Ohio is filled with natural beauty, from the majesty of Hocking Hills to the splendor of Mohican country, and we’re lucky to live in an area surrounded by some of the best of it. Even better? There are lots of things to do in Ohio for free, including adventures in some of the state’s most marvelous natural areas. The Cleveland Metroparks and Cuyahoga Valley National Park are both close to home and incredible in terms of the adventure they offer, but today, we’re taking a little road trip across the North Coast over to Northwestern Ohio. There’s a forest that looks like it’s straight out of a fairy tale, and you need to check it out.

Get ready for the journey of a lifetime, because the Metroparks Toledo park system offers unique types of beauty that we don’t typically see in Cleveland.
John K/TripAdvisor
Oak Openings Preserve spans across 5,000 acres and is considered to be one of the "Last Great Places on Earth" by the Nature Conservancy.
shanetlbrt/TripAdvisor
It stands out for its striking number of rare species of flora and fauna, making it a nature lover’s dream come true.
Samson Holbrook/AllTrails
It's truly no wonder this park has earned such great recognition over the years; its sheer size is impressive, but so, too, is its collection of more than 100 state-listed species rare plants. It also provides a home to rare creatures like the Southern flying squirrel and the Karner blue butterfly.
Much of Oak Openings Preserve is built around an Oak Savanna ecosystem, featuring both wetlands and sandy regions.
Dustin H/TripAdvisor

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Though much of the ecosystem here thrives around the Oak Savanna, the preserve’s varied landscape makes for incredible biodiversity. During your visit, you will have the opportunity to explore hiking trails traversing prairies, floodplains, and swamps.
Melissa Waterfield/AllTrails
You'll find plants like orchids and prickly-pear cactus growing just mere steps away from each other.
djn3608/TripAdvisor
The landscape of Oak Openings Preserve makes it one of the most unique places in all of Ohio, and with more than 50 miles of trails, this park is truly a nature lover's paradise.
Michael Adrian/AllTrails
If you really want to immerse yourself in the stunning scenery, turn your day trip into an overnight stay by camping in the nature preserve!
Michael Adrian/AllTrails
Feeling adventurous? You'll find this mystifying park tucked between Whitehouse and Swanton, Ohio.
Samson Holbrook/AllTrails
The preserve sits just over 1.5 hours from Cleveland, making it an excellent day trip destination that’s too close to home to ignore.

We live in one of the most underrated places when it comes to natural beauty – both around Cleveland and throughout the state. And if you’re looking for more things to do in Ohio for free and you’d love to see other stunning spots through the lens of fellow Ohioans, check out our Ohio Nature Lovers group. It’s filled with photos snapped by nature lovers just like you!

If you enjoyed this adventure, you’ll doubtlessly enjoy the prospect of glamping near Cleveland.

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More to Explore

Things to do in Ohio for free

Sarah M. | January 09, 2023

What are some other cool things to do in Ohio for free?

Exploring the best of the Buckeye State doesn't have to break the bank; here are some jaw-dropping natural wonders in Ohio you can experience for free!

  • Ritchie Ledges. Tucked away in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, you'll find a two-mile loop trail that follows sandstone cliffs. More than 300 million years ago, this trail’s area of the park was actually covered by an ancient sea. Melting glaciers helped to form what are now captivating ledges you can hike through. There's also a stunning overlook along the trail that you'll want to bring your camera for.
  • Brandywine Falls. Also located in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Brandywine Falls is one of the tallest and most beautiful waterfalls in the state. It stands 65-feet tall and features both upper and lower boardwalk views.
  • Glacial Grooves State Memorial. Did you know that the largest accessible glacial grooves in the world are right here in Ohio? The grooves are 400 feet long, 35 feet wide, and up to 15 feet deep. Although you'll have to take a ferry to Kelleys Island, the journey is worth it to see this world renowned natural wonder in Ohio.
  • Old Man's Cave. A part of the statewide Buckeye Trail, the hike to Old Man's Cave in Hocking Hills State Park is one of the most scenic in the state. You'll encounter massive walls of Blackhand sandstone, beautiful waterfalls, and even tunnels along this stunning trail.
  • The Rock House. A short but steep hike in another area of Hocking Hills State Park will lead you to an above ground cave with a 25 ft. high ceiling and massive window-like openings. The Rock House sits atop a 150-ft. cliff and is unlike any of the other caves in the state park.

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Featured Addresses
Oak Openings Preserve Metropark, 4139 Girdham Rd, Swanton, OH 43558, USA