June - Ohio outdoors
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Davey Woods State Nature Preserve
Step into Davey Woods State Nature Preserve and you'll discover a landscape that has remained remarkably unchanged for generations. Located near Urbana, Davey Woods preserves one of Ohio's finest examples of an old-growth beech-maple forest. Towering trees, rich biodiversity, and peaceful surroundings create an experience that transports visitors into a quieter, more natural world. A hiking trail winds through the preserve, crossing small bridges and leading visitors beneath a dense forest canopy. Throughout the seasons, the woods offer something new to discover—from spring wildflowers and migrating birds to the vibrant colors of autumn foliage. The preserve serves as an important reminder of what much of Ohio's forests looked like before widespread settlement. Today, it provides both recreational opportunities and valuable habitat for wildlife while helping visitors better understand Ohio's natural history. As we celebrate Ohio Outdoors Month, Davey Woods State Nature Preserve offers an opportunity to slow down, explore, and appreciate the enduring beauty of one of Champaign County's hidden gems. |
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Kiser Lake State Park
For those seeking a peaceful outdoor getaway, Kiser Lake State Park offers the perfect destination to relax, explore, and reconnect with nature. Located near St. Paris, Kiser Lake is one of Ohio's few no-wake lakes, creating calm waters ideal for kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, and fishing. The lake's tranquil setting makes it a favorite destination for visitors looking to enjoy the outdoors at a slower pace. Beyond the water, the park features hiking trails that wind through woodlands and along the shoreline, providing opportunities to observe wildlife and enjoy scenic views throughout the year. Campers can also spend the night and experience the beauty of the park from sunrise to sunset. Kiser Lake's quiet atmosphere sets it apart from many larger recreational lakes. Here, visitors can enjoy the sounds of nature, watch birds soar overhead, and experience some of the best paddling opportunities in the region. As Ohio Outdoors Month encourages people to explore the state's natural resources, Kiser Lake State Park stands out as one of Champaign County's premier outdoor destinations and a place where lasting memories are made. |
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Birch Bark Canoe Livery
Few experiences connect you to Ohio's natural beauty quite like spending a day on the water, and Birch Bark Canoe Livery offers one of the best ways to explore Champaign County's scenic Mad River. Located near Urbana, Birch Bark Canoe Livery provides canoe, kayak, and tube rentals that allow visitors to experience one of Ohio's most treasured waterways. Designated as both a State and National Scenic River, the Mad River is known for its clean waters, abundant wildlife, and peaceful surroundings. Whether you're paddling through gentle currents in a kayak, enjoying a canoe trip with family and friends, or floating leisurely downstream on a tube, every trip offers a chance to slow down and appreciate nature. Along the riverbanks, visitors may spot great blue herons, kingfishers, turtles, deer, and a variety of native plants that thrive in this unique ecosystem. Birch Bark Canoe Livery welcomes both first-time paddlers and experienced outdoor enthusiasts. Their trips provide a relaxing outdoor adventure that's perfect for families, groups, and anyone looking to unplug and enjoy the outdoors. As Ohio celebrates Ohio Outdoors Month, Birch Bark Canoe Livery serves as a reminder that some of the state's best adventures can be found right here in Champaign County. Whether you're seeking excitement or relaxation, a day on the Mad River is an experience you'll remember long after you've left the water. |
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Cedar Bog State Nature Preserve
Among Ohio's most unique natural treasures, Cedar Bog State Nature Preserve offers visitors the chance to experience an ecosystem unlike any other in the state. Despite its name, Cedar Bog is actually a fen—a rare wetland fed by underground springs rich in minerals. This special environment supports an incredible variety of plant and animal life, making it one of the most biologically diverse natural areas in Ohio. Visitors can explore the preserve by walking along a boardwalk that winds through wetlands, prairies, and wooded areas. Along the way, they may encounter rare wildflowers, native orchids, butterflies, migratory birds, and countless other species that call Cedar Bog home. The preserve's nature center and educational programs provide opportunities to learn more about the area's ecology and conservation efforts. Whether you're a seasoned naturalist or simply looking for a peaceful walk outdoors, Cedar Bog offers a memorable experience that showcases the beauty and diversity of Ohio's natural heritage. As part of Ohio Outdoors Month, Cedar Bog reminds us of the importance of preserving and appreciating the unique environments that make our state special. |
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Ohio Caverns
While many outdoor adventures take place under the open sky, one of Champaign County's most remarkable natural attractions lies beneath the surface. Ohio Caverns, located near West Liberty, is known as "America's Most Colorful Caverns" and has welcomed visitors from around the world for generations. Hidden below the rolling Ohio countryside is a spectacular underground landscape featuring crystal formations, stalactites, stalagmites, and winding passageways formed over thousands of years. Visitors can explore the caverns through guided tours that showcase some of the most colorful and impressive geological formations found anywhere in the Midwest. The naturally cool 54-degree temperature makes Ohio Caverns a perfect destination during the warmer summer months. In addition to its beauty, Ohio Caverns provides an opportunity to learn about Ohio's geological history and the forces that shaped the landscape we see today. Every turn reveals a new formation and a deeper appreciation for the natural world. As we celebrate Ohio Outdoors Month, Ohio Caverns reminds us that adventure can be found both above and below ground. It's an unforgettable destination that continues to inspire wonder in visitors of all ages. |
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Pointe North Nature Park
Tucked away just north of Urbana, Pointe North Nature Park is one of Champaign County's most unique outdoor destinations and a hidden gem waiting to be explored. Spanning 225 acres of city-owned land, Pointe North offers visitors an opportunity to experience a diverse landscape filled with natural beauty. The park features miles of hiking trails that wind through an old-growth forest, around six spring-fed lakes and ponds, and past a remarkable blue hole spring pond fed by Champaign County's abundant aquifers. Towering trees, clear water, and a variety of habitats make Pointe North a haven for wildlife and an ideal destination for birdwatchers, photographers, hikers, anglers, and anyone looking to reconnect with nature. Each season brings something new to discover, from spring wildflowers and migrating birds to vibrant autumn colors reflected in the park's crystal-clear waters. After several years of closure, a dedicated group of community volunteers has worked alongside the City of Urbana to reopen and revitalize the park, creating new opportunities for visitors to experience this remarkable natural area. Plans for the future include expanded outdoor recreation and educational opportunities that will help connect visitors to the landscape and its unique ecology. Pointe North is more than just a park—it's a place to slow down, explore, and appreciate the natural resources that make Champaign County special. Whether you're taking a leisurely hike, casting a fishing line, photographing wildlife, or simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings, Pointe North offers an outdoor experience unlike any other in the region. 📍 2200 US Route 68 North, Urbana 🌳 225 acres of diverse natural habitats 🥾 Miles of hiking trails 💧 Spring-fed lakes, ponds, and a blue hole 🐦 Wildlife viewing and nature photography opportunities As we celebrate Ohio Outdoors Month, Pointe North Nature Park reminds us that some of Ohio's most extraordinary outdoor experiences can be found right here in Champaign County. |
