Caldwell Nature Preserve

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Caldwell Nature Preserve is located in Cincinnati, Ohio, and is a 86-acre protected natural area.


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Summary

There are many good reasons to visit the preserve, such as the numerous hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and educational programs that are offered. Visitors can see a diverse range of wildlife, including birds, turtles, and fish. There is also a pond, wetlands, and a creek that runs through the preserve.

Some of the specific points of interest to see at Caldwell Nature Preserve include the butterfly garden, which is home to a variety of different butterfly species, and the historic Caldwell House. The house was built in the 1800s and has been restored to its original condition, giving visitors a glimpse into what life was like during that time period.

Interesting facts about the area include that it was once used as a dairy farm and later as a summer camp for children. The preserve was officially dedicated as a nature preserve in 1955, and since then has been a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

The best time of year to visit Caldwell Nature Preserve is in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its most vibrant. However, the preserve is open year-round and visitors can enjoy different activities depending on the season, such as fishing in the summer or birdwatching in the winter.

Overall, Caldwell Nature Preserve offers visitors a peaceful and beautiful natural setting to explore, with many unique features and attractions to discover.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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