4.0African Safari Wildlife Park(1.074 reviews) - Another Great Experience! Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Zoos
Have you ever fed a Camel? Been nose-to-nose with a Bison? If not, you will at African Safari Wildlife Park! From Alpaca to Zebra, we have hundreds of exotic animals awaiting your arrival. The Park is celebrating its 54th WILD Season in 2022. We can’t wait to see you at THE Ohio Safari Park!See more..
4.5The Wilds(1.012 reviews) - Excellent Anniversary Visit to Nomad Ridge at The Wilds Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas • Educational sites
Our Anniversary visit to The Wilds and especially Nomad Ridge was fantastic. My wife has always wanted to stay in a Yurt, so I booked a stay at the Nomad Ridge Yurts. We really enjoyed our visit and would do it again. The reservation comes with an Open-Air Bus Tour, the tour was good but next time I will book one of the smaller tours that puts you up and close with the animals. Upon checking in at Nomad Ridge we met Teresa, our Concierge, She was great and really worked hard to make our stay memorable. The Yurt was clean and comfortable with a view over the wildlife park. We slept well to the sounds of nature. Dinner and Breakfast came with the stay. Excellent service and the food was quite good, especially when you factor in Supply Chain Issues and rising costs. I highly recommend staying at Nomad Ridge during your visit to the Wilds.See more..
5.0Spring Grove Cemetery & Arboretum(751 reviews) - Beautiful trees and surroundings Saturday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas • Cemeteries
My wife wanted me to go here and I was not excited as I pictured it as a normal cemetery, but it is very beautiful and well landscaped. My wife an dI went with some friends. It is very old and many of the important wealthy families of Cincinnati past seem to be buried here. Very big and impressive grave markers are all over the place, with a beautiful lake and fountain. Many grave markers of people who died in the 1800s. We should have picked up a map as you can get lost wandering around the many circular roads. It is very relaxing to wander around. It is hard to describe but if you like leisurely walking around mature trees and seeing historic parts of our Cincinnati past, I urge you to go check it out yourself. I am told it is located in the Northside section of town.See more..
This was definitely the most beautiful of all the places we visited in Hocking Hills. We only walked the inner Gorge Trail this time because we had a toddler with us and my husband is very afraid of heights, but even so the views from below were spectacular! The gorge trail is paved most of the way so it is a very good place to go with small children. It ends in a large open area under the cliffs with some water and boulders to scramble, a wonderful place for the kids to stop and play for a while. We went late in the afternoon (after 4 pm) and only encountered a few other families.See more..
4.5Butterfly House(254 reviews) - Beautiful Nature & Wildlife Areas
Fairly big butterfly house with a place to view many cocoons. This is part of Perry’s and was worth the money to walk in a greenhouse with so many butterflies. There is also a shop with all kinds of decor. See more..
We went for a 6 mile hike here and the adjoining John Bryant State Park. Beautiful and not really crowded for a Saturday. The views were excellent. These are not improved trails so be ready to climb and I would not recommend sandals. Good sturdy tennis shoes at least. And no strollers or wheelchairs due to the narrow trails, stairs, rocky surface. We had a great adventure and then off to Young’s for ice cream. See more..
5.0Oak Openings Preserve(218 reviews) - One of my favorite Toledo MetroParks! Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks
One of my favorite parks in the Toledo Metropark system, this park gives you all the beauty and thrill of nature! I highly recommend visiting in the fall... early to mid November. The leaves are amazing with their colors! When visiting, I suggest parking at the Lodge and walking trails down to Mallard Lake. You can do the Blue trail to see quite a bit of the area around there, including many bird species!See more..
1000-acre nature preserve with 25 miles of trails. The "Yellow Spring" of which the town takes it's name can be found here.See more..
5.0F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm(203 reviews) - Something for the Entire Family Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:45 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas
This beautiful place is complete with a super visitors center that shares the history of the Metro Park system in a very interesting fashion. We delighted in watching a variety of birds alighting on the bird feeders beyond the windows in the bird watching area. Most unique. We walked the paths took in the outdoors in this don't miss site which offers a fall hiking challenge that appeared to quite popular.See more..
4.5Cox Arboretum MetroPark(171 reviews) - Beautiful Trees and Flowers~ Saturday: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks
This beautiful 189-acre facility is a special place for visitors to escape among trees, shrubs, specialty gardens, mature forests, and prairies. The arboretum hosts year-round educational programs that teach children and adults about sustainable horticulture, plant science, and conservation. Cox Arboretum MetroPark is also home to a native-Ohio Butterfly House.See more..
