What a Mansfield gem! We were visiting from out of town and needed a place to stretch our legs and…read moreexplore nature, and came across Gorman Nature Center. It's a beautiful park and a great place to go for an easy hike. We visited on a day that the nature center was closed, so we only explored the outdoor areas during our visit. But even without visiting the nature center, we had a great time. The hiking trails are easy and wide, and perfect for strollers. The trails are also mostly lined with grass, so it was easy on my kids' little legs and feet. There are lots of native flowers and plants all over the park, plus bridges, forests, prairies, streams, ponds and other things that make the hike interesting. Gorman Nature Center encompasses 150 acres, and there are five miles of trails to walk. We only walked a total of a little less than a mile (my kids were pooping out), but the mile we walked was beautiful and peaceful. I would have loved to explore more of the park, so I'm hoping we get a chance to come back!

Went here later at night as part of Mohican Wildlife Weekend. The presentation talked about native…read moreOhio animals with the chance to see a grey tree frog and a snake (I think garter). We were also allowed to hold the snake if we wanted. They did a little game where they played an animal sound then we guessed what kind of animal it was. I didn't know deer can bark. Afterwards, we went on a guided night hike to the ponds on the property. We were able to see a lot of local frogs and toads. My main complaint is that everyone, from the guides to little kids, repeatedly picked up the frogs and toads. It's dangerous to do that since frogs and toads have very sensitive, absorbent skin so common chemicals like soap or hand sanitizer is very dangerous to the animals. A frog trying to escape can often dislocate their leg from kicking. One toad started secreting a white toxin from stress. The inside of the center had a lot of taxidermy animals. The main interesting thing about the center itself is that much about it was built to be ecofriendly. They use geothermal heating, have wood from local trees that is the tiny or "imperfect" pieces that often go to waste otherwise, composting toilets, and more. I was there at night so I can't comment much on the property.

This was such a fun stop! There are live farm animals here, and the pastures looked well…read moremaintained with plenty of space for them to roam, which was great to see. The welcome center was pretty nice and had a small kids museum inside that was interactive. There's also a gift shop with cute merch, local items, maple syrup, and other extras. They offer tours of some of the buildings for purchase, which is a cool option if you want a deeper experience, but even just walking around the property on your own is enjoyable. Overall, a really nice place to explore for a bit.

Unique park in Ohio with a visitor center, working farm, historical house and so much more…read more We came on an off-season day in March so the visitor center was open but not staffed. We also didn't see anyone to give tours or ask information. The park is easy to find with lots of signs pointing the way. When you pull in there is a visitor center that has a gift shop and restrooms. Everyone's favorite part was the parrot. If you say hi or dance he will talk to you. The park has trails you can hike. There are maps in the lobby to help find a course. They mentioned a cave trail but the map did not have trail names so we were not sure what path to follow. You can walk down to the barn and see the animals. We also walked around the exterior of the house. Behind the visitor center there is a great playground that the kids really enjoyed. If coming for a visit I highly recommend waiting to come during the peak season so you can view the house and have staff to explain the history and trails you can hike. Lots of picnic areas too so pack a lunch!

Mt. Jeez Overlook is on the property of Malabar Farm State Park, but it's kind of its own thing…read more Some places mark it as being in Perrysville, and some in Lucas. Wherever it is, you'll find it by driving to Malabar Farm off of Pleasant Valley Road, and following the signs to the overlook. The dirt road that takes you to the overlook is a bit bumpy, so hang on to your butts. But there's no other option -- you can't really walk up to the overlook because there's nowhere to park at the bottom. But, there's parking at the top, so I'm thinking that that's what you're supposed to do: endure the minute-long bumpy ride. Once you're at the top, you will be treated to fabulous views of central Ohio countryside. The overlook is the highest point on Malabar Farm, and at more than 1,300 feet above sea level, Mount Jeez will give you an up-high look at farmland for several miles. This is an amazing spot to just sit (there's a bench up here) and take in the view. There's also a hiking trail in the woods just off the overlook. We didn't venture too far into the path when we visited, but it's there and it is beautiful when everything is growing and blooming.

Go on a clear evening for sunset. Golden hour light is divine. Sun sets a little earlier due to…read morehigher tree line. Beautiful.

We were reliving some fond memories of our youth. The lake was calm and beautiful. The trees were…read morebare due to the fact that winter was winding down. The end of spring and summer, the trees are full of green leaves and the bushes are full of raspberries and blackberries. You can fish for catfish, carp, sunfish, bluegill, and trout. There is an abundance of wildlife. This is a wonderful place to visit and make wonderful memories of your own.

Beautiful view of the lake from our campsite which has a nice level cement pad, a great picnic…read moretable, and a fire pit for an enjoyable evening fire. Since it's late September it's very quiet and peaceful. Loving it..

Birding hotspot!…read more It's a little more than an hours drive East of Columbus. It's kind of out in the middle of nowhere but it's worth the drive to see some beautiful wildlife, especially birds. The wildlife area consists of seasonally flooded moist soil meadows and bottomland hardwoods. You can expect to see migrants, shorebirds, waterfowl, Bald eagles andantes other birds that aren't usually seen in the city. Be sure to bring your spotting scope if you have one and a good pair of binoculars. Enjoy the fresh air and everything that nature has to offer.

This is a great park. Lots of fun stuff to keep children entertained for a long time. Swings, zip…read moreline types, musical instruments, slides, comfortable seating, large rocks, and even a concession stand (not open today but that's ok.) Lots of ways to engage children to use their minds and their bodies.

christmas run park is one of the two best parks in wooster, imho. (freedlander park on the north…read moreend of town is the other.) at christmas run, you will find a kickass playground, tennis courts, short hiking trails, a stream and pond (some people even go fishing), ducks, and a swimming pool. they hold some really fun community events here like art in the park and the kiwanis strawberry social.

One of our favorite outdoor spots. A shaded waterfall area, shallow pool and creek and smooth…read moretrails. There is also a path to the top of the waterfall. The kids have fun for hours here. Some nice benches and plenty of large rocks to hang out on. Parking is just across the road and there are a few porta potties by the parking. The waterfall isn't far once you get on the trail. The river is a farther walk but does have a very strong current so no swimming over there.

Neat little stop. Wasn't much water when we stopped tho. Hiking areas in the woods and some neat…read morerock formations.

Wow! This reservoir in Shelby is very cool. We had some time so I found that this place was close…read morewhere we were at. This park has a 1.25 mile walk, and with mile markers labeled on the concrete. The map also says that they also have a hiking trail here. They also have a ramp here, so you can kayak around the reservoir. I was really surprised to see that this park was in Shelby. The background scenery was breathtaking.

Buried a treasure here but you'll never find it. But I'll give you a clue. The bird that sings is…read morelast in line for the bench to sit on the grass and vine!