Go Outside and Play: Ohio’s 23 Best Parks
The Best State Parks and Metro Parks Across Ohio
Ohio has natural beauty in spades! We ought to know, we spend much of our year traveling around the state, and the team at Heritage Ohio has some pretty strong opinions on the best parks in Ohio. Here’s our favorite state, city and metro parks, organized by region:
Northeast Ohio Parks
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is Ohio’s only national park, but you couldn’t ask for a better example of Ohio’s natural splendor. Just a short drive south of downtown Cleveland, Cuyahoga Valley has plenty to offer any visitor. A few highlights of the park are the 65-foot high Brandywine Falls, the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, and the historic village of Peninsula.
Ohio’s National Park covers 33,000 acres of parkland, leaving you and your family many weekends of exploration.
Where to Stay at Cuyahoga Valley National Park
We say get closer to nature and camp or rent an RV when exploring Cuyahoga Valley National Park! Find all the details to plan your trip here.
Liberty Park – Twinsburg
Just outside of Twinsburg is one of the hidden gems of Northeast Ohio. Liberty Park has a diverse offering of natural spaces for a suburban park. Visitors will delight in the natural beauty of the Tinkers Creek Nature Preserve and the towering Twinsburg Ledges area, both located in the park. You can explore both and more on the numerous trails within the park.
Holden Arboretum
Holden Arboretum is just a short drive from historic downtown Chardon in Geauga County. The arboretum will be a unique experience for many visitors, including Ohioans. Some of the many offerings of the Holden Arboretum include a butterfly garden, several rhododendron gardens, a hedge collection, and the famous Canopy Walk.
Mill Creek Park
It may be hard to believe, but Mill Creek Park in Youngstown rivals other large metropolitan parks like Central Park in terms of absolute beauty and depth. The sprawling park covers 4,400 acres and has diverse areas and topography. Highlights of the park for new visitors include Lanterman’s Mill, several historic bridges, the Wall Garden, and many archaeological sites from Youngstown’s steel-making history.
Franklin Mills Riveredge Park
Located in downtown Kent, Franklin Mills Riveredge Park is small compared with other parks on this list, but will surprise you with its design and features. The main focus of the park in the Cuyahoga River with an arched stone dam. You can explore the river along a boardwalk that follows the river. There are plenty of observation areas, as well as benches and tables to enjoy your day in downtown Kent.
Bonus: Killbuck Marsh
Located between Millersburg and Wooster, Killbuck Marsh is a hidden gem just south of Route 30. The area has an extensive natural history, and several Ice Age animals such as mastodon have been unearthed. Some of these animals can be seen at the Killbuck Valley Museum, just down the road.
Southeast Ohio Parks
Hocking Hills State Park
Hocking Hills is quite possibly the most famous of all the Ohio State Parks. Within minutes of arriving, you will certainly see why. The park is divided into five sections, but really they are parks within parks and all worth a visit. Absolute must-see features include the falls at Old Man’s Cave, the Cantwell Cliffs, and the nearby Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve.
Beyond the parks, there are rustic cabins to stay in the area and lots of unique small towns to explore.
Where to Stay in Hocking Hills
Hocking Hills has a wealth of lodging options, including treehouses, luxury yurts, cabins, and even a cute vintage train car!
Lake Hope State Park
Just south of Hocking Hills State Park is Lake Hope. The park is encapsulated by Zaleski State Forest, making for some beautiful scenery. The beach is a great place to relax and go for a swim. The area has numerous hiking trails and connectors, including a trek up to the famous Moonville Tunnel. You can also visit the restored Hope Furnace, a blast furnace that sits near one end of the lake.
Salt Fork State Park
Just a few miles from historic Cambridge, is Salt Fork State Park, Ohio’s largest state park. The Park surrounds much of Salt Fork Lake and offers a variety of activities, such as hiking, boating, horseback riding, and golf.
Where to stay at Salt Fork State Park
The Salt Fork Lodge is a great place to stay with the family, as well as host a conference.
Central Ohio Parks
Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve
Named for a famed, and lost, Native American petroglyph that was found in the gorge, Blackhand Gorge is one of the most beautiful areas in Central Ohio. The preserve has many hiking trails to explore, as well as remnants of its past, including a section of the Ohio & Erie Canal locks and an interurban tunnel. Visitors can also explore the area via canoe or kayak on the Licking River.