Just minutes away from the downtown urban core, Cincinnati Nature Center offers tranquility and solace among 1,800 acres of forests, fields, streams and ponds. With twenty miles of award-winning trails on two picturesque properties, the Nature Center provides spectacular experiences for people of all ages during all seasons. From enchanting spring wildflowers to the dazzling colors of autumn, the ever-changing beauty of nature attracts more than 200,000 visitors each year. With more members than any other nature center in the country, Cincinnati Nature Center provides the community with a unique and valuable education resource for innovative, nature-based learning opportunities in a variety of formats. School field trips, family and adult seasonal programming, summer camps, teacher retreats, in-school programs and volunteer classes all help connect individuals with nature.See more..
A friend and I stayed at a nearby cabin and walked the trail to the rockbidge. It had stormed the night before and was still raining a bit when we went. There are quite a few steep areas and areas covered in knobby roots. I would not suggest going with very young children (unless you want to carry them) or with anything with wheels. The trail was slippery in areas because of rain but even when dry I'd suggest a good pair of sneakers or hiking shoes. The walk was worth it, though. The heavy rain definitely enhanced the waterfall. We got some great pictures from behind it and probably spent an hour just climbing around the area. There is another trail the forks off from rockbidge. I think it was called shelter rock or something similar. If you're tired or pressed for time, you can skip it. If you decided to hike it, once you get to the small wooden bridge, the trail is just thickly wooded and loops around a steep hill. The small waterfall/cascade and "shelter" is before the bridge.See more..
We went here after little rainfall so there were technically no falls to see. Given that, it was still a beautiful fall walk through the nature preserve. The walk to the falls from the parking lot was about 10 minutes, When you get to the upper falls, there is a short stairway to the lower falls, and then from there, you can continue past the falls through a trail that takes you past a natural hole in the mountain (narrow but deep) which was fun to explore. The ranger stopped to talk with us which was nice, and he recommended we download an App (OuterSpatial) that talks about the park and shares it's many trials, as well as other Ohio parks. Great tip!See more..
577 Foundation is a fantastic outdoor education experience. It has a geodesic biodome with a koi pond and amazing plants.There is a cool indoor outdoor bee hive that you can watch the bees up close . Beautiful gardens to walk through.Lots of wonderful kid activities outside. They have a great used book store and offer pottery for a donation from their pottery classes. See more..
Raptors stop by in early spring, while late spring brings the arrival of songbirds.See more..
4.5Sheldon Marsh State Nature Preserve(97 reviews) - What fun we had. Lots of Nature at your finger tips. Free entry. Nature & Wildlife Areas
This stretch of shoreline comprises a diversity of habitats that sustain a number of plant and animal communities. Over 300 species of birds visit the preserve, and in the springtime, expect a carpet of wildflowers.See more..
4.5Ohio Bird Sanctuary(95 reviews) - Great Little Visit Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas
We decided to visit the sanctuary on a Saturday morning during our trip to Mansfield and were happy we did. It is a very well kept place with an amazing caring attitude towards these birds who are unable to survive in the wild. They have several hiking trails and an educational center for groups. Every bird in the sanctuary has a story which is also very cool albeit sad. You can spend time in the aviary and feed the birds in there for only $.25 cents a cup of seeds and mealy worms. We enjoyed that part of the visit a great deal.See more..
This 8,000-acre refuge is home to hawks and other wetland birds.See more..
4.5Lake Erie Nature & Science Center(89 reviews) - Wonderful for Kids with Many Educational Programs Saturday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas
Lake Erie Nature & Science Center gives children and families a living, breathing connection to the natural world through informal science education. A unique combination of resources can be found only at the nonprofit Lake Erie Nature & Science Center: live animal displays, wildlife rehabilitation services, a public access planetarium, a nature-based preschool and a park setting along the shores of Lake Erie. The Center is one of the region’s most accessible destinations to learn about the natural world, offering free admission and free wildlife rehabilitation services.See more..
It's a natural destination! Escape to the tranquility of nature and explore the beauty of an unspoiled beach and miles of hiking and water trails. Located on the shores of Lake Erie, just 30 minutes east of Cleveland, you'll find 450 acres of green space with 1-1/2 miles of shoreline with rare dune plants, a riverine marsh and mature oak bluff. Over 150 species of birds have been recorded, making this a top birding location. Electric carts are available on a first come basis for the handicapped. Call 440-205-3625 in advance to reserve.See more..
