1 week Ago By Fiona Knight
Hey, Ohioans and nature buffs! It's time to throw on your walking shoes and to generously slather on the sunscreen because Governor Mike DeWine has just kicked off Ohio State Parks Week. From April 20 to April 26, you've got carte blanche to explore the state's 76 parks with zero admission fees—because why should you have to pay to bask in your own state's natural glory? "Our state parks are among Ohio’s greatest assets," DeWine said, lauding the parks as hubs for both serenity and adventure, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) . In a move to get everyone off their couches and into the great outdoors, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources is hosting a slew of activities.
Paddling, hiking, cozy campfires—you name it, they've got it going on. And, get this—there's ramping up to be a star-studded event with the opening of the Eco-Discovery Center at Salt Fork State Park, which, according to ODNR , will kick off at 10 a.m.
on Earth Day. Interactive exhibits and programming are set to take you on a whirlwind tour through Ohio's ecology and wildlife. Not a bad way to spend a Tuesday, in my opinion.
Ocean-sized lakeshores, forest canopies that would give Amazon a run for its money, and pristine prairies—Ohio's packing them all, and then some. Lieutenant Governor Jim Tressel chimed in too, pushing for folks to explore the great "Buckeye State" during this prime park week. And why wouldn't he? After all, it's not every day you can tread across diverse terrains without having to open your wallet.
"The Buckeye State is full of opportunities to get outside and explore," stated Tressel. "Ohio State Parks Week is a perfect time to visit your favorite state park or to boldly travel to a different part of Ohio and enjoy one you haven’t been to yet," as per the aforementioned ODNR release . Now, what earns Ohio bragging rights is the fact that it's one of the few states that allows you to enter state parks without paying a dime.
ODNR Director Mary Mertz was quoted as saying, "Ohioans are lucky to have such a diverse and accessible park system." So, to get back to basics and to deeply connect with Mother Nature, you don't need a fat wallet—just a bit of wanderlust and maybe a granola bar or two. If you're now itching to hit the trails or seek out your park soulmate, you can scout out all the deets on upcoming events at ohiostateparks.
gov. , where ODNR has the full lowdown..
