Let’s Take a Trip to Hueston Woods State Park.
Time to start packing. If you have never explored Hueston Woods State Park now is the time. Located in southwest Ohio, this State Park is the perfect location for your next outdoor adventure. Enjoy a picnic, go swimming, hike one of the parks trails or the Nature Preserve trail, pedal the mountain bike trails, or just sit and do a little fishing.
If you want to really dip your toes in Action Lake, pontoon boats to kayak rentals are available. There is also a par 72 golf course for those who want to enjoy a round of 18. And for those who like disc golf, you will find 36-holes to tackle.
Bird lovers will enjoy knowing that the park is designated as an important birding area by the National Audubon Society. So make sure your pack your binoculars.
One thing I learned during my visit is that Hueston Woods State Park attracts fossil collectors. Ancient marine animal fossils can be found throughout the park’s creeks. A naturalist can assist you with the best places to look.
NATURE CENTER
The Hueston Woods Nature Center is one of my favorite Ohio State Park nature centers. Inside you will be treated to displays about the history of the park, as well as enclosures with live Ohio native animals that need to be cared for. There is even a working beehive. The bees fly into the hive from the outside; visitors then can watch from the inside as the bees move around the hive.
Outside is where the real treat is. The Raptor Rehabilitation area. According to the Nature Center, on average 50 injured birds of prey find their way to the center every year. Approximately half are later released back into the wild. The day of my visit one the bald eagles treated me to a few high-pitched shrills. Benches are nearby if you just want to sit and enjoy time with these majestic birds.
Take in local history.
Doty Homestead Pioneer Farm and Museum
6924 Brown Rd, Oxford OH
The Doty Homestead was once a family farm. A complete history of the property can be found on their website. oxfordmuseumassociation.com
Currently the Oxford Museum Association has been sharing the history of the area by demonstrating nineteenth and early-twentieth century agricultural life through educational programs and events.
Visiting: Open 12-4 Saturdays and Sundays, Memorial Day through Labor Day, or by appointment.
Notable yearly events include the Hueston Woods Arts & Craft Fair held in the spring; Pioneer Day and the Apple Butter Festival are held each year in the fall. Each event is not to be missed.
STAY AWHILE
Park accommodation options include campsites, cabins or the Hueston Woods Lodge & Conference Center. The park is also just a few miles from Oxford Ohio, where additional accommodations can be found.
HUESTON WOODS LODGE & CONFERENCE CENTER
5201 Lodge Rd, College Corner, OH 45003
huestonwoodslodge.com
Go ahead and relax. Hueston Woods Lodge affords you the opportunity to be near nature with all the modern amenities, including an on-site restaurant. If you enjoy French Onion soup, The Smokehouse Restaurant serves up a delicious bowl. Other Lodge amenities include a game room, indoor and outdoor swimming areas.
Final Reflections
Hueston Woods State Park, is one of Ohio’s State Park treasures. Plenty of activities to enjoy and even a place to rest your head. Plus the raptor rehabilitation area is an extra treat.
Things to Know Before You Go
- If you plan on staying at the Lodge, reservations are always suggested.
- Don’t forget your golf clubs if you want to enjoy a few rounds of golf on the park golf course.
- Uptown Oxford is just a short drive from the park entrance. A must stop when planning a visit to the area. Plus you are going to want to sample some of the local foodie stops.
- Find local tourist information here: enjoyoxford.org
BUT WAIT THERE IS MORE
Just a few short miles from the State Park is the town of Oxford. Uptown Oxford is very walkable and boasts boutique shopping, local restaurants, pubs, and more.
48 Hours in Oxford Ohio – A Small Town Getaway
This trip was sponsored by:
Article and photos, unless noted by: MyOhioFun.com
Diane is the owner and editor of MyOhioFun.com. She is an avid baker, gardener, Little Free Library owner, who loves to read and travel. She spends most of her days sharing her love of things to do in Ohio, as well as creating destinations and itineraries for group tours and individual travelers.
Editor’s note: Any use of the above article or images without prior permission, will be in violation of copyright laws.
***Disclosure: My Ohio Fun received no compensation from Enjoy Oxford. Enjoy Oxford obtained the article through a Ohio Travel Association donation. My Ohio Fun does receive site advertising banners. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.***