4.5Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark(72 reviews) - Potential beauty in the right season Saturday: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks • Gardens
Stroll through formal gardens and the delightful Children's Discovery Garden. Every season has something special to offer. Home gardeners will find a wealth of design ideas, wonderful plants, and cultivation techniques suitable for the Miami Valley. Also walk the Marie Aull Nature Trail and Swamp Forest Boardwalk and discover the scenic Stillwater River corridor.See more..
A number of bird species can be spied among the shale cliffs of the Mill Hollow-Bacon Woods Memorial Park.See more..
4.5Miller Nature Preserve(65 reviews) - Beautiful nature spot in Avon! Nature & Wildlife Areas
Well, I should preface this review by saying that I actually was married at the Miller Nature Preserve, so it holds a special place in my heart. That said, I'd visit and come back regardless - it's the area's newest nature reserve and has so much to offer. There's a huge conservatory with multiple rooms and ecosystems, a butterfly farm, herb garden, rose garden, cafe, gift shop, trails, excellent outdoor patio, and much more. It's still expanding, so I'll be back again and again.See more..
4.5Aullwood Audubon(64 reviews) - Six miles of hiking trails! Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas
Aullwood inspires, teaches, and involves! Aullwood is an environmental education center in western Ohio. As an Audubon Center of the National Audubon Society, our goal is to promote the protection of birds, other wildlife and the habitats on which they depend. Aullwood offers both children and adults the opportunity to experience and appreciate the world through experience-based education. Discover our woods, streams, ponds, prairies, meadows, Marie S. Aull Education Center, Charity A. Krueger Farm Discovery Center and working sustainable farm.See more..
5.0Battelle Darby Creek(52 reviews) - Small Bison Herd Roaming Nature & Wildlife Areas
Nice park. We came to see the small herd of bison. We didn't think we were going to see them, but did as we were driving away from the park so I didn't get a pic of them. My husband stopped at the restroom, which was very nice for a park. The park ranger/worker even said they sanitize them 4 times a day. He was also very helpful in directing us to the nature center. They were having an Easter egg hunt for kids when we were there in late March. There were lots of walkers and joggers. It seems very family friendly. There was a sign warning people not to leave their valuables unattended, but it didn't have an unsafe feel. The nature center was closed, but you could still walk outside and get some information. There was a metal bison that was pretty artistic. Lots of prairie grass and tress. Ample parking. A pretty area.See more..
Watch birds of prey such as bald eagles and osprey hunt for fish.See more..
5.0Brecksville Reservation(51 reviews) - Nice surprises off the beaten path Nature & Wildlife Areas
We’ve been visiting this park occasionally to hike for almost twenty years, and thought we’d seen everything here, but a few days ago we eschewed the usual starting point near the nature center due to the large crowds. So we parked at the stables and headed off down a closed road to the Ottawa Point picnic area, previously unknown to us. Past the picnic area we found ourselves on a segment of the Buckeye Trail that passes a camping area. It was magical in the early ( for Cleveland) Spring, with most trees still relatively unencumbered with view-blocking leaves, but with bright green foliage already visible on the gorge floors far below. The trail winds along an increasingly narrow ridge before taking a dramatic dip down into the valley. We had to cut our hike short at that point, but there is undoubtedly more and we shall return. See more..
4.5Sandy Ridge Reservation(50 reviews) - making the best of the of the social distancing Saturday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas
In the spring of 2020, while we were all living under the restrictions of the corona pandemic, I have rediscovered the many nature trails on the west side of Cleveland. One of my favorites is the Sandy Ridge Reservation in my home town of North Ridgeville. The park has beautiful crushed stone trails and, in the spring, is a zoo like exhibit of bird life. A paradise for photographers. The park has a nesting bold head eagle pair with chicks, reportedly, but not seen, a nesting pair of sandhill cranes and a solitary male sandhill crane which is not shy to present himself. Scores of breeding geese, a pair of swans, and numerous egrets and turtles. The park offers two main loop trails that make it easy to get lost for 1-2 hours depending on the number of camera stops you makeSee more..
4.0Butterfly House(49 reviews) - Don't miss it! Nature & Wildlife Areas • Zoos
the butterfly house rocks! This is a great family friendly location that is as fun as it is educational! in the fall they also offer great corn mazes, bon fires, and apple cider! If you are in the area, this is a -must visit- location!See more..
