Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park — Attraction in Pleasant Township

Wildlife:

There are fields where the buffalo roam! There is also a nature center that I hear is very nice. It's accessible, and has an overlook where you can sometimes see the buffalo.

I've heard many types of birdsong on the trails, and they have unobtrusive birdhouses in the grasslands. I've also seen deer, bunnies, frogs, squirrels, and chipmunks. Rangers are happy to answer questions and offer free programs.

Runners:

Indian Ridge, the furthest park out past the roundabout and RR crossing, is the go-to park for cross country runners. The trails through the forest keep runners several degrees cooler, and provide various opportunities to run on hills. Watch out for tree roots though!

Walkers:

For those who prefer walking the trails, walk fast or wear bug spray! Pausing to take pictures on the trails is when you really need bug spray. There is a thoughtfully placed bench when you reach the top of the steepest hill. At one or more points, the trail allows access to streams.

Picnickers:

For picnickers, there are tables scattered throughout in mowed areas where bugs don't seem to be an issue. There are also pavillions.

Sports:

There are also large mowed unmarked fields for various sports. I once saw a course set up there for what looked like mini golf for soccer balls.

Children:

There are playgrounds in several spots that are safe and we'll kept.

Restrooms:

There are a few nice restrooms with running water, and more outhouses if you can't make it that far.

Reserved areas:

There are several areas that you can reserve for parties. All have pavillions and restrooms, and at least one has a building. My brother had his wedding under the trees, and the reception indoors. It was lovely, but keep in mind that alcohol is forbidden.

I didn't give it five stars because it's no Hocking Hills, but it is very well kept, and presents a wide variety of Ohio native...

I really don't know the best way to rate a public park, but let's give it a try.

This is a big park, that seems to be well kept. The trails were clear, grass was cut, parking lot was smooth. There were restrooms with working plumbing. Plenty of spots to have get-togethers. For the most part the two playgrounds were well kept. One of the slides was cracked in the middle at the end making it unsafe I think. Not that it would fall down, but that a kid may get a good cut from it requiring medical care. They have a good size "nature center" with an indoor aquarium set up like a stream. It has lots of rooms, seems to be climate controlled. Staff was very nice inside. They have some areas closed because they have bison in the park. They seem to have good viewing areas for watching them. This park seems to have several large areas, but we kept to the two we went to. I don't have the names off hand, but one was the nature center, and the other was a large field, two playground areas, and shelter houses. All seem to be connected via trails, but I think you can drive to them as well. Most of the trails seem to be foot traffic only, signs say no bikes on the trails we saw. Mixed trails, some are dirt, some are gravel, some paved. I don't know that you can camp here, but it's certainly big enough to. I think it's even big enough for people to get lost. We never did, but I'm sure people do. There are alot of signs around about locking up, and don't bring things of value. I'm not sure, but that would tell me it's not a safe park for women or kids alone. I guess they have a crime...

While we wanted to do the trails that day, it was pretty rainy. Luckily there was an inside place to go. The whole park outside is known to see buffalo. While inside, we looked out the massive windows and saw a deer and lots of different birds. Inside (after washing our hands), there was this HUGE touch pool fashioned like a sloping-down "creek". Rocks, different-sized small twigs, moss and running water. Small fish near the upward, shallow end. At the other end, 3 turtles and bigger fish (some of the fish let you touch them!). There is also an enclosed area UNDER the structure that anyone can climb down under and observe through a few windows at the water life. There were also there activity rooms. One room had a monitor that was connected to some outdoor cameras to see the buffalo. This room also had a coloring area. Another room had tables with many labeled animal pelts to touch. There was also a much larger side room (for small groups?). It had a big TV to see pre-recorded videos about the wild life. There was also a table to play games that they had available. Further back in a hallway, there were some plaques with a rich, detailed history about the land and people involved over the years. So much potential for an activity for the day. If you'll be going on a really nice day, plan on many options for hikes, pack a lunch to eat at your car for a break, inside time...all in all plan for most of a day (depending on your energy and endurance!). Another wonderful thing? It's free! Really...