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    James Ranch Park

    5.0 (1 review)

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    9 months ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 3
    Love this 5
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    Glen Helen Nature Preserve - Miss on tree and greenery

    Glen Helen Nature Preserve

    4.5(79 reviews)
    7.7 mi

    Hadn't been here in years. They now charge for parking. I found free parking across the street…read more The building at the entrance was open and has one bathroom and water fountain but can't count on it being open. I went down the stone stairs ... they were slippery but was glad i still could manage them. They have changed things ... added wooden pathways and more water at the bottom of the stairs. I'd hoped walk to both waterfalls. But wearing new shoes and saw it was muddy. So just headed back up the stairs to the car. They have bird feeders at the buildings. Nice place to hike. Parking is 10 bucks.

    Let's start off with the only thing that took me as interesting. They charge $10 for parking. It's…read morea non profit so I guess this is to help in taking care of the the facilities and help pay the staff. I'd never been here but the lovely Mrs went to camp here with her 8th grade class back in the 80's. I'd never been so was kind of curious about it as I was under the impression that it's just a park where kids could learn about nature and all its magic. What I found out is that it is an incredible wandering path. Lots of things to see like waterfalls, rock formations and even a path where you get from one side to the other by stepping from stone to stone. Lots of folks, lots of pets, big and small. The education center had a park employee out there with a bigger falcon, then a smaller falcon and then the gorgeous barn owl. The folks inside the education center were incredibly helpful and knew a ton about the inhabitants of the 'enclosures'. My favorite was the teeny tiny Megatron who's the smallest and cutest owl I've ever seen. Park isn't marked very well. They suggest you download the digital map from the QR code as you walk toward the very nice restroom facility. This is very nice but... the signs(pieces of paper with numbers written on them) with the corresponding numbers from the map are either missing, blurred due to water or faded from the sun. I'm hoping one of the Boy Scouts we saw while here takes it upon themselves to start their petition to create more permanent signs for their 'Eagle' comprehensive service project. There were so many times we were like...where are we. Plenty of trash to pick up so if you're like me, bring a small grocery bag and leave it better than you came. Thank you to the nice couple with the long haired dachshund who climbed the rocky pylon to help me get the cup that had been left there. It makes me happy that there are people still out there willing to help me with such simple but worthwhile side projects.

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    Glen Helen Nature Preserve
    Glen Helen Nature Preserve - Steps

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    Glen Helen Nature Preserve - Yellow springs

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    Yellow springs

    Magee Park, Sugarcreek Park District

    Magee Park, Sugarcreek Park District

    5.0(5 reviews)
    8.3 mi

    What a fun find! I've lived in the Dayton area now for nine years and after hearing from many…read morefriends about Magee finally took some time to visit. We were coming mainly for the direct, easy access to the creek. With little ones this was something I needed. We were pleasantly surprised to find a great playground, picnic shelter, and just the best green space. Shade for days, which is perfect for hot days. The creek access is wonderful. Down a little embankment and you are right there. It's fairly shallow with some deeper parts. It's really easy to walk in. I highly recommend Keens or some type of water sandal with gripes. It can be slippery on the rocks. We found minnows, a water snake, and rocks. Didn't really look for much else as the kids were happy just to play in the water. The playground was great after they were done playing in the creek. Being completely shaded made it perfect for the hot afternoon. This is another near play area with various nature things on the outside of the structure and some cool things up in the tree house. They also had two small swing sets.

    First trip out to Magee Park. Took my two grandchildren, ages 8 and 5. Very nice. The parking lot…read moreis adequate size. A covered shelter with tables sits off to one side. Great for picnics, etc. To the opposite end of the park, you'll find a large, open, grassy area, perfect for touch football. The playground itself is rather small, but the equipment appears to be in good condition. The big draw for us? The creek! What a great set up! Easy trek to the creek bed. Water seemed relatively clean (but cold!). The kids and I were able to wade around and hunt for minnows and fossils. Definitely the highlight of the park. Drawbacks: 1). Big groups using the shelter might fill up the parking lot fairly quickly. 2). Limited playground equipment. 3). Porta-potty, rather than actual restrooms - only one available (didn't use). Hands down, the creek is the reason to visit. We will definitely be returning. 4 1/2 actual stars.

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    Magee Park, Sugarcreek Park District - The time is coming where you can watch Fall colors happening... so lovely.

    The time is coming where you can watch Fall colors happening... so lovely.

    Magee Park, Sugarcreek Park District
    Magee Park, Sugarcreek Park District

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    James Ranch Park - parks - Updated May 2026

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