A visit to one of Central Ohio’s most unique Metro Parks is like traveling back in time.
Slate Run Metro Park and Living Historical Farm is a wonderful and wild place, featuring a variety of habitats and wildlife. The 1,705-acre park has grasslands, wetlands, meadows, and forests.
The wetlands, in particular, are a fantastic place to catch a glimpse of some majestic wildlife, including sandhill cranes and northern bobwhite quail.
But one of the most exciting features of the park is the Historical Farm where visitors can explore what life was like for Central Ohio farmers in the 1880s. There’s so much to explore at Slate Run Metro Park, so let’s dive right in.
Slate Run Metro Park Living Historical Farm
When you visit the Historical Farm at Slate Run Metro Park, it really is like you’ve hopped into a time machine. The farm has gardens, barns, and a farmhouse that was built in 1856 and lovingly restored by Metro Parks.
Inside the farmhouse, visitors can tour the living room, parlor, and kitchen, where you’ll find the farm’s costumed staff and volunteers going about their daily chores. In the barns, you can spy a variety of farm animals, including pigs, geese, turkey, Percheron horses, sheep, and more.
In the spring, the farm frequently has adorable baby animals on view, giving guests the chance to get up close to these wonderful little creatures.
The farm frequently hosts tours and special events showcasing different aspects of 1800s life. You can learn more about those opportunities here.
Hiking at Slate Run
There are nine rails in total at Slate Run Metro Park. All of the trails at the park are gravel but only 8 of the trails are suitable for hiking. The Sassafras trail, a 2.5-mile-long journey through forest and meadows, is just for visitors on horseback.
The remaining trails vary in difficulty from easy to difficult and they all offer their own unique views of the park.
One of the easiest and most charming trails is the trail that leads to the park’s Covered Bridge.
Slate Run Metro Park Wetlands & Lake
The wetlands at Slate Run are home to some truly incredible species. The park is a beautiful place, in general, to go birdwatching. But the wetland areas are something else altogether. Over 200 species of birds have been spotted at the park over the years.
If you forget to bring your binoculars, don’t worry. There is a permanent, 50x spotting scope located on the first deck of the Kokomo Wetland trail.
Additionally, there is a 14-acre lake at the park, Buzzard’s Roost Lake. The lake is stocked with blue gill and large-mouth bass and fishing is allowed.
Slate Run Activities For Kids & Pets
If the kiddos aren’t too exhausted from checking out the farm, head over to the 7-acre natural play area. The wooded hillside is bordered by a creek where the whole family can get in touch with nature and get lost in a world of outdoor imagination.
The play area is located just past the Shady Grove Picnic area, so feel free to start your adventure with a little snack or some lunch.
If you’d like to bring your furry friend along, you totally can! Domesticated dogs and cats are permitted in picnic areas, parking lots, and on roadways. All pets have to be on a leash no longer than 6 feet and they are allowed on three trails at Slate Run: Covered Bridge Trail, Lake Trail, and Shagbark Trail.
Slate Run Metro Park and Living Historical Farm is located at 1375 St. Rte. 674 North, Canal Winchester, OH 43110. For more info, or to start planning your visit, go to metroparks.net.