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 space, while providing place and opportunities that encourage people to discover and experience nature. Your 20 Metro Parks cover more than 28,700 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 a Metro Park 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.

Adventure Starts Here: Metro Parks Outdoor Adventure

IN OUR LATEST ADVENTURE STARTS HERE VIDEO WE FOCUS ON THE METRO PARKS OUTDOOR ADVENTURE TEAM STILLS FROM THE VIDEO

Ohio’s edible would-be citruses – mayapple and prickly pear

LEAH CONWAY Guest Blogger For most of us, when we think of our beloved buckeye state, the word “tropical” doesn’t usually come to mind. We can certainly experience some heat …Read More

Behind the Parks: Meet Andrew Erenpreiss of the Roving Crew

Hometown and Background I grew up in Columbus with mom and dad, elder brother Matthew and younger sister Emilija. Our family surname, Erenpreiss, and my sister’s first name, are Latvian. …Read More

A Race against the Clock – Metro Parks’ Restoration Projects

ELAINE HALL AND LOGAN DUNN Assistant Resource Managers Resource Management at Metro Parks is deep in the throes of spring projects, including restoration. The first stage in our land management …Read More

Lodges & Shelters

Find the perfect place for events of all sizes

Information on Lodges & Shelters

Get Outside, It’s Your Nature!

MAPS & DIRECTIONS