Buckeye Lake State Park
Renowned in Central Ohio for boating, Buckeye Lake State Park is a water lover’s paradise. The lake is surrounded by quaint communities, and has plenty of activities for non-boaters as well. You can even visit Cranberry Bog, which is a natural marvel. Tours of the bog usually occur in June.
Mohican State Park
Located between the historic communities of Wooster, Millersburg, Mount Vernon, and Ashland, Mohican is a forested oasis and perfect for a weekend getaway. The park has several hiking trails, campgrounds, and even a covered bridge.
Where to Stay at Mohican State Park
For a unique place to stay during your visit, check out the treehouses at The Mohicans.
Dawes Arboretum
Just east of Columbus, you will find a true gem of a park, Dawes Arboretum. The Arboretum seems to have it all: historic Daweswood Farm, numerous trails, a nature center, formal Japanese garden, and even a driving tour. It’s a definite stop for any nature lover, and best of all, it’s free to visit!
While in the area, make sure to visit the newly revamped downtown in Newark and catch a show at the historic Midland Theatre.
Rhododendron Cove State Nature Preserve
Located just south of Lancaster, Rhododendron Cove Preserve sits on an unassuming hill, but offers a bounty of beauty once you make it to the summit. Atop the hill are dozens of Rhododendrons nestled amongst rocky outcroppings, making for great photography. After visiting Rhododendron Cove, travel down the road and visit two additional parks: Wahkeena Nature Preserve and Clear Creek Metro Park.
Bonus: Topiary Park
On the east side of downtown Columbus, The Topiary Park is a living art installation on the grounds of the former Ohio Deaf School campus. Visitors can either take docent-led tours or explore the park on their own. In addition to the numerous plant sculptures, there is also a “tree walk” visitors can take to see the many types of trees within the park. Choosy Traveler has details on some other worthwhile parks in the Columbus area, including Battelle Darby Creek, where you can see wild bison, and Shrum Mound.
Where to Stay in Columbus / Central Ohio
Columbus has a number of incredible hotels to suit every taste, from the stunning historic art deco Leveque Hotel, to the beer-tap-in-every-room Doghouse Hotel, and quaint vacation rentals in the historic German Village neighborhood.
Southwest Ohio Parks
John Bryan State Park – Clifton
Located near the historic Village of Clifton, John Bryan State Park is defined by the Little Miami River and the Clifton Gorge area it carved out. The striking features of the gorge and the forested landscape surrounding it make for some beautiful hiking scenery year-round. The next time you visit Clifton Mill, make sure to stop by John Bryan State Park.
Caesar Creek State Park
Nestled between Waynesville and Harveysburg, Caesar Creek State Park is a fossil hunter’s playground. You will need to apply for a fossil collecting permit to hunt fossils at the park, but it is well worth the effort. Some common finds include trilobites, brachiopods, and corals. In addition to fossil hunting, the park also offers camping, swimming, and boating. Other attractions in the area include historic downtown Lebanon and Caesar’s Creek Pioneer Village.
Fallsville Wildlife Area
Like the name suggests, the prominent feature of the Fallsville Wildlife Area is a large, serene waterfall. The small park packs in the beauty and is perfect for a relaxing afternoon stroll to the eye-pleasing waterfall and old mill site.
While in the area, check out the historic downtown of nearby Wilmington. There are a lot of great shops and the inside of the Clinton County Courthouse is stunning.
Ault Park
When you look at “must-see” lists of Cincinnati, you will undoubtedly come across Ault Park. A visit to the park will certainly show you why. As you arrive, you will immediately notice the large and picturesque Renaissance-style pavilion, popular with wedding parties. Beyond the pavilion, you will find several walking trails, a beautiful botanical garden, and plenty of relaxing space.
Where to Stay Near Ault Park in Cincinnati
Even if you only stop by to gawk at the truly incredible art deco lobby, Cincinnati’s Netherland Plaza Hotel is not to be missed!
Northwest Ohio Parks
Side Cut Metropark
Side Cut Metropark is steeped in history. The park occupied land that was once part of a side cut of the Miami & Erie Canals. You can still visit 3 of the 6 locks from the canals, having been restored by WPA workers in the 1930s. Beyond the historic locks, the park offers picturesque scenery, an extensive network of trails, and plenty of wildlife.
