Things to do
Nature's Oasis
Posted on Apr 22
What to See, Photo Ops + Conversation Starters about Butler County's Outdoors!
Butler County is home to natural landscapes, lush parks, and rolling farms, to explore, offering endless opportunities to connect with the great outdoors.
Rentschler Forest MetroPark
5701 Reigart Road | Fairfield Township, Ohio
Explore more than 400 acres of woodlands, wetlands, and green space at this park in