Winter in Ohio doesn’t always scream “outdoorsy season,” but the Ohio State Parks Foundation and Nocterra Brewing are here to change that. One beer, bingo card, and trivia night at a time.
The two have teamed up for a Winter Nature Series, a set of free, themed events happening January through March at Nocterra’s Columbus-area taprooms. The goal? To celebrate Ohio’s state parks, learn something new about the natural world, and give folks a warm, social reason to think about hiking and exploring, even when it’s cold out.
The partnership is tied to Nocterra’s Take a Hike IPA, a beer created to support the Ohio State Parks Foundation. A portion of sales benefits the nonprofit, and you can also find the beer at Ohio state park lodge locations across the state.
Each event in the series focuses on a different nature theme and includes activities like bingo, trivia, auctions, and appearances from Ohio Department of Natural Resources naturalists — all in a casual, taproom setting.
Here’s what’s coming up:
Hibernation Bingo and Park Pajama Party
- Where: Nocterra Powell Taproom
- When: Sunday, January 25 | 1–3 p.m.
- About: Yes, pajamas are encouraged. This cozy afternoon centers on animals that hibernate in Ohio’s state parks, complete with a nature-themed bingo game. An Ohio State Parks naturalist will be on hand with soft animal pelts and plenty of facts about how wildlife makes it through winter.
Love Birds
- Where: Nocterra Powell Taproom
- When: Wednesday, February 25 | 7–9 p.m.
- About: Just in time for nesting season (and Valentine’s Day), this happy hour dives into Ohio’s birds, including the bald eagle’s comeback story. Guests can meet an ODNR naturalist and their educational bird, and test their bird knowledge through trivia for prizes.
Hike for Your Health
- Where: Nocterra Audubon Taproom
- When: Saturday, March 28 | 1–3 p.m.
- About: This event celebrates hiking, Ohio trails, and the legendary Emma “Grandma” Gatewood — the first woman to solo-hike the Appalachian Trail, not once but three times, all after turning 67. Buckeye Trail members will be on hand to talk favorite hikes and help folks gear up for spring adventures, including the Grandma Gatewood Hiking Challenge at Ohio state parks.
All events are free to attend, but registration is encouraged. You can find more details and sign up here.
The Ohio State Parks Foundation works to enhance and protect Ohio’s 76 free state parks, supporting everything from conservation efforts to visitor experiences through partnerships like this one. And honestly, learning about nature while sipping a locally brewed IPA in a warm taproom feels like a very Ohio way to get through winter.