Wildwood Metropark
Wildwood Preserve was once the home of Champion Spark Plug founder, Robert Stranahan. The park has an amazing wooded trail network and the property still has the Georgian Colonial Manor House Stranahan built. It is a must visit park in the heart of Toledo.
Magee Marsh Wildlife Area
Every spring, thousands of migratory birds visit Magee Marsh on their way to their summer nesting spots. Located on the shore of Lake Erie, the marsh is not only a destination for birders, but the extensive trail network of the wildlife area and nature center make for a great afternoon out with the family.
North Bass Island State Park
Unlike other parks on this list, getting to North Bass Island is a bit challenging to get to, but worth the hassle. Currently, the only means to get to the island are boat and airplane. Once you get to the island, you’ll be able to take in the gorgeous, untouched wilderness. Fishing is permitted on the island, as well as hiking and camping via permit.
More Ohio Love:
Shop Local: Best Ohio Gifts and Souvenirs from Local Artisans
Stoddart Block Easement
260 S 4th St,
Columbus, OH 43215
In December of 2013, Heritage Ohio received a conservation easement on the Stoddart Block, and the adjoining Zettler Building, in downtown Columbus. For a building that began life as a furniture store, the newest chapter in its history would depend on millennials in search of a vibrant downtown.
As millennials continue to descend on downtown locations to live (and Columbus is no different than other big cities) the cost of prime downtown rentals continues to increase. To stem the rising rental cost, developers have turned to a new model: micro-living.
Trading off a living room in your apartment with a downtown “living room” full of entertainment options, the apartments’ modest square footage is ideally suited for the typical 20-something that hasn’t accumulated a lifetime of stuff or children! And pricing remains affordable—you can net a downtown Columbus address for less than $1,000 a month.
Beginning its existence as the Frohock Furniture Company, the building was well-suited for a conversion to residential use. From a financial standpoint, granting a conservation easement to Heritage Ohio provided the charitable deduction to the building owner that ultimately helped the project move forward. However, both the federal and state tax credits also provided critical sources of capital to make the project a reality.
Commented director Joyce Barrett, “The Stoddart and Zettler renovations brought new downtown living options, and a couple popular eateries, but also showed how historic buildings created for a specific use can be creatively repurposed to meet today’s needs.”
For more information on Heritage Ohio’s easement program, contact Frank Quinn at fquinn@heritageohio.org or at 614.258.6200.
Ohio's Best Historic Bars to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day
image via Happy Dog at Euclid Tavern
1. The Euclid Tavern – Cleveland
Referred to locals as “the Euc”, the Euclid Tavern has operated in University Circle since 1909. It’s long had a reputation of being a hangout for college students and blue collar workers.
In the 80s and 90s, the bar hosted some of the famous names of the era including Green Day, Helmet, and Ween. It was also a filming location in the Michael J. Fox movie, “Light of Day”.
After several changes in ownership, the Euclid Tavern is now home to Happy Dog, but still retains the vibe and classic neon sign.
image via ClutchMov
2. Harmar Tavern – Marietta
Located in the historic Harmar Village on the westside of Marietta, the Harmar Tavern has been operating since 1900. It is a casual neighborhood bar and home to the “Soon to be Famous Fried Bologna Sandwich” and reportedly, a few ghosts.
The Harmar Tavern is a favorite among college students and locals alike, and has an amazing patio too.
image via The Backstretch
3. The Backstretch – Delaware
A great place for a bite to eat and a beer, The Backstretch has called downtown Delaware home since 1982. The bar is the latest to operate out of this historic space. The space housed other famous spots, including Buttsy’s Bar and Grill and Holly’s Place.
A favorite among locals, we recommend you stop in on your next visit to Delaware.
image via OTR Matters
4. Arnold’s Bar & Grill – Cincinnati
Since Simon Arnold opened up in 1861, Arnold’s Bar & Grill has been a legendary haunt in downtown Cincinnati. The tavern survived prohibition by opening a kitchen and has remained popular for both food and drink, as well as live music, ever since.
image via Kent Wired
5. Ray’s Place – Kent
Ray’s Place has been a fixture of downtown Kent since 1937. Fans of sports bars should make a pilgrimage to Ray’s. It is considered to be one of the first, if not the first sports bar in the US. There is even a book detailing the history of this Kent landmark.
