Hidden Teddy Bears in Dallas

That’s right. There are teddy bears hiding in a Dallas park. Or more specifically, teddy bear sculptures.

The sculptures were presented in 1995, and I only just found out about them this year. I forget even how they came up, but my sister casually asked if I knew about the teddy bears. I have since learned – after a brief survey of some close friends – that I am not the only one who did not know about the bears.

The bears are tucked away on the opposite shore of the lake in a blink-and-you’ll-miss-them way in Lakeside Park in the Highland Park neighborhood of Dallas. While the park itself is a little less than 15 acres, we found the bears near Beverly Drive and Preston. Look for the old wooden bridge over the water and you’ll find the bear family on the other side from the road. Even more, in the fall, the trees are a vibrant shade of yellows and oranges, disproving the idea that seasons don’t settle in here in Dallas.

It’s interesting to learn about the bridge and the park, and even that the planning of Highland Park was by the same man, David Wilbur Cook, who planned Beverly Hills. Little pieces of information like this adorn plaques along the park. We saw families taking photos for holiday cards or maybe engagement notices, others spreading a blanket along the grass near the water and enjoying the sun.

Not only was it a great morning to see some teddy bears, but I really loved finding out about this park. My sister and I have already decided we want to go back to visit one evening when the holiday lights are on, but also on another warm day it would be a lovely way to spend the morning just sitting there with a book or spending time with friends.

Any other hidden spots around Dallas I should know about? Have you seen the teddy bears?