The Longview Arboretum and Nature Center is a masterfully designed 26-acre garden near the city’s convention center complex. The grounds feature several lovely settings with a variety of landscapes with terraced gardens, waterfalls, and arbors among thousands of blooming native plants.

Visitors find lovely bronze sculptures and natural sanctuaries along the trails that beckon them to explore, relax, and even commune with nature.

The beauty along the paved walkways includes a variety of flowering shrubs, trees, and blooms in an array of pleasing colors. The park’s tall East Texas pines are likely its most striking feature. Native trees soar above the gardens offering respite from the sun on hotter days.

The elegant gazebo is situated high above the gardens on a hill that serves as a focal point for visitors as they wind along the walkways. The gazebo sometimes hosts outdoor ensembles such as the Longview Symphony Orchestra. A platform above the large pond also accommodates contemporary musical performances with several scheduled this spring.

Animals such as squirrels, birds, and flying insects live among the manicured gardens and add interest to the landscape. Art is also part of the arboretum’s landscape which is adorned with bronze statues. The Nature Center’s main room serves as a gallery for local artists whose works focus on nature and metal sculptures dot the grounds as a complement to the natural setting.

The arboretum’s striking scenery is popular among photographers who enjoy taking portraits and nature photos. Visitors often see professional sessions for bridal or quinceañera photos in progress.

The facilities are both kid-friendly and accessible to seniors. Children have plenty of room to enjoy running over bridges and down hills, while parents can appreciate the wide view of the grounds. Educational facilities for children’s summer camps are located inside the Nature Center and a beehive is visible through a window in the gift shop.

Wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers have no problems rolling over the concrete paths where visitors can usually comfortably explore the grounds without worrying about vehicle traffic, loose stones, or muddy patches. Seating is plentiful on benches along the walkways and some shaded arbors.

The Longview Arboretum opened in 2019 but is still growing into its 26 acres that lie between the city’s convention complex and the Grace Creek Tributary. Thanks to a broad master vision, new gardens, trails, and gathering spots are still being added to the grounds.

Visitors should plan to spend a couple of hours walking through the grounds to explore the landscape and read placards that describe the plants and sculptures. Maps of the property are available at the Nature Center where guests pay $5 admission.

The arboretum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, and from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sundays year round. For information call (903) 212-2181 or visit www.longviewarboretum.org.