Ray’s Place is also the namesake of the Ray’s Place Entrepreneurship Scholarship at Kent State University, promoting entrepreneurship and business innovation.
image via Elevator Brewing
6. Elevator Brewery & Draught Haus- Columbus
Located in the historic Columbia Building in downtown Columbus, the Elevator Brewery and Draught Haus is one of the most visually striking bars in the city. The bar started off as the Bott Brother’s Billiards 1897, operating until prohibition. It later became the famous The Clock Restaurant, before opening as Elevator in 2000.
Unlike the other bars on this list, this one has an interesting award that very few in the US can boast. The back-bar won a blue ribbon for craftsmanship at the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893!
Elevator’s beer is brewed just a few blocks away on North Fourth Street and you can visit their 13th Floor Taproom on site.
Heritage Ohio holds a historic conservation easement on the Columbia Building.
Image via Ye Olde Trail Tavern
7. Ye Olde Trail Tavern – Yellow Springs
The Ye Olde Trail Tavern is Ohio’s oldest tavern and second oldest restaurant behind the Golden Lamb in Lebanon. Opened in 1827 to serve travelers moving between Columbus and Cincinnati, the tavern is a must-stop historic destination in downtown Yellow Springs.
Like the Harman Tavern, this location is home to a few friendly spirits too.
image via Cleveland.com
8. Ontario Street Cafe – Cleveland
The Ontario Street Cafe, in the historic Gateway District in downtown Cleveland, is like stepping back in time. Not much has changed in the historic bar, which should be part of the appeal to any history loving bar-goer. Beyond the historic appeal, the Ontario is renowned for fantastic corned beef sandwiches and reasonably priced drinks. Cheers!
image via Courthouse Inn & Restaurant
9. Courthouse Inn & Restaurant – Lisbon
I don’t think I have ever told someone to visit a place to check out a bathroom, but you have to see the bathroom! The Courthouse Inn & Restaurant in downtown Lisbon is a sight to see. Housed in the historic Hamilton Building, the Courthouse Inn serves up amazing vegetarian fare that even a carnivore can love, and great cocktails, too. They also have an amazing patio, so make sure to pay them a visit on St. Patrick’s Day and again in warmer weather.
Back to the bathrooms. It, like most of the place, is very artistically designed. Quite possibly the most luxurious bathroom in all of Ohio. Trust us, just go see it.
Shop Local on Main Street & Etsy! St Patrick’s Day Picks from Ohio Shops:
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Julian Building Easement
272 S Front St,
Columbus, OH 43215
In December of 2013, Heritage Ohio received a conservation easement on the Julian, a former shoe factory located at the corner of Main Street and Front Street, in downtown Columbus. And anyone who had spent time downtown prior to 2013 remembers what the building looked like.
With a history as a builder of new retail and residential buildings, Casto, the building owner, was embarking on a new venture: namely, a historic rehab. And it’s safe to say that their first Columbus target was one of downtown’s ugliest buildings, the former Julian and Kokenge Building (or Lape and Adler, as it was known for a portion of its history). It’s also safe to say their foray into rehab turned out to be an unqualified success!
To see the building today, you might not realize that the windows are replacements, comprising a design painstakingly replicated to be faithful to the original. And you might not realize the extent of concrete and masonry restoration work that went into repairing the exterior elements.
We were especially excited to promote the building’s amazing transformation in October of 2015 as the venue for our Legacy Circle Reception, kicking off our annual conference. Attendees gathered on the ground floor for networking, and had the opportunity to tour model units.
“We know that preservationists have a keen vision for ‘what could be’ but I think even ardent preservationists had a hard time envisioning just how good the Julian Building could look, after rehab. But the Casto developers pulled it off, and now we all get to enjoy this beautiful historic building once again, gracing the downtown streetscape,” stated Joyce Barrett, director of Heritage Ohio.
For more information on Heritage Ohio’s easement program, contact Frank Quinn at fquinn@heritageohio.org or at 614.258.6200.