4.5The Wilderness Center(48 reviews) - An off-the-beaten path gem! Saturday: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas
The Wilderness Center connects our community to conservation through education and features 12 miles of scenic trails for hiking and enjoyment, picnic shelters, Nature Playscape for kids, educational programs, and Nature Center with interactive exhibits and gift shop. We often host free programs for people of all ages and have programs with a cost associate as well. To see what programs are being held, wildernesscenter.org/inspireSee more..
4.5Beaver Marsh(44 reviews) - A calm winter stroll replete with surprises Nature & Wildlife Areas
Entering via the Ira trailhead, turn left to reach the pond. During warmer weather,one can espy ducks, frogs, cranes and other birds, snakes ❤️, several species of turtles, and of course beavers. These weren’t in evidence during our recent winter hike of course, but a local resident told us of a trail off to the right across the entrance to a small park and residential area that is normally inaccessible in other seasons due to bugs and especially thorns. We took it as a detour for about half an hour and it was wild! The trail followed a wending path toward the Cuyahoga River and revealed normally untouched wilderness that one usually would never see. We’d been to this general part of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park many times and were entirely unaware of that trail. There ARE many thorn bushes to duck under and squeeze past, even in winter, so wear thick clothing. This was a new look at an otherwise familiar spot. See more..
4.5Noah's Lost Ark, Inc.(42 reviews) - A heartfelt experience Saturday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas
Today myself and my family were at Noahs lost ark in Berlin Center. It was truly an amazing experience. The place is non profit and runs strictly on donations, yet it is clean, well maintained and you can tell that all the animals are well taken care of and happy. You have to have a big heart to taken in discarded and abused animals and nurse them back to health all while creating a safe and fun environment for them. I vow, that if I ever come into large sums of money that Noahs Lost Ark will be at the top of my list, untill then, the small donations that I leave there is all the better I can do and for that I am sorry. I wish everyone would go see how passionate these people are for the creatures of nature, I promise, it will touch your heart. Sincerly, Heather BowersSee more..
4.5Gorman Nature Center(42 reviews) - Great place to visit! Nature & Wildlife Areas • Educational sites
Very nice park with paths to walk and a pond with a walkway. Enjoyed to view fro the top of the park. Nice cut trails would go again.See more..
OPEN SEASONALLY FROM APRIL - OCTOBER FROM 9 - 5. The Highlands Nature Sanctuary is the Arc of Appalachia's oldest and largest preserve. The heart of the 2,500-acre preserve is the breathtakingly beautiful Rocky Fork Gorge, a 100-foot high steep-walled canyon renowned for its stunning rock formations, ancient white cedars, spectacular wildflower displays, grottos, springs, and stone arches. Visitors to the Sanctuary can enjoy staying in a number of historic cabins and older homes that have been fully renovated into modern nature retreats, ranging from secluded 2-person suites perched on the bluff of the gorge that offer dizzying views, to five-bedroom historic lodges that handsomely accommodate small groups and educational gatherings.See more..
If you want to just get away and go for a stroll close to home, this is the perfect location to go toSee more..
4.5Black River Reservation(34 reviews) - Wonderful place to be out in nature Nature & Wildlife Areas
The reservation consists of prairie and swamp, with a 3.5-mile trail running through the middle.See more..
5.0Maple Highlands Trail(34 reviews) - Off the beaten path Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
Just south of Chardon square, on the west side of route 44 is an access to Maple Highlands Trail. Ample parking with rustic restrooms. Picnic tables. Hike, bike or run the 8.2 miles through rolling hills to the lake. Must watch little ones on bikes because the trail crosses 3 light traffic intersections. Suggest packing food for lunches or stopping in Chardon first. Open 6AM to 9PMSee more..
4.5Homestead Metro Park(34 reviews) - Small park but packs a punch Spent 1-2 hours Biking Trails • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks
Homestead Metro Park in Hilliard is a relatively small park compared to other Metro Parks in Columbus. What it lacks in size, it makes up with lovely displays of the history of the area. Refurbished / relocated historical buildings from the railroad period make for an informative visit to the park. There is a caboose, a railway ticket booth, and a travelers waiting area. Children will especially enjoy this park. In addition, the other main features are the about a mile-long walking trail, and a lovely lake. On the west side of the park runs the beautiful Heritage Trail (about six-mile long), which is great for walking, running, biking. Homestead Metro Park is a very popular park as I could observe from the several people visiting the park even in the middle of December. Certainly, make a stop here if you are in the area.See more..
