Top Wildlife Safaris & National Parks in Columbus, United States
1. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Houses over 9,000 animals including endangered species like the Sumatran tiger and Gorilla. Offers behind-the-scenes tours for a closer look.
- Endangered Species Focus: Dedicates significant resources to conservation efforts for endangered species.
- Interactive Experiences: Provides opportunities for visitors to interact with various animals under expert supervision.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs and workshops about wildlife conservation.
2. Scioto Audubon Metro Park
A large urban park that attracts various bird species, including warblers and herons. Features hiking trails and observation decks.
- Urban Oasis: Provides a natural habitat in an urban environment for diverse bird life.
- Hiking Trails: Offers hiking trails suitable for all skill levels, providing opportunities to explore the park.
- Observation Decks: Provides excellent vantage points for bird watching and wildlife observation.
3. Alum Creek State Park
Home to various wildlife including white-tailed deer, beavers, and over 200 bird species. Features a lake for fishing and boating.
- Water Activities: Offers fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities in addition to wildlife viewing.
- Camping Sites: Provides camping sites for an immersive wilderness experience.
- Hiking Trails: Offers hiking trails suitable for all skill levels, providing opportunities to explore the park.
4. Slate Run Living Historical Farm
A working farm that offers a glimpse into Ohio's rural past. Visitors can observe various farm animals and participate in farm activities.
- Historical Context: Provides a unique historical perspective on agriculture in Ohio.
- Hands-on Experiences: Allows visitors to participate in various farm activities and learn about rural life.
- Animal Observation: Offers opportunities to observe various farm animals up close.
5. Prairie Oaks Metro Park
Preserves a variety of Ohio's native habitats, including grasslands and wetlands. Offers hiking trails and wildlife observation areas.
- Native Habitats: Protects and preserves native Ohio habitats.
- Hiking Trails: Offers hiking trails suitable for all skill levels, providing opportunities to explore the park.
- Wildlife Observation: Provides excellent vantage points for wildlife observation.
6. Blacklick Woods Metro Park
A large park with forests, meadows, and wetlands. Offers hiking trails and bird watching opportunities.
- Varied Terrain: Provides a variety of terrains for exploration, including forests, meadows, and wetlands.
- Hiking Trails: Offers hiking trails suitable for all skill levels, providing opportunities to explore the park.
- Bird Watching: Provides excellent opportunities for bird watching.
7. Highbanks Nature Sanctuary
A nature reserve with woodlands, meadows, and wetlands. Offers hiking trails, a butterfly house, and wildlife observation areas.
- Varied Terrain: Provides a variety of terrains for exploration, including woodlands, meadows, and wetlands.
- Butterfly House: Features a butterfly house where visitors can observe various species of butterflies.
- Hiking Trails: Offers hiking trails suitable for all skill levels, providing opportunities to explore the park.
8. Scioto Riverfront Park
A riverside park that offers wildlife viewing opportunities, including herons, egrets, and various waterfowl.
- Riverside Location: Offers a scenic location along the Scioto River for wildlife observation.
- Picnic Areas: Provides picnic areas for visitors to enjoy a meal while enjoying the scenery.
- Wildlife Observation: Offers excellent opportunities for wildlife observation along the river.
9. Griggs Reservoir Park
A park with a large reservoir that attracts various waterfowl and wading birds. Offers fishing, boating, and wildlife observation.
- Water Activities: Offers fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities in addition to wildlife viewing.
- Wildlife Observation: Provides excellent opportunities for bird watching and wildlife observation.
- Hiking Trails: Offers hiking trails suitable for all skill levels, providing opportunities to explore the park.
10. Conservancy at Cherry Ridge
A nature reserve with diverse habitats including grasslands, woods, and wetlands. Offers hiking trails and wildlife observation areas.
- Diverse Habitats: Provides a variety of habitats for exploration, including grasslands, woods, and wetlands.
- Hiking Trails: Offers hiking trails suitable for all skill levels, providing opportunities to explore the park.
- Wildlife Observation: Provides excellent opportunities for wildlife observation.
11. Blendon Woods Metro Park
A park with forests, meadows, and a lake. Offers hiking trails, fishing, and wildlife observation.
- Varied Terrain: Provides a variety of terrains for exploration, including forests, meadows, and a lake.
- Hiking Trails: Offers hiking trails suitable for all skill levels, providing opportunities to explore the park.
- Water Activities: Offers fishing and boating opportunities in addition to wildlife viewing.
12. Slate Run Farm
A working farm that offers a glimpse into Ohio's rural past. Visitors can observe various farm animals and participate in farm activities.
- Historical Context: Provides a unique historical perspective on agriculture in Ohio.
- Hands-on Experiences: Allows visitors to participate in various farm activities and learn about rural life.
- Animal Observation: Offers opportunities to observe various farm animals up close.
13. Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park
A large park with forests, meadows, and a lake. Offers hiking trails, fishing, boating, and wildlife observation.
- Varied Terrain: Provides a variety of terrains for exploration, including forests, meadows, and a lake.
- Water Activities: Offers fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities in addition to wildlife viewing.
- Hiking Trails: Offers hiking trails suitable for all skill levels, providing opportunities to explore the park.
14. Whipkey Hollow Farm
A working farm that offers a glimpse into Ohio's rural past. Visitors can observe various farm animals and participate in farm activities.
- Historical Context: Provides a unique historical perspective on agriculture in Ohio.
- Hands-on Experiences: Allows visitors to participate in various farm activities and learn about rural life.
- Animal Observation: Offers opportunities to observe various farm animals up close.
15. Whetstone Park of Roses
A city park with a large rose garden and a pond that attracts various waterfowl. Offers picnic areas and wildlife observation.
- Rose Garden: Features one of the largest rose gardens in the United States.
- Wildlife Observation: Offers excellent opportunities for bird watching and wildlife observation.
- Picnic Areas: Provides picnic areas for visitors to enjoy a meal while enjoying the scenery.