SPEND THE MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND WITH OHIO STATE PARKS: OH

Holiday kicks of state park naturalist programs; no registrar or parking fee

COLUMBUS, OH - Enjoy an affordable holiday away from home at an Ohio State Park this Memorial Day weekend. Join state park naturalists as they start the season with educational programs, such as a night owl hike at Quail Hollow State Park in Stark County or exploring the wonders of our night sky at Kiser Lake State Park in Champaign County.

“The Memorial Day holiday is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the state park system with family and friends,” said Dan West, chief of Ohio State Parks. “We’re proud that our parks offer families an affordable way to spend the day away from home.”

Ohio remains one of the few state park systems in the nation that doesn’t charge a fee to visit.
Make it a weekend-long camping adventure at one of 56 state park family campgrounds. Reservations can be conveniently made on the Internet at ohiostateparks.org where campers can view online campground availability and reserve the site they want for as long as they want.

Campers without Internet access can call toll free 1-866-OHIOPARKS (1-866-644-6727) for the same information. Ten to 15 percent of all campground sites are kept available to walk-in customers.

Consider these Ohio State Parks events this weekend:
Mary Jane Thurston State Park (Henry/Wood counties) - Come for the “Water Flies?” workshop from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday May 28 at the campground. Fly a water rocket and water powered airplanes. See live raptors and learn how birds fly. For information call 419-832-7662.

Kiser Lake State Park (Champaign County) - Go “Stargazing at the Beach” on Saturday, May 28. Meet amateur astronomer Dick Pierce and learn about the wonders of our night skies. For information call 937-362-3822.

Malabar Farm State Park (Richland County) - Bring your dancing shoes for the “Spring Barn Dance” from 7 to 10 p.m., Saturday, May 28. Beginners and experienced dancers can enjoy old-fashioned square dancing. For information call 419-892-2784.

Van Buren State Park (Hancock County) - Come for the “Water Flies?” workshop from 1 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 10 p.m. Sunday, May 29 at the campground. Fly a water rocket and water powered airplanes. See live raptors and learn how birds fly. For information call 419-832-7662.

Quail Hollow State Park (Stark County) - Join the “Owl Prowl” night hike to learn about these nocturnal creatures and how to mimic their calls, from 8 to 10 p.m. Sunday, May 29. Meet at the Spruce Grove parking area and bring a flashlight. For information call 330-877-6652.

Salt Fork State Park (Guernsey County) - Meet at the Kennedy Stone House for an afternoon of reflections on America’s past at the “Veterans Memorial Courtyard - Reflections.” The event is from 3 to 5 p.m. For information call 740-439-3521.

Maumee Bay State Park (Lucas County) - Enjoy a “Memorial Day Campout” all weekend with movies in the campground on Friday night, crafts on Saturday morning, and an ice cream social on Saturday night for a small fee.

Source: ODNR