Aullwood Garden MetroPark
A magical oasis with vibrant spring blooms and whimsical troll sculptures hidden in woodland trails.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak floral displays
Aullwood Garden MetroPark
Best Time
Peak floral displays
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A magical oasis with vibrant spring blooms and whimsical troll sculptures hidden in woodland trails.
"Spring flowers were amazing! Very nice building and trails!"
🌸 Respect the Blooms
Stick to trails, avoid stepping on flowers, and refrain from picking blooms to preserve their beauty. :seedling:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails can be uneven; sturdy footwear is recommended for exploring the gardens and woodlands. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Virginia Bluebell Spectacle
Woodland Trails
Thousands of delicate Virginia bluebells carpet the woodland floor, creating a breathtaking fairytale oasis.
+1
Thomas Dambo Troll Sculptures
Woodland Trails
Discover whimsical, large-scale troll sculptures made from recycled materials hidden along the park's trails.
Extensive Gardens and Prairie
Main Garden Areas
Wander through meticulously maintained gardens showcasing a variety of seasonal flowers and a planted prairie.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Blooms
Troll Hunt Adventure
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌸 Respect the Blooms
Stick to trails, avoid stepping on flowers, and refrain from picking blooms to preserve their beauty.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails can be uneven; sturdy footwear is recommended for exploring the gardens and woodlands. :athletic_shoe:
🗺️ Troll Hunt Adventure
Embark on a fun scavenger hunt to find the hidden troll sculptures scattered throughout the woods. :compass:
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
The gardens and troll art offer stunning backdrops for engagement and family photos.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌸 Respect the Blooms
Stick to trails, avoid stepping on flowers, and refrain from picking blooms to preserve their beauty.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails can be uneven; sturdy footwear is recommended for exploring the gardens and woodlands. :athletic_shoe:
🗺️ Troll Hunt Adventure
Embark on a fun scavenger hunt to find the hidden troll sculptures scattered throughout the woods. :compass:
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
The gardens and troll art offer stunning backdrops for engagement and family photos.
❄️ Winter Luminary Walk
Experience a magical evening with lights and festivities during the annual Winter Luminary Walk.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Aullwood Garden MetroPark's stunning spring flowers and the unique, whimsical troll sculptures hidden in the woods. The park offers a beautiful and engaging experience for all ages, with well-maintained gardens and accessible trails. Some visitors noted that certain attractions, like the trolls, might be harder to find without prior knowledge.
"Great adventure awaits your family here. Over a mile of trail hike to the 3 trolls and small farm animal display. Gift shop and small turtle display. Military and veteran discounts."
Pete Edgington (Buckeyecop)
"Thomas Dambo trolls are what drew us here. Spring flowers were amazing! Blood root, violets, jack- in the -pulpit, yellow root, and so many more. Very nice building and trails!"
S7Wa G
"Awesome experience and so beautiful. Great time for all ages. Truly a great resource for Ohio."
Patricia L. Felkner
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Aullwood Garden MetroPark is located in Dayton, Ohio. It's accessible by car, with ample parking available. For specific directions, use GPS navigation to 'Aullwood Garden MetroPark, Dayton, OH'.
Yes, some trails are stroller-friendly, making it accessible for families with young children. However, be prepared for some uneven terrain in certain areas.
Public transportation options may be limited. It's generally recommended to travel by car for the most convenient access to the park. Check local transit schedules for potential routes.
From Columbus, take I-70 West towards Dayton. Continue on I-70 W and take exit 32 for OH-4 S toward Dayton. Merge onto OH-4 S and then take the exit for US-35 W. Take the Main Street exit and follow signs for Aullwood Garden MetroPark.
Yes, there is parking available at the park. It's advisable to arrive early, especially during peak bloom seasons, to secure a spot.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Aullwood Garden MetroPark is generally free, but special events like the Winter Luminary Walk may have associated costs or require registration. Always check their official website for the latest information.
Park hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Aullwood Garden MetroPark website or their social media for current operating hours before your visit.
Military and veteran discounts are mentioned, so be sure to inquire about any available discounts at the entrance or gift shop.
The troll sculptures are located within the park grounds. While general park access is often free, it's wise to confirm if any specific areas or exhibits require separate admission.
Aullwood Garden MetroPark is typically open year-round, though hours may be reduced during winter months. Special events like the Winter Luminary Walk are highlights.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
You can explore beautiful gardens, hike woodland trails to find troll sculptures, visit a small farm animal display, and enjoy the natural scenery.
Yes, Aullwood Garden MetroPark features extensive woodland hiking trails, perfect for exploring the natural beauty and discovering hidden art installations.
During spring, expect to see a spectacular display of Virginia bluebells, daffodils, violets, and bloodroot. The gardens offer a variety of blooms throughout the seasons.
Yes, there is a gift shop where you can find souvenirs and local crafts.
Typically, pets are not allowed in the gardens or on trails to protect the delicate flora and fauna. Check the park's specific pet policy before your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
Absolutely! The vibrant spring flowers, whimsical troll sculptures, and natural landscapes make it a photographer's paradise.
The areas with peak bluebell blooms, the troll sculptures, and the meticulously maintained garden beds offer fantastic photo opportunities.
Yes, Aullwood Garden MetroPark is a popular spot for engagement and portrait photography due to its scenic beauty.
While generally welcoming to photographers, always be mindful of other visitors and avoid disturbing the natural environment. Drone photography may have restrictions.
Golden hours, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offer the most beautiful natural light for photography. Midday can be harsh, but the shade of the woods helps.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photographers & Art Enthusiasts
+1 The unique troll sculptures by Thomas Dambo provide artistic and quirky subjects, perfect for creative shoots. +1🚶♀️ Nature Walkers & Hikers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Enchantment of Spring Blooms
Beyond the bluebells, you can expect to see a variety of other spring ephemerals like bloodroot, violets, and daffodils, adding to the floral spectacle. To make the most of your visit during bloom season, it's essential to time your visit carefully. Peak bloom for the bluebells typically occurs over a few weeks in spring, so checking local bloom reports or the park's social media is highly recommended.
Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles by staying on designated trails and refraining from picking any flowers to help preserve this natural beauty for future visitors. Discovering the Hidden Trolls
Finding these unique sculptures is a highlight for many, offering a fun and engaging way to explore the park's natural beauty.
The experience is often described as a delightful surprise, with each troll having its own character and story. It's a fantastic activity for families and anyone who enjoys a bit of playful discovery. Photography Opportunities
+1 Photographers can capture the delicate beauty of individual blooms or the sweeping vistas of color that define the park during peak season. Beyond the gardens, the whimsical troll sculptures by Thomas Dambo offer unique and artistic subjects for photography.
+1 Their recycled material construction and hidden locations add an element of intrigue. The park's woodland trails and natural landscapes also provide ample opportunities for capturing serene nature shots, engagement photos, and family portraits. +1 Visiting during the golden hours (early morning or late afternoon) will yield the most flattering light for your shots. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit