A cleaner, more scenic (IMO...) alternative to Buck Creek, but they're both wonderful "secret"…read moregetaways right here in the Field of Springs. I love coming here for a quick, twilight walk across the dam, or a VERY short hike through the woods (or a longer one, if you've got the time) or just to look out over the water as the sun sets. Picnic tables, a little floating dock, reasonably clean restrooms, playground/s closer to the entrance, and more!! I've never managed to be here when the Nature/Visitor's center is open, but hope to, one of these days... Springfield doesn't always get the best "press," but this is DEFINITELY a true hidden gem, and worth a visit, any season!! Next time you're in the area to check out Buck Creek, be sure to ALSO visit Clarence Brown!!!

What a wonderful park on the northern fringe of Springfield, Ohio! There's lots of wooded areas as…read morewell as open grassy areas. You'll find plenty of walking paths, both paved and natural, along with exercise areas. There are quite a few spots for grilling and having picnics. Shelter houses, too. If you have little ones, the visitor center, when staffed, is a good place to start with a kids' hands-on activity area, information booth, and maps. There are restrooms readily available both here and throughout the park and are kept clean and in repair. It's very peaceful here. I live in Columbus and make the drive to enjoy this alternative to our busy metro parks. This is definitely a hidden gem, and it's worth a visit if you are in the area. A solid 5 stars!

This place is amazing! It's tucked away in Beavercreek Ohio and worth the short trip of you're a…read morelocal and have never heard of the place. Beautiful fen wet land with a very diverse ecosystem and lots to see, foxes, river otters, beavers, and more!

This waterfall is absolutely beautiful, so peaceful and such a lovely place to sit and listen to…read morethe natural wonders of the space. Growing up in West Milton, I have always been down at the waterfall during the summer, and now that I am a mother I can take my daughter there. going down to the crick under the waterfall is a bit sketchy so do be careful if you decide to go down further!

Great little quick stop in downtown West Milton always worth a 10 minute visit at least!read more

We stumbled upon this park by accident while trying to kill time. What an amazing accident!!!!…read more This is the park of my childhood dreams! It has all the vintage FUN playground equipment. If it used to be fun but modern society has deemed it "dangerous" it is here, For the first time ever, my kids got the pleasure of spinning on the play ground spinning thing! There are two different ones!!! Vintage slides, see-saws, flat swings and all the fun you could possibly have. There was a shelter area with picnic tables I believe, I didn't make it in there because I was playing. Nearby, there is a lot of nature to enjoy so there is something for everyone. I live 45 minutes away and I WILL make the trip back for some good old fashioned outdoor fun. Kids loved it too!

I've been warned, actually more like threatened about writing a review on this park. My sister…read morewants no one to know about this secret gem. This is a Cedar Point of dog parks! It's truly a big, happy place for dogs! I've never seen so many happy dogs. Literally running, frolicking, rolling around enjoying themselves. Not only were the pets enjoying themselves, the owners were too. It has a real sense of community. People were friendly, they knew each other and each others pets. Very cool! What's really nice is the creative use of land. This was once a landfill. Don't worry, there are no foul odors! There are three areas. Two smaller areas, one with training equipment, a regular sized area and a huge hill. When I say huge, I also mean steep. This is a really steep hill. Luckily you have the option of staying on the flat areas where the two other enclosed areas are. All areas are grassy, offer seating and water. What's also nice is the walking path. The paved path is lengthy enough (6 acres of park space) to where it is great exercise for both owners and pets. The only downside is the hill is so big that you can lose sight of your dog. My dog was enjoying herself so much, she ran off with a pack of playful dogs. She never does this. I definitely got my exercise looking for her. So for exercise, a chance to meet other dog lovers I strongly suggest visiting this park. If you see a large friendly white labradoodle playing around, you've come at a great time. He's very playful!

Conveniently located near I 70/I 75 intersection, the Montgomery County Bark Park is opened from…read moredawn to dusk. The Park is adjacent to The Montgomery County Animal Resource Center on Webster St. Exit 62 on I 75.The Park is divided into three connecting sections plus has an agility course. Water is available throughout the Park. You can always help out filling the buckets! Normal rules apply. No dogs in heat. No aggressive dogs. No dogs under 4 months - dogs need to be vaccinated. As with many dog parks, there are the regulars. Most are welcoming. Most people are well versed in dog behaviors and don't freak out when dogs wrestle and play. The Park is large and your dog can run! Not to say that the dogs won't ignore all the space and play around your feet instead! The Park is built on an old ash mound as the County incinerated trash for decades. Because of that, there is little shade available as trees cannot be planted. There is a gazebo structure at top with tables. DO NOT BRING FOOD into Park. All tables and agility equipment are made from recycled materials. Great re-use of space.

