First time Metro Parks visitor?
We’re glad you’re here!

Whatever you enjoy doing outdoors, Columbus & Franklin County Metro Parks has a great place to begin your adventure. Find adventurous things to do, new activities to try and places to explore every day of the year! For seven decades, your Metro Parks have been a treasured natural resource for generations of central Ohioans of all ages and abilities.

Metro Parks are free and belong to everyone… so get out, get active and have some fun.

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Discover & Experience Nature

The mission of Metro Parks is to conserve open spaces, while providing places and opportunities that encourage people to discover and experience nature. Your 20 Metro Parks cover more than 28,900 acres of land and water and are home to more than 2,400 plant and animal species.

Every year more than 12 million people visit Metro Parks to escape into a world teeming with wildlife and rich in recreational and educational opportunities. The tremendous growth and enduring popularity of Metro Parks is due to the strong support of the community – as voters, as volunteers and as visitors.

Lodges & Shelters

Find the perfect place for events of all sizes

Information on Lodges & Shelters

The Metro Parks Holiday Crossword 2025

THE METRO PARKS 2025 HOLIDAY CROSSWORD IS HERE! As well as nature and general trivia, the theme of this year’s crossword adds Outer Space, to complement Metro Parks’ Wild and …Read More

Hike under the lights at Metro Parks 2025-26

CHECK OUT OUR VIDEO OF SOME OF THE STUNNING LIGHTS AVAILABLE FOR YOU TO ENJOY THIS WINTER. THEY LOOK GREAT ON VIDEO, BUT LOOK EVEN BETTER OUT THERE IN THE …Read More

Got a Question About Nature? Ask a Ranger or a Naturalist!

Curious about something you saw on the trail? Wondering why owls hoot at night, how salamanders find their way back to their breeding pools, or which Metro Park is best …Read More

Behind the Parks: Meet Amanda at Quarry Trails

Amanda Sugerik Park Ranger, Quarry Trails Metro Park Amanda Sugerik is talking with Communications Coordinator, Virginia Gordon About me I was born in Westerville and have lived my whole life …Read More

Get Outside, It’s Your Nature!

MAPS & DIRECTIONS