YOP Columbus Metropolitan Library Tour & Cocktail Party
Thursday, Aug 25, 2016 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM
The Columbus Metropolitan Library recently underwent a major renovation and we cannot wait to see the results! Join YOP for this tour and learn from the pros how the contemporary addition respected this beautiful historic library. The tour will be lead by Project Architect Brian Pawlowski, with Schooley Caldwell. It will take about an hour, and he will give a detailed description of the design decisions made.
The Parking Garage in the basement of the Library provides plenty of spaces, however there is a small cost. There is on-street parking also available. We will meet in the atrium in the Carnegie Library to begin our tour.
Following the tour, stroll over to a Town Street Garden Party hosted by Columbus’s leading preservationists, Jeff Darbee, Nancy Recchie, Bob Loversidge, Judy Williams, and Kate and Tom Matheny. Enjoy drinks and snacks, and a wonderful atmosphere you can only get in downtown’s historic corridor.
If you just want to tour the library with us, please register below. The tour is free, however, space is limited.
Please be sure to register for the cocktail party and take advantage of the opportunity to have a drink with leading professionals in historic preservation and architecture. If you are a paid YOP member then it is just $10. If you have not yet joined YOP it is only $35, which includes your $25 membership and all the benefits that come with it.
The Municipal Light Plant Easement
577-589 W Nationwide Blvd
Columbus, OH 43215
In December of 2015, Heritage Ohio held a signing ceremony to formalize its latest easement agreement, focused on protecting the exterior character of the former Municipal Light Plant in Columbus. The Municipal Light Plant represents the ninth easement agreement Heritage Ohio holds. Although the light plant had been closed since the 1970s, and seemed destined for a date with the wrecking ball, City of Columbus leaders instead eyed the potential for site development that included the preservation of the existing buildings.
After sending out RFPs, and opening the building for public viewing and walk-throughs, the winning proposal (which thankfully included preservation of the site’s buildings) was chosen. The developer focused on redevelopment plans, and contacted Heritage Ohio to inquire about donating an easement. With official word of listing in the National Register in December, the building was now deemed “officially” historic. Listing now meant the owner could donate the easement to Heritage Ohio, giving the owner eligibility to treat the easement donation as a charitable contribution. The charitable contribution allowed the owner to take a tax deduction on federal income tax.
“We’re excited that we can help play a role in the continued use and preservation of historic buildings, and that the easement donation preserves the historic former Municipal Light Plant in perpetuity. We can’t wait to see the developer’s finished product, as the rehabilitated buildings will add to the vibrancy in the district,” stated Joyce Barrett, director of Heritage Ohio.
The Municipal Light Plant easement comprises the fifth easement agreement in Columbus, and includes agreements for preservation of iconic structures such as the Julian, and the Larrimer Building (housing the landmark Elevator Brewery & Draught House). Heritage Ohio accepted its first easement in 2004, working with the owners of the Rawson Block in downtown Findlay to insure the landmark’s preservation.
YOP Seventh Son Brewing Co. Happy Hour and Tour
Join the Young Ohio Preservationists for a happy hour at Seventh Son Brewing Co. on Thursday, April 14th! The staff will lead YOP on a private tour of the historic building, a prime example of adaptive reuse. On the corner of 4th and 4th in Italian Village, the brewery is located in a boomerang shaped building that housed an auto garage since the early 20th century. In 2012, Seventh Son Brewing Co moved into the building after extensive renovations, transforming it into a craft brewery with a bar, private tasting room, and patio. Happy hour is from 5:30 to 7:30, tour starts at 6. See you there!
YOP Land Grant Brewery Tour and Happy Hour
The Young Ohio Preservationists are hosting an exclusive tour and presentation by Blake Compton, CEO of Compton Construction, LLC about the making of Land-Grant Brewing Company!
The space had previously been an elevator factory prior to the change of use renovation. The building was transformed from top to bottom into what has become a destination brewery in Franklinton. The building now features reclaimed materials, including locally harvested barn wood, along with custom features that make it a one of a kind space.
Join us for drinks at the brewery following the tour!
2015 Annual Conference
The Heritage Ohio Annual Revitalization and Preservation Conference returns to the historic Westin Columbus October 5-7 in downtown Columbus, Ohio.