Lifelong history buffs, we joined OHS a few years ago, and this year decided to visit all of the…read moresites in their system. We were going to Urbana for a festival and saw this was nearby, so we stopped in. And fell in love. It's small and out of the way, and beautiful. The visitors' center is pretty new, and small too, but nice. A little gift shop, meeting rooms, some educational exhibits. The staff were super friendly and helpful. The trail (boardwalk) is wheelchair and stroller accessible, which was nice for us with a baby. It's a short loop, and you are right in the middle of the fen, with flowers, water, sun and shade, and little lizards. A beautiful, relaxing, educational walk. Plan for an hour or so. Well worth a detour. We'll be back.

Want to take a walk on the "wild side?!?" Looking to feel "lost" though you haven't even stepped…read morefoot off the trail? This local gem will appeal to nature fans, procrastinators, and just about anyone who's feeling a need to commune with nature and take a great walk. Nothing waaaaaaaaaaay out in the wild blue yonder, but this well marked, informative trail with take you through quite a few very interesting habitats and make you wonder if you're about to fall off the edge of...... Urbana?!? The well-placed signs tell what you're seeing, and provide interesting facts for kids and adults. Take advantage of the well-placed benches to relax and just LISTEN to all the NATURE happening all around you... I've got a ton of pics. I'll try to get around to posting eventually... There's a fee to go in (sorry, can't remember what it was) and they even have a box after hours for you to pay "honor system." It's a bit higher fee than we thought it would be, but they do amazing work keeping this place up and making it a unique, interesting spot to visit. Oh, and by the way, it's not really a BOG at all, it's a FEN!!! (You'll have to go there yourself and see why, smarty-pants!!) ENJOY...!!

A surprisingly large park located right along the highway, and behind Kroger. I had no idea it was…read morehere. I guess it is pretty new. Pulling into the Kroger lot, I noticed a path and a sign for it. The north entrance is along Kroger's side lot; another entrance is in the neighborhood behind it, apparently. I took a short walk on a fairly nice spring day. Woods, a ravine, a stream. Birds, shade, and peace, not exactly in the heart of town but right beside some built-up areas. I'd love to have this in my neighborhood. No bikes, and that's fine- it's for walking, and pausing.

Here there is something for everyone. It is a nostalgic place for me and many others who are from…read moreTroy, Ohio. But for many, this is a new and booming place, but it's not exactly new. This is not just any park...here is a little history: In the early 1940's, several Troy residents began clearing the river and the banks of rubbish in hopes of using the area for water activates. They even cleared away the remains of an old wooden damn located just north of the Adams St. Bridge. Then, Edward Alvah (E. A.) and William Hobart took an interest in the park and provided the heavy equipment needed to assist in the process of clearing. That's right...E.A and William Hobart of the Hobart Brothers Corporation. The Hobart Corporation used to be based in Troy, Ohio. Yes, that's right...the ones that created and made Kitchenaid for the home and for commercial use...and they are still made today (just not here). Let us not forget the welders, generators and industrial equipment as well to name a few. They weren't always made in a foreign country. Indeed, Hobart was alive and well in Troy, Ohio and the surrounding area once upon a time. The Corporation put quite the thumbprint on Troy, this is one of them. The leaders of the Hobart Brothers Corporation wanted to provide a location for not only boating enthusiasts, but also for their employees to enjoy the Great Miami River and all activities related to water. So, they constructed a marina, a boathouse, and a launch area with a lighthouse all from the profits of the company. At one time there was a baseball diamond located here and playground equipment as well. The place boomed with boating activities, festivals and company picnics for many years. My grandparents and parents used to speak of the fun times here. In the 1960's, E.A. Hobart gave the boathouse and property to the city of Troy as a gift. Troy accepted and decided it had great recreational potential. It has been utilized in many ways over the years. It has even seen days of non-use and dilapidation as well sadly. Some of my fondest memories growing up were playing out on the island after crossing a bridge...and we always fed the ducks. I used to love to ride my bike down that steep hill coming in and lift my legs & feet off the peddles. We used to rent canoes and paddle boats below...sweet memories. But what was once old, is new again. It brings me tears of joy to see this place come alive again and alive it is indeed. This place not only has its own website now, but it has a Facebook page too! There is a fairly new restaurant in the building called "Smith's Boathouse". The Smith family has a history of their own. I went to school with one of the brothers and was able to enjoy the family restaurant in Maui (Yummy). It is a great addition to the Park. And if you get a chance, please check it out. But not only that, there is now an area for concerts in addition to the typical walks, playing, biking, picnicking or just hanging out and enjoying the view. There is quite the venue these days at Treasure Island. It makes me smile that it is alive again. Although people call it "new", please don't forget the history, how it started, why it's here and how it has evolved. When in Troy...stop down...a water activity may interest you, a stroll, a bike ride...or maybe just the view. These are only a few things you can do there...there is something for everyone...to include finding that special spot for peace and quiet. http://www.troyohio.gov/587/Treasure-Island-Park https://www.facebook.com/pages/Treasure-Island-Park/142286295802726