Ohio DNR's 'Natural Resources Park' at Ohio State Fair showcases state's outdoor opportunities

8-acre park open daily during the Ohio State Fair from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Visitors to the Ohio State Fair will find a break from the hustle and heat of the midway at the Natural Resources Park, located in the southeast corner of the fairgrounds. Outdoor and indoor nature exhibits focused on hands-on learning will greet fairgoers as they tour the park-like setting of the area, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).

“ODNR’s Natural Resources Park at the state fair gives Ohioans the chance to discover the natural wonders Ohio has to offer,” said ODNR Director David Mustine. “We hope our visitor’s experience inspires them to explore all of Ohio’s amenities and continue to explore Ohio’s great outdoors.”

Beginning on opening day, July 27, visitors of all ages are invited to talk to a 15-foot-high Smokey Bear who has been greeting youngsters by name for more than 30 years. Smokey Bear will continue his tradition of sharing the importance of forest fire prevention and safety with all fairgoers.

The Natural Resources Pavilion, located next to Smokey Bear, will offer a variety of interactive exhibits promoting conservation and outdoor recreation, such as Explore the Outdoors and a demonstration dog park as well as a replica eagle's nest.

Visitors of all ages (at least 50” tall) are encouraged to explore paddle sports by grabbing a kayak paddle and trying the 7,000-square-foot kayak pond, located next to the pavilion. This hands-on activity, which is supervised by ODNR Division of Watercraft professionals, teaches children and parents alike about the importance of wearing proper fitting lifejackets and offers paddling basics.

The Natural Resources Park also features a 500-seat amphitheater where fairgoers will be treated to all types of entertainment every day from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The long-time favorite, Great Lakes Timber Show, featuring log rolling and lumberjack contests, will be returning along with the Columbus Zoo and several musical acts. From cloggers to retriever dogs, jugglers to naturalists, there’s something for everyone at ODNR’s amphitheater.

Across the pond from the amphitheater is the extensive ODNR Division of Wildlife display area, home to the always busy kiddie fishing area. In addition to free fishing for the youngsters, families can try a number of outdoor sports including the free archery and BB gun ranges.

Other popular Wildlife displays include a collection of live native animals including a river otter, bobcat, wild turkeys and birds of prey including owls and eagles. After visiting native wildlife, fairgoers may enjoy a stroll through the colorful aviary and butterfly exhibits.

Another outdoor natural display awaits fairgoers at the authentic tall-grass prairie; a number of stunning prairie blossoms can be viewed along an accessible boardwalk trail. Nearby, an early pioneer cabin gives visitors a glimpse into life along the Ohio frontier.

In the Mill, fairgoers can explore Ohio's long history of oil and gas production. Exhibits will take visitors from the "boomtown" days of the late 19th century when Ohioans first struck oil to the contemporary production methods and regulatory requirements which protect our environment today.

Before leaving the park, fairgoers are encouraged to stop by the ODNR Information Booth to pick up pamphlets and other information related to ODNR lands and programs. The information booth is also an excellent place to ask ODNR-related questions while visiting the park area. Attached to the information booth, the Ohio State Parks Gift Shop is full of great gift ideas as well as State Parks merchandise for the entire family.

A brand new feature located throughout the Park this year will be QR (quick response) codes which will deliver information directly to smart phones. Scan any of the QR codes in the Park and fairgoers will get access to maps, schedules and other information including giveaways instantly to their phones.

ODNR’s Natural Resources Park is open daily during the run of the fair from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and entry is free with state fair admission (all activities are also free). Visit www.ohiodnr.com to access more detailed information about the ODNR Natural Resources Park or check out the daily amphitheater schedule which can be downloaded directly to your smart phone.

The Ohio State Fair runs from Wednesday, July 27 through Sunday, August 7. For more information about the state fair, go to www.ohiostatefair.com.

The ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at www.ohiodnr.com.