Nature is always within an easy reach throughout cozy and charming Westerville! There are more than 650 acres of enticing greenspace and over 50 miles of trails, so whether you’re hitting the trails with your bike, giving the kids time to clamber and play, taking your furry friend on a walk, observing local wildlife in its natural habitat, paddling away on a pond or simply soaking in the peaceful solitude of nature — you’ll find it all in Westerville.
Everyone is drawn to the water, and located on the east side of Westerville sits the stunning Hoover Reservoir, a city of Columbus aquifer that spans more than 4,700 acres. While the reservoir serves a practical purpose, it’s also a prime location for nature lovers. You can bring your own kayaks or sailboats, or groups like Hoover Adventures and Aloha SUP Paddle Boarding rent canoes, kayaks and paddleboards for your enjoyment. The reservoir is a popular and serene spot for fishing as well; anglers will find everything from bluegill to bass, saugeye to crappie, but the real specialty are the catfish. Hoover Reservoir is said to be one of the best catfishing spots in the state! The reservoir and surrounding terrain also offer a mix of habitats that are home to a variety of birds, including wetlands, deciduous forests, open meadows and mudflats. Avid birders know they can sneak peeks of many of Ohio’s common birds as well as rare finds.
The Hoover Reservoir is also home to Hoover Sailing Club, a volunteer-run organization that offers both competitive and casual sailing classes for youth and adults. Even if you’re not joining the club, you can still take the classes or admire the beautiful sails that dot the reservoir, especially Wednesday evenings and Sunday afternoons when members compete out on the water. For more boating action throughout the year, visit Hoover Reservoir in April or October when the Westerville Crew Regatta takes to the lake.
Is your appetite whetted for more aquatic adventures? The 8-acre Otterbein Lake is a quiet spot ideal for a family outing or fishing. Mariner’s Cove and Wetlands features nearly 9 acres of wetlands that are rich in plant and wildlife with a meandering boardwalk for exploring. Highlands Park is a community-favorite green space with trails and athletic fields. It’s also home to the Highlands Park Aquatic Center, which offers hours of waterpark fun with pools, slides and a lazy river.
Westerville is rich with parks and trails that bring you close to nature. Inniswood Metro Gardens is one of the prime spots for nature-lovers of all ages in Westerville. Formerly the estate of sisters Grace and Mary Innis, the park spans 123 acres of lush, tended gardens operated by Columbus & Franklin County Metro Parks. Explore more than 2,000 species of plants in the multiple themed gardens, specialty collections and along the many trails. A variety of short paths, some boardwalks and some paved, thread through the gardens and surrounding forests rich with maple, beech, oak and hickory. See the stunning rose garden, inspire your home cooking at the herb garden and learn from the horticulture library at the Innis House, converted into an education center. Kids will love the play areas with hidden trails, tunnels and bridges, plus fountains, sculptures and a treehouse.
You’ll find more than a dozen parks large and small dotting Westerville. Sharon Woods Metro Park, another favorite in the Columbus Metro Parks system, is popular for its many trails, including the ADA-accessible Edward S. Thomas Trail. Fishermen will love parking next to Schrock Lake, kids will love the playgrounds and everyone will enjoy a stroll along the many trails through expansive woodlands and meadows. The glacial pond is the centerpiece of Boyer Nature Preserve, a quiet wetland perfect for viewing wildlife and plant life. Follow the boardwalks and trails to the best views! Hoff Woods Park is popular for its many athletic fields, but it also offers a shelter, playgrounds, picnic areas and a quiet fishing spot. Operated by Delaware’s Preservation Parks, Char-Mar Ridge Park covers more than 120 wooded acres carved out by ancient glaciers. Its main feature is the Glacier Ridge Trail, a 1.7-mile, wildlife-rich loop winding up and down ravines, along creeks, through forests and over wetlands. The western edge of Char-Mar is traversed by the Genoa Multi-use Trail, part of the Ohio to Erie Trail linking the Ohio River to Lake Erie. Johnston-McVay Park is a hit with the kiddos, both for the natural play area and the storybook trail with colorful storyboards illustrating interactive children’s books. Huber Village Park is a community favorite for its playgrounds, shelter, athletic fields and trails. Hike the boardwalk through the wetlands at Millstone Creek Park, gaze out from the overlook or explore the inclusive playground equipment. Westerville’s popular Sounds of the Summer Concert Series graces the amphitheater at Alum Creek Park North with the best in local bands.
There are so many options for getting active in Westerville, and with 51 miles of trails, biking is one of the best ways to experience the city. A significant portion of the Ohio to Erie Trail runs through Westerville, offering an exciting way to explore the bike-friendly city. You’ll find convenient bike racks that allow you to stop and grab lunch at a local restaurant, shop through Uptown Westerville or relax at an area park. Bike your way to Westerville’s many pieces of vibrant public art (often found within parks), from beautiful sculptures to colorful murals. The new COhatch, a dynamic coworking space, is paired with a brewpub from North High Brewing to offer a one-of-a-kind experience. Located just off of the Ohio to Erie Trail, bikers will find an ideal spot on their journey to rest with hearty pub grub and a refreshing pint. The new Visit Westerville office is located inside of COhatch, just off of the main entrance — stop in to say hello and get all the information you need to explore local parks, restaurants, attractions and events!
Stay active with more adventures around Westerville. Alum Creek South Park is a hub of activity with its skateboard park, BMX track and rink for roller skating or street hockey. Part of the Columbus Metro Parks system, Blendon Woods is popular for its nature trails, scenic lake and disc golf course, an 18-hole, par-63 route that takes you through the woods. Metzger Park features fields and courts ideal for basketball, baseball and tennis. Bring your furry, four-legged friend to Brooksedge Dog Park, which is separated into three areas for different-sized dogs. Open since 1970, the Westerville Golf Center has delighted families with its driving range, pro shop, miniature golf and batting cages.
Looking to gather outdoors this summer? Plan your al fresco events in Westerville! Eleven different Westerville parks feature reservable outdoor park shelters ideal for family picnics, birthday parties — any excuse to get together. In the heart of scenic Heritage Park sits the historic Everal Barn & Homestead, a picture-perfect spot for weddings, graduation parties and other gatherings.
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