Gilmore Ponds Preserve Metropark

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Gilmore Ponds Preserve Metropark is a natural oasis in the state of Ohio that offers visitors a chance to connect with nature.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, and it is a popular spot for birdwatchers, nature enthusiasts, and families looking for a tranquil setting.

One of the main reasons to visit Gilmore Ponds Preserve Metropark is to experience its beautiful natural scenery. The park boasts over 300 acres of wetlands, grasslands, and forests that are home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, beavers, and a wide range of bird species. Visitors can explore the park's trails and boardwalks to get a closer look at the natural surroundings.

Another point of interest at the park is the Gilmore Ponds Interpretive Center, which offers educational exhibits and programs about the park's ecology and history. The center features interactive exhibits, live animals, and educational displays that are perfect for visitors of all ages.

Interesting facts about the area include its history as a former industrial site. The land that is now Gilmore Ponds Preserve Metropark was once a gravel quarry and a landfill, but it has since been restored and transformed into a thriving natural habitat.

The best time of year to visit Gilmore Ponds Preserve Metropark is in the spring and fall, when the park's diverse range of bird species are most active. Visitors can see a variety of migratory birds, including waterfowl, warblers, and shorebirds. The park is also a great spot for fall foliage viewing, with its beautiful colors and stunning scenery.

Overall, Gilmore Ponds Preserve Metropark is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience Ohio's natural beauty and wildlife. Whether you're a seasoned birdwatcher or just looking for a peaceful retreat, this park is sure to impress.

       

Weather Forecast

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.
Related References
View more

Featured Parks