Rancho Encinal/Dallas Arboretum

Rancho Encinal, a large Spanish-style hacienda built on 44 acres of prime lakefront property in 1939, was once the home of geophysicist Everett Lee DeGolyer and his wife Nell. "Mr. De," who made his fortune in the oil business, was also an avid rare book collector. After his death, Degolyer's large library of Western Americana was donated to Southern Methodist University, which named its special collections library in his honor. Mrs. DeGolyer's interests included her extensive flower gardens. Since 1976, the DeGolyer estate has formed the largest portion of the Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. The addition of the adjoining Camp estate increased the size of the grounds to 66 acres. In September 2002, the Arboretum facilities were expanded with the opening of the new Trammell Crow Visitors Center, which consists of a gift shop, meeting space, and an attractive patio area overlooking White Rock Lake. At night, the view it affords of Downtown Dallas, with the skyscraper lights reflecting on the water, is very pleasing.

Map of 8617 Garland Rd Dallas, TX 75218-3914

Directions to 8617 Garland Rd Dallas, TX 75218-3914

"Dallas Blooms," an annual spring event, is very popular. Although the property overlooks the lake, the entrance is at 8617 Garland Road. For the most up-to-date information regarding admission prices, days open, etc., see the Dallas Arboretum official Web site.