This year’s conference will once again present great learning opportunities for preservationists, community revitalization volunteers, and development professionals. There will be many activities such as field sessions, educational workshops, hands on training, and the chance to network with like-minded community members. In addition, AIA credits will be offered on many of the sessions.
Conference Presentations
2015 Conference Registration Fee Chart
Conference_Agenda
Heritage Ohio Annual Conference Sessions
2015 Annual Conference Accommodations
Register is now closed!
OPENING PLENARY SPEAKER
Donovan Rypkema is principal of PlaceEconomics, a Washington, D.C.-based real estate and economic development consulting firm. The firm specializes in services to public and non-profit sector clients who are dealing with downtown and neighborhood commercial district revitalization and the reuse of historic structures. In 2004 Rypkema established Heritage Strategies International, a new firm created to provide similar services to worldwide clients. He also teaches a graduate course in preservation economics at the University of Pennsylvania.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Mary Means has spent more than 30 years building bridges between plans and people. She has helped scores of cities, towns, counties and civic interest groups make their communities better places to live, work and visit. Prior to entering consulting, Mary led the team that created the National Main Street program at the National Trust for Historic Preservation. She was a Loeb Fellow at Harvard University Graduate School of Design.
LEGACY CIRCLE RECEPTION
The 2015 Legacy Circle Reception will be held on October 5. This reception, held every year at the annual conference, honors the support and generosity of our Legacy Circle members. This year the Legacy Circle Reception will be held at:
The Julian Building
272 South Front Street,
Columbus, Ohio 43215
If you are interested in information about our membership opportunities, click on the membership tab at top of the page.
SPONSORS
Thank you to everyone who has joined Heritage Ohio this year as a conference sponsor. Your support helps us keep conference registration prices affordable. Thanks to:
Boulevard Strategies
Brad DeHays
Buckeye Hills-HVRDD
Casto
Chambers Murphy & Burge
Cheryl Stephens
Coon Restoration
Craig Gossman/Source 3 Development
CT Consultants
DS Architecture
EJ
FirstMerit Bank
Frontier Communications
global X
Gray & Pape
Heritage Architectural Associates
John Gerlach & Company LLP
Lamplight Industries
Longwell Legal LLC
Marvin Windows
McGladrey
MCM Company
Novogradac & Company LLP
Ohio Arts Council
Ohio Capital Corporation for Housing
Ohio Group Insurance Consultants
Ohio History Connection’s State Historic Preservation Office
OHM Advisors
Orton Family Foundation
Perfect Balance
Plante Moran
Poggemeyer Design Group
Rausche Historic Preservation, LLC
Sandvick Architects
Schooley Caldwell Associates
TRIAD Architects
Ulmer & Berne LLP
Union Metal
Where to eat in Columbus
The Big Give Returns May 12th
The Big Give is back and better than ever! Donate to Heritage Ohio Tuesday, May 12th from 10am EST through Wednesday, May 13th at 10am EST and Heritage Ohio will receive a pro rata portion of a $1.3 million dollar bonus pool from the Columbus Foundation!
The Big Give is open to all donors, not just Columbus residents, so here’s your chance to amplify your donation to Heritage Ohio!
BIG GIVE REWARDS!
Also, for showing your spirit during The Big Give, three leading Columbus-based businesses have agreed to reward your generosity! For official rules on these three Big Give Rewards, visit the Columbus Foundation’s Big Give Rewards page.
2015 Annual Awards Call for Nominations
It’s time once again to honor the people, places and projects that exemplify Heritage Ohio’s commitment to growth through preservation and revitalization. Award nominations are due by 5:00 PM, Monday June 15, 2015, for projects completed by December 31, 2014. This year, nominations will be available beginning Wednesday, May 1. We will be accepting nominations for 13 awards using the 2015 Annual Awards nomination form below.
We are continuing to encourage the submission of digital video files that tell the story of the nominee or project. Just include the video file as part of the nomination form that you submit. We look forward to seeing your nominations!
Call for Conference Session Proposals
Heritage Ohio is currently planning for our Annual Conference to be held in Columbus October 5-7, 2015. If you have a session that might be interesting to our audience of revitalization & preservation advocates and professionals link HERE for our proposal guidelines, proposals will be accepted through February 28.
