every day of the year [3, 20]. It serves as a valuable educational resource for Auburn University students and the wider community, hosting workshops, guided tours, and events throughout the year [9, 14].

Explore the best of what Donald E. Davis Arboretum has to offer

Mobile App

Your all‑in‑one travel companion app

Explore expert travel guides, compare and book tours, experiences, hotels, and more—all from the palm of your hand. Download now for seamless trip planning wherever your wanderlust takes you.



More about Auburn

File:Toomer's Corner.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

Discover Auburn, Alabama: A vibrant city with rich history, beautiful parks, and Southern hospitality, perfect for nature lovers, history buffs, and sports enthusiasts.

Tell me more about Auburn
Attraction

Escape to nature at Tuskegee National Forest Campsite #8: a peaceful, primitive camping experience in a revitalized landscape.

Tuskegee National Forest Campsite #8
Attraction

Explore diverse art collections and enriching exhibitions at The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art, Auburn's cultural gem.

The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art at Auburn University

Select Currency