You’re driving through Highland Park, past the manicured lawns and the kind of houses that make you wonder what everyone does for a living, and then you see them. Huge. Stone. Slightly weathered but incredibly charming. Most locals don't even call this place by its official name, Lakeside Park. To almost everyone in North Texas, it is simply Teddy Bear Park Dallas.
It’s weird, right? A public park in one of the wealthiest zip codes in America filled with giant granite bears. But that’s the thing about Dallas—it loves its quirks as much as its luxury. If you’ve lived here long enough, you’ve probably seen a dozen prom photos or maternity shoots taken right in front of these statues.
What You’ll Actually Find at Teddy Bear Park Dallas
First off, let’s get the geography straight. The "park" is really a 14-acre stretch of greenery located at 4601 Lakeside Drive. It sits right along Turtle Creek. If you’re looking for a massive playground with plastic slides and swings, you’re going to be disappointed. This isn’t that kind of park. It’s more of a "stroll with a coffee and feel fancy" kind of place.
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The main event? The bears.
There are four of them. One large mother bear and three smaller cubs. They aren't fuzzy. They are made of solid stone, gifted to the town of Highland Park back in the 1990s. They sit near the intersection of Lakeside Drive and Lexington Avenue. Honestly, they’re bigger than you’d expect. The "momma" bear is massive enough that kids (and adventurous adults) spend half their time trying to scale her back for a photo op.
The Backstory Nobody Asks About
We usually just accept that giant bears live in Highland Park, but they actually have a specific history. These sculptures were a gift from local resident Harlan Crow. If that name sounds familiar, it's because he’s a massive figure in Dallas real estate and philanthropy. He wanted to create something that felt whimsical but permanent.
They weren't just dropped there randomly. The placement near the water was intentional. It creates this specific vibe—sort of like a storybook illustration come to life.
Why the Vibe Here is Different
Highland Park is its own bubble. It has its own police force, its own school district, and its own very specific set of rules. Visiting Teddy Bear Park Dallas feels a bit like stepping into a movie set from the 1950s.
The grass is always perfectly green. The creek is usually full of ducks and the occasional swan. There are these beautiful, arched stone bridges that look like they belong in a European village rather than five minutes away from the Dallas North Tollway.
It’s quiet. You won't hear loud music or see groups grilling out. It’s a place for reflection, or more realistically, a place to get that perfect Instagram shot without a telephone pole in the background.
The Best Time to Go (and When to Avoid It)
If you go on a Saturday morning in October, God help you.
It is "Photographer Central." You will be dodging high school seniors in sequins and families in matching flannel shirts every five feet. If you actually want to enjoy the serenity of the creek and the bears, go on a Tuesday morning. Or go right after a rainstorm when the stone turns a darker, moody grey and the crowds have cleared out.
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The azaleas are the other big draw. In the spring—usually late March or early April—the park explodes in pink and white. It’s stunning. But again, that brings the crowds.
The Walk is Better Than the Statues
While the bears are the namesake, the walk along Lakeside Drive is arguably the best part of the whole experience. You can start up near the bears and walk south toward Armstrong Parkway.
You’ll pass:
- Incredible architecture ranging from French Chateau styles to mid-century modern.
- The "Exall Lake" dam, which creates a small waterfall effect.
- Benches that are actually placed where you’d want to sit (rare for a city park).
- Massive, ancient oak trees that provide actual shade during a Texas July.
It’s about a mile total if you do the loop properly. Perfect for a first date where you need enough distractions to avoid awkward silences, but not so much noise that you can’t talk.
A Quick Word on Logistics
Parking is... okay. It’s all street parking. Because it’s a residential neighborhood, you have to be careful. Don't block driveways. Don't park too close to the corners. The Highland Park police are very efficient, and a ticket here will definitely ruin the "free park" vibe of your afternoon.
There are no public restrooms.
None.
Plan accordingly.
If you have kids, tell them the "no bathroom" rule before you get out of the car. Otherwise, you’ll be cutting your visit short to find a Starbucks on Preston Road.
Common Misconceptions
People often think Teddy Bear Park Dallas is a "hidden gem." It isn't. It’s one of the most photographed spots in the city. If you’re looking for total solitude, this isn't the spot.
Another mistake? Thinking you can fish in the creek. Technically, you’ll see people doing it occasionally, but the town is pretty strict about the "look but don't touch" nature of the water. Just stick to feeding the ducks (though even that is technically frowned upon if you’re using bread—grab some frozen peas if you want to be the "good" park-goer).
Is it Worth the Drive?
If you’re coming from North Plano or Fort Worth just to see four stone bears? Maybe not.
But if you’re making a day of it—maybe hitting the Dallas Museum of Art first, then grabbing lunch at Highland Park Village, and ending with a sunset walk at Lakeside—then yes. It’s one of those places that defines the "aesthetic" of Dallas. It’s clean, it’s wealthy, it’s slightly eccentric, and it’s undeniably beautiful.
The bears aren't just statues. They’ve become landmarks. They are the "meet me at the bears" spot for generations of Texans.
How to make the most of your visit:
- Skip the main entrance: Park a few blocks away on a side street and walk in. You get to see the houses and avoid the cluster of cars right at the bear statues.
- Bring a real camera: Your phone is fine, but the lighting under the trees at Teddy Bear Park Dallas is perfect for a "real" lens.
- Check the weather: If the creek has flooded recently, the lower paths near the bears can get muddy. Wear shoes you don't mind getting a little dirty.
- Walk the full loop: Don't just take a photo of the bear and leave. Walk down to the dam and across the bridge. The view looking back toward the Highland Park town hall is one of the best in the city.
- Respect the neighborhood: It’s a public park, but it’s literally in people’s front yards. Keep the noise down and take your trash with you.
Lakeside Park remains a rare spot where the city feels slow. It's a slice of Dallas history that doesn't involve a skyscraper or a stadium, just some stone bears watching the water go by.