4.5Shale Hollow Park(34 reviews) - Shale Run Park: a piece of serenity Saturday: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas
This is quite a nice park to walk with several different trails to take, some include dogs. The free range play area is amazing for children, but adults will find it fun and interesting as well. There is a stream to play in, so parents, be advised! We hiked a couple of trails, some flat and some a little bit steep. All are pretty and if you are a bird watcher, there are a decent amount of birds to be seen or heard. It was on a weekend, which was made it crowded. The parking lot was full so those seeking a little more peace and serenity might do better to visit on a weekday. We also visited the nature center which has some pretty interesting exhibits.See more..
4.5Carolyn Ludwig Mugrage Park(31 reviews) - Family fun Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks • Playgrounds
Excellent place for a picnic and for kids to play. Clean, safe, fun. We will continue to visit each summer.See more..
4.5Lake Erie Bluffs(30 reviews) - Wonderful being in natural Lake Erie hiking Spent 2-3 hours Bodies of Water • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
Went looking for an outdoor different hiking experience and we found 2 Gems. Lake erie Bluffs is a beautiful experienc e with Lake Erie in the wild and nature trails far dirrent than inland trails. Trails are all solid and clear to walk upon, nature was all around, Excursions along the beach was fun with dwiftwood and finding some beach glass, Liter was virtually non existant and the views constantly refresing. Such a clean place, neat viewing tower and not difficult trails. Great place to bring a picnic butwe found a gem 3 minutes away "Break by the Lake in Perry. Able to enjoy a one of the best lunches while watching Lake Erie. Charlotte the Owner served us and told us about the area and gave us a candy treat as we were leaving, The menu was varied and so tasty . I loved my Black bean burgur which had mushrooms, tomatos , pickles and few other selected items. Everyone choose something different and were all + ABOUT THE SELECTION. tHE FRESHCUT french fries were exceptional. There is a neat playground for the kids and a large pravillion overlooking the lake. Surly a day we will rememberSee more..
4.5Cedar Bog State Nature Preserve(30 reviews) - First wildflower blooms of the season Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas
Even in February it is possible to find a bloom or two. The Eastern skunk cabbages were starting to bloom in the warmer portions of the fen when I visited in the last week of February. It's always a treat to watch the progression of blooms as the seasons advance.See more..
5.0W.W. Knight Nature Preserve(30 reviews) - Nice place to go and Free! Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails • Playgrounds
This 44-acre preserve offers hiking trails and boardwalks through various natural areas. Canoe and kayak on the pond for free every Monday in the summer. The pond also offers family fishing opportunities. There is a pollinator garden, Windows on Wildlife viewing area and library, special event venue ideal for weddings, ADA accessible trails, Yoga and photography programs and more. Opened in 2005, the Nature Center at the preserve offers various educational opportunities for all ages.See more..
5.0Carlisle Reservation(29 reviews) - Nice Christmas Trail and lodge Nature & Wildlife Areas
Try birdwatching from either the observation area or on a hike.See more..
4.5Beartown Lakes Reservation(28 reviews) - Peaceful Place Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks • Hiking Trails
Beartown has several picnic shelters to reserve. We were at one of the smaller (6 picnic tables) and the largest shelter was used for a graduation party. Lots of grassy space for games, trails, and a lake to walk around or fish. Adequate parking and restroom facilities. See more..
4.5Char-Mar Ridge Preserve(28 reviews) - Char Mar is truly enchanting! Nature & Wildlife Areas
We love hiking at Char Mar! It is truly enchanting, you feel like you are far away from the city. Great for exercise, dog friendly, beautiful scenery, and so peaceful. Small natural playground for kids.See more..
5.0Westlake Recreation Center(27 reviews) - Water aerobics Spent More than 3 hours Sports Complexes • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks
City recreation center- clean with friendly staff! Enjoying the water aerobics program! Kathy Beck, instructor, very helpful and motivating!See more..
5.0Black Swamp Bird Observatory(27 reviews) - Great Bird Spot Even for Beginners! Nature & Wildlife Areas • Observation Decks & Towers
So easy! Just enter the wood path and walk. We went a week after peak migration and still saw so many birds. This was my first time in Northern Ohio and it's so beautiful. We really want to return next year.See more..
Lots of trails, great staff. Very educational both geographically and historical. Excellent wildlife rehabilitation center and many special events. Everyone needs to hike the gorge and ride the trains.See more..
