Van Buren State Park
Van Buren State Park, located in northwest Ohio, can accommodate nearly any type of outdoor activity. Visitors here can camp at electric, nonelectric or equestrian campsites. Those who are staying for just a day may enjoy one of the 10 picnic areas available throughout the park. Fishing and boating are both popular activities here. Van Buren Lake is filled with a variety of fish including channel catfish and largemouth bass. Those who prefer to stay on land have a variety of options as well. The park has five hiking trails and four bridle trails, all of which allow mountain bikes. A designated area of the park is also set aside for bow hunting. Other amenities in the park include volleyball courts, a 9-hole disc golf course, a nature center and a butterfly gazebo. Ice skating, ice fishing and cross-country skiing are available in the winter.
Van Buren State Park
12259 Township Road 218
Van Buren, Ohio 45889
(419) 832-7662
Malabar Farm State Park
Malabar Farm is a historic landmark that offers activities for visitors of all ages. Wagon rides with a tour guide are available Thursday through Monday to give visitors an overview of what the farm has to offer. A petting farm and cow milking exhibit allow guests to interact with and learn about the animals on the farm, and four stocked ponds are available for fishing. The Malabar Farm Restaurant and Malabar Farm Market offer the very best food the farm has to offer. Those looking to get away from civilization a bit more can explore more than 10 miles of surrounding hiking trails. Overnight visitors can stay at one of 15 primitive campsites or in the park's hostel.
Malabar Farm State Park
4050 Bromfield Road
Lucas, Ohio 44843
www.malabarfarm.org
(419) 892-2784
Hocking Hills Canoe Livery
The scenic Hocking River is ideal for canoe, kayak and raft trips. The Hocking Hills Canoe Livery provides rentals of all three. Visitors are then transported upstream. From this point, they will make their way downstream to the livery building, traveling with the current. Two different trips are available. Crockett's trip is five miles long and lasts approximately one and a half hours. This trip can be taken by canoe, kayak or raft and is ideal for beginners. The Rockbridge Trip is seven miles long and lasts from two to three hours. This trip offers visitors a chance to hike up to see the Natural Rockbridge, just downstream of the put-in. The Rockbridge trip can be taken by canoe or kayak. Primitive campsites are available near the river for overnight guests.
Hocking Hills Canoe Livery
12789 State Route 664 South
Logan, Ohio 43138
www.hockingriver.com
(800) 634-6820
