Background

Donald E. Davis Arboretum: A Native Plant Sanctuary

Discover Alabama's native flora at Auburn University's Donald E. Davis Arboretum, a living museum showcasing the region's diverse plant life.

4.8

The Donald E. Davis Arboretum at Auburn University is a 13.5-acre living museum dedicated to preserving and showcasing plant life native to Alabama and the Southeastern United States [1, 5]. With themed gardens, natural habitats, and walking trails, it offers a tranquil escape and an educational experience for all [5, 12].

A brief summary to Donald E. Davis Arboretum

Local tips

  • Visit during the spring to witness the spectacular bloom of the Native Azalea Garden [12].
  • Pick up a brochure at the Davis Arboretum Pavilion for a self-guided tour of the plant collections [4].
  • Check the Arboretum's website for upcoming events, including plant sales, workshops, and guided tours [5, 10].
  • Follow the "Managing Stormwater the way Nature Does" tour to learn about sustainable water management practices [4, 10].
  • Parking is free on weekends and holidays; during the week, an Auburn University permit or visitor permit is required [5, 2].
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    From the heart of Auburn University's campus, such as Samford Hall, the Donald E. Davis Arboretum is accessible by foot. Head east along Roosevelt Drive, then turn right onto Garden Drive. Continue on Garden Drive, and the Arboretum will be on your left. The walk is approximately 10-15 minutes. No costs are involved.

  • Public Transport

    Tiger Transit, Auburn University's bus service, has several stops near the Arboretum [14]. Check the Tiger Transit website for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. From the closest bus stop, it's a short walk to the Arboretum entrance. A single ride on Tiger Transit is free for students and visitors [14].

  • Driving

    From downtown Auburn, head south on College Street. Turn left onto Garden Drive. The Arboretum will be on your right. Parking is available along Garden Drive and in the Arboretum parking lot [2, 5]. During weekdays, an Auburn University parking permit is required. On weekends and holidays, parking is free [2, 5]. Weekday visitor parking permits cost around $5 - $10 per day.

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

Discover more about Donald E. Davis Arboretum

The Donald E. Davis Arboretum, nestled on the Auburn University campus, serves as a living testament to the botanical diversity of Alabama and the Southeastern U.S. [1, 5, 11]. Established in 1963, the 13.5-acre arboretum has evolved into a cherished destination for students, faculty, residents, and tourists seeking a connection with nature [12, 6]. The arboretum's grounds feature meticulously curated collections representing Alabama's diverse ecosystems, including mixed oak forests, carnivorous bogs, and longleaf pine savannas [1]. These collections include over 1,000 plant types, with 500 different plant species and over 3,000 cataloged specimens [1]. Visitors can explore over a mile of interwoven walking trails that meander through various southeastern biotopes [1]. Key highlights include the nationally recognized Oak Collection, featuring all 39 of Alabama's native oak species [1, 10]. The Rhododendron Collection is also world-renowned, boasting 60 varieties of Rhododendron and Azalea, including the Auburn Azalea Series of hybrids [1]. During spring, the Arboretum hosts the Auburn Azalea Festival, showcasing the vibrant blooms [1]. The Arboretum is actively involved in plant conservation through the Alabama Plant Conservation Alliance and serves as a testing ground for sustainable practices [13, 4]. Visitors can take a self-guided tour, "Managing Stormwater the way Nature Does," to learn about sustainable water management techniques [4, 10]. The Arboretum also hosts various events throughout the year, including plant sales, workshops, and art exhibitions [5, 12]. The Donald E. Davis Arboretum is open year-round from sunrise to sunset and offers free admission [18, 2]. It serves as an outdoor classroom, a research facility, and a peaceful retreat, promoting education, conservation, and appreciation for the natural world [5, 10, 6].

Popular Experiences near Donald E. Davis Arboretum

Popular Hotels near Donald E. Davis Arboretum

Select Currency