Wondering how to see the teddy bear statues in Lakeside Park? Here’s what to know before you go to Teddy Bear Garden.
Once upon a time, a family of four teddy bears moved to Dallas, Texas. They lived in Dallas for thirty years on a quiet waterfront stretch of Lakeside Park. They still live in the same outdoor spot. And now that a year-long bout of home renovations is over and the dust of construction has cleared, they can happily welcome guests again.
Here’s how to visit them.
Editor’s Note: This article contains photos of Teddy Bear Park, taken across six years. The ones where the teddy bears are on a paved path (instead of compact dirt) are the most recent!
About Teddy Bear Garden

For a while, the four teddy bears‘ corner of Lakeside Park was locally (and affectionately) known as Teddy Bear Park. Now, a new deep green sign, fixed to a lamppost-like pole, retitles this Highland Park highlight as Teddy Bear Garden (after flowering trees and stone steps were landscaped in).
Teddy Bear Garden starts in a fairytale setting. Picture a storybook world punctuated by exclamation marks of trees, a dash of a trail, and circles of lily pads atop a lake.
What To Expect At Teddy Bear Garden

- One ten-foot-tall granite teddy bear with soft features and a decorative black bow (I personally call this bear Mama Bear, but it could be a Papa Bear, an older sibling, an aunt or uncle, one cub that’s just a wee bit taller than the rest of the cubs – no one knows for sure).
- Three four-foot-tall granite cubs. One looks up at Mama Bear. One lifts its legs and paws in delight nearby. One plays near the stump of a tree.

- A small footpath (less than 200 feet long) passing a babbling brook, a teeny duck-filled pond, and the outskirts of a mansion. The mansion is billionaire Harlan Crow’s, and the gate doesn’t hide his Garden Of Evil, a personal sculpture collection of deposed communist dictators (Why would anyone collect that? Here’s why, apparently). Crow commissioned the teddy bear statues (built by artist Jerry Williams), too, and donated them to Lakeside Park in the late 90s.

Teddy Bear Garden, itself, is less than a half acre of Lakeside Park’s fourteen. The evening crowd is casual; usually, a few joggers detouring to rest their legs, one (or two) couples splayed out on a picnic blanket near the gentle curve of Exall Lake. Ducks quack. Geese congregate. Bullfrogs croak.
How To Visit The Teddy Bear Statues In Lakeside Park

To get to the teddy bear statues in Lakeside Park, head to 11 Willowood St, Highland Park. Then, parallel park on the side of the road closest to the lake.
Travel Tip: Apply insect repellant (the mosquitos at Teddy Bear Garden tend to treat me like an all-you-can-bite buffet).
You’ll catch a glimpse of Mama Bear from across the water. Follow the brown, wooden footbridge to her home.

Travel Tip: If you continue down the paved path, instead of getting on the pedestrian bridge, you’ll see a flowing waterfall! The waterfall’s strength changes day by day, but the best vantage point is the guardrails.

Now, you’re in the garden of teddy bears, among four charming statues. Snap a few photos and spin around. Allocate thirty minutes to see Teddy Bear Garden unless you plan to linger longer (think: an intimate picnic for two or a cozy stroll through the rest of Lakeside Park).



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A goose waddles in front of me, then pauses and gently tips its beak (in a nod of sorts), motioning for me to move ahead.
When Mama Bear seems like a dot in the distance, I wave goodbye. Somedays, I wonder if she just might wave back.

Did you enjoy this travel guide to Teddy Bear Garden in Dallas? Have you ever been to Teddy Bear Garden in Dallas? Let me know in the comments below!
I had no idea this place existed. I love discovering little hidden gems. Thanks for the info!
Thanks, dear! I think Dallas locals try to keep this place a secret (whoops ?) xx – Anshula
Great article as usual, Anshula
Would really love to visit this place.
Thanks Johnson! Hope you get a chance to! xx – Anshula
Great article as usual,
Would really love to check out this park.
What the heck – this place is so adorable! I only went to El Paso so I’ll have to visit Dallas!!
It’s the cutest!! I haven’t been to El Paso yet (*fingers crossed I can stick it into my travel plans this year*)! xx – Anshula
This place looks so tranquil and beautiful. I’ve been to America a few times but not Texas. I will add this to my list when I visit Texas. Such a cute idea building statues of teddies. The world needs more of this please!
Thanks dear! I agree – the world would be a much happier place if there were giant teddy bears everywhere. It’s hard NOT to smile ?xx – Anshula
Wow! This is fascinating! Great article.
Thank you! Teddy Bear Park is one of my favorite spots in Dallas! xx – Anshula
HI!!! I would love to take my daughter here!!! Did you park off of Lakeside Dr.???
Yup! You should see several cars just parked right along the road near the bridge! Hope that helps! xx – Anshula
This is such a cute park! Definitely adding to my list of things to do with the kids. Thanks for the great post!
Love this park. These adorable bears were the backdrop for my kids 3. year old pictures many years ago.
Just found your blog and I’m loving it! You have such a gift for storytelling. We’re moving back to Dallas soon and I can’t wait to explore all of your suggested hidden gems!
Great article! I felt like I was already in the park.
I’ll definitely add to my bucket list.
Thank you
I’m so glad! Thank you! 😊 xx – Anshula