Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park

My family has gone to this park several times and we really enjoy it! If you are coming in off the 40, there are two parts to the park. There is the metro park where the bison, nature center, and some trails are, and there is a second entrance for Darby Creek Park that has playgrounds, trails, volleyball, pavilions, and other uncovered places to grill. Both are great and well maintained. However, just went there today (7/25/22) and they are tearing down and rebuilding the two larger playgrounds. They have another smaller one designed for 2-5 year olds. Well maintained facilities with some gravel trails that are less intense. Darby creek park has a very easy trail that may be less than .25 miles to an overlook with a decent view of the river and forest. Off to the side of the overlook there is a small trail that opens up a little bigger to a little more difficult hike with a couple steep hills. You can also check out the ranger station for more info and maps.

Me and a friend hiked here and it is just beautiful. We spent a decent amount of time by the creek looking and catching the crawfish, and found a really pretty green one, bigger than the rest. Lovely place to spend some time, with lots of scenery. Would love to come back ❤

My kids love the Indian Ridge public use area. There are lots of picnic tables around, as well as a few small shelters for public use (first come first served) as well as a larger open shelter house (that I'm only guessing is reservable so if you want to plan on it make sure you actually look into it first!). The playground is up to date with lots of options for climbing, interactive play, slides, and swings. The park staff does an awesome job with inspecting and maintaining the playground area, so it's always nice and in good shape! The natural play area here is unlike almost anything you'd expect to find in a park. Kids can play in the dirt, build with sticks, run through trails in the woods that are the perfect size for them, and really just get in touch with nature in a hands on way that is usually discouraged in public parks. The hiking trails around the area are well maintained, and the Ohio Erie trail comes through there as well.

I have been coming to this park on and off for years. My kids love it and I love it even more. Here are a few of images from our most recent visit. I suggest checking out the trail that heads west from the main building. Walk along the water there skip some stones and listen to the nature all around.

I took my daughter here with the intention of seeing the bison, but my GPS took us to the wrong entrance. It was OK though because we had a good day walking on the paved trails by the picnic area & getting to experience her 1st time on a swing. The scenery was beautiful & we had a good day.