Blendon Woods Nature Center Overview
- Address: 4265 E Dublin Granville Rd, Columbus, Ohio 43230
- Hours: April – September: 9am – 8pm. October – March: 9am – 6pm.
- Capacity: 30 people
- Activities: Educational, Group Programs, Community Activities, School/Kids Activities
- Fees: Free
Blendon Woods Nature Center Guide
Blendon Woods Nature Center
The Blendon Woods Nature Center is a wonderful facility in Blendon Woods Metro Parks. While the Nature Center is already beautiful, you can expect it to be even better with additional space being constructed on it. It serves as an educational center and attraction that introduces visitors to wildlife, plants, history, and science of the Columbus, Ohio Metro Park system.
During your visit, you’ll learn about the flora, fauna, and history of the park through interactive exhibits and educational programs. As soon as you walk into the nature center, you will immediately be drawn to the “Highways in the Sky” exhibit in the middle of the room, where you’ll learn about the 225 migrating birds that pass through the park a year.
Right behind this area is a fan favorite section of the nature center. Here you can view taxidermies of the birds and mammals that frequent the area. There is also a plethora of books you can relax and learn about the fauna that visit the area. But the best part is the observation area where you can not only watch birds as they feed, but also use the binoculars to spot them in their natural habitat in the trees across the park.
Once you are finished in these two areas, spend time walking around and viewing/reading the exhibits. You’ll be incredibly surprised by some of the interesting facts you read. You’ll also see live animals like turtles, fish, and snakes. If you arrive at just the right time, you can even watch the snake eat a meal!
For families, there is also a quaint area to the right as soon as you walk in. In this section, there is a table for kids to partake in arts and crafts, several live animal exhibits that will fascinate them for long periods of time, and almost any type of book for any age! Best of all, there is usually a park employee right around the corner to assist with answering any questions you may have.
During seasonal times of the year, you can even visit the butterfly station located outside of the nature center to learn and watch caterpillars and butterflies. While small, it is an area of the nature center you cannot pass up.
The Nature Center and park also offer exciting activities and other programs and events, such as animal encounter sessions, storytimes, naturalist programs, discovering dragonflies, and summer camps.
Expert Tip
The Blendon Woods Nature Center is a fantastic attraction and educational center in the heart of the park, so it gets busy, especially on the weekends and in summer (with camps).
For the best experience, I recommend going as soon as the Nature Center opens or 30 minutes before it closes in the summer. Another option would be to visit it in the offseason (winter, early spring, or late fall), where there is little crowd, no matter what day.
The only exception is if there is an event occurring at the nature center or anywhere in the park. When events are happening, it is recommended to visit the nature center during other hours of the day to be able to have the most enjoyable experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is operational all year. From April – September, it is open from 9am to 8pm. From October – March, it is open from 9am to 6pm.
Yes, this Nature Center can be accessed by individuals with disabilities. The parking lot is adjacent to the center.
The Blendon Woods Nature Center is located in the Blendon Woods Metro Parks. It is approximately 2 miles south of the Entrance of the park (off of E Dublin Granville Road).
No, dogs and pets are not allowed in the Blendon Woods Nature Center.
There are interactive exhibits, wildlife observations, a kids’ activity center, educational programs, a water fountain, bathroom facilities, and a seasonal butterfly exhibit.
This center accommodates 30 individuals.
Blendon Woods Nature Center Virtual Tour
How to Get There (Driving Directions)
The easiest way to get to the Blendon Woods Nature Center is to input the Blendon Woods Nature Center (4265 E Dublin Granville Rd, Columbus, Ohio 43230) into your phone and GPS, since the trail starts here.
Driving Directions:
When driving, enter Blendon Woods off of E Dublin Granville Road. Follow the road south for approximately 1/2 mile and stay straight (go past the ranger station on your right). Follow the signs and continue straight for another mile or to mile and a half until you get to a large circular parking lot for the Nature Center.
Once you park, you can’t miss the only building, which is the nature center.
Learn More About the Blendon Woods Metro Parks
Blendon Woods Nature Center is an amazing educational center that is a must-see when visiting the park. While it is one of the most popular attractions in Blendon Woods, there is so much more to do, including the Inclusive Playground Nature Play Area, Picnic Shelters, Disc Golf, and so much more.
