Ohio State Parks & Watercraft

Judge Guy Findley donated 800+ acres to Ohio in the 1930s. The CCC later planted 200,000 trees, often w/the judge helping. In 1950, it became Findley State Park. Today’s forest, trails, disc golf, & lake all reflect his vision. Judge Findley left a legacy you can explore today.

Our Ohio Wildflower Bloom Report is back! 🌼🌼🌼 Check out the first week's report - ohiodnr.gov/discover-and-l…. Reports will be posted Fridays through mid-May. @OHHeartofitAll @OHStateParks #OhioWildflowers #spring #ohiotheheartofitall

9 new Natural Resources Officers took their Oath of Office today & joined the @OhioDNR team! These officers will help protect our state parks, forests, nature preserves, & waterways — while also educating visitors, promoting conservation, & responding to emergencies across Ohio.

Spring arrives this Friday! 🌷🌤️ As the days get longer & the weather hopefully warms up, Ohio’s 76 award-winning state parks are getting ready to bloom—right along with all your favorite outdoor adventures. Which state park are you most excited to explore this spring? 🌳✨

Big news for our @OhioDNR law enforcement team - the only state DNR agency to be CALEA accredited! 🎉💙 This gold standard honor recognizes the outstanding work of our Natural Resources Officers, @OhioDivWildlife Officers, & Office of Law Enforcement. ohiodnr.gov/discover-and-l…

Feeling lucky? You should—Ohio’s 76 award‑winning state parks are always free! 🍀🌈 No pots of gold or four‑leaf clovers required. Just show up and explore. 📷: Pymatuning State Park by NRO Caleb Mattocks @ohiodnr @OHHeartofitAll @OhioMagazine

Run for the Trees: Happy Little (Virtual) 5K is almost here & registration is filling up! 🌳🎨 April 18–26 | 3.1 miles, your way. Every entry supports tree planting in Ohio state parks. ⏰ Remaining spots are limited. Don’t wait: runsignup.com/Race/MI/Lansin… @ohiodnr

March features nature-focused days celebrating native plants, pollinators & the power of our own backyards. Small actions support the same conservation work happening in Ohio’s state parks. Learn more w/ “Backyards for Butterflies” from @OhioDivWildlife: dam.assets.ohio.gov/image/upload/o…

High wind has caused power outages & downed trees in several parks. As a result, some events may be canceled and certain park services may be temporarily unavailable. Our staff are working hard to safely clear debris & restore services. Thanks for your patience & understanding.

@1muralist1 @ohiodnr @OhioDivWildlife Good thought! He was a 1969 inductee into the ODNR Hall of Fame.

@ohiodnr @OhioDivWildlife @OHStateParks Louis Bromfield up at Malabar Farms would be a good start if he's not already on the list.

We’re now accepting nominations for the Ohio Natural Resources Hall of Fame - those who have improved the quality of life in Ohio through natural resources management, environmental education or scientific achievement! 🏆 forms.office.com/g/6qYy9fPStT @OhioDivWildlife @OHStateParks

Did you know.... the Great Seal of Ohio came from a real sunrise view in Chillicothe, our first capital. That landscape is now Great Seal State Park—check out the Sugarloaf Trail for early‑season views! 🌄🌿 Visit: ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan… @ohiodnr @am250ohio @ohheartofitall

Meet Jagger, Sammie, Ember, Remington, & Rio, the five @ohiodnr Division of Parks & Watercraft K9s who work alongside their Natural Resources Officer handlers to assist with detection, tracking, searches, and suspect apprehension. Thank you for your service! 🌲

Happy #NationalGirlScoutDay! @GirlScouts have long connected w/Ohio state parks thru hands‑on learning & activities that spark a love for nature. We’re excited to host special programs for Girl Scouts Love State Parks Weekend, Sept. 12–13! More details coming soon! 🌳💚 @ohiodnr

Did you know? 🍎 As we celebrate #America250, John Chapman, known as Johnny Appleseed, helped frontier settlers by planting apple trees across Ohio & the Midwest. He spent time around Mohican State Park & was inducted into the inaugural @ohiodnr Hall of Fame class in 1966. 🌳🍎

Get creative at Deer Creek State Park! Join artist Shannon Timura for free, hands‑on needle‑felting workshops at the lodge. Using beginner‑friendly techniques, visitors of all ages can make a small felted “park charm” inspired by animals, textures, & stories of the park. @ohiodnr

💧 Groundwater Awareness Week | March 8–14 Groundwater supplies drinking water for millions & supports the streams, wetlands & wildlife that make our parks so special. Small choices help protect what flows beneath our feet. How will you help protect Ohio’s groundwater? @ohiodnr

Today, we’re celebrating Ohio trailblazer Emma “Grandma” Gatewood. At age 67, she was the 1st woman to solo-hike the entire Appalachian Trail. She went on to hike it 3x, helped inspire the Buckeye Trail, & is honored at the Grandma Gatewood Memorial Trail in Hocking Hills.

📚🌿 Story Time at Salt Fork State Park is now monthly — in partnership w/Guernsey County District Public Library! 📅 3rd Thursday | 5–6 PM 📍 Salt Fork Eco-Discovery Center Books, crafts, games & snacks for all ages. Themes: 🍄 Mar 19 | 🌸 Apr 16 | 🌊 May 21 @ohiodnr

Happy #EmployeeAppreciationDay to the amazing team behind Ohio State Parks & Watercraft! From park managers, maintenance crews, naturalists, support staff, & Natural Resources Officers—our team works every day to make Ohio the #1 state park system. Thank you for being the best!

📸 Thru Your Lens Thursday Ken Bigham shared this fleet of American white pelicans at Grand Lake St. Marys State Park, & Anthony Waits saw a spotted salamander at East Fork State Park. There’s always something amazing to discover in Ohio’s state parks! @ohiodnr @your_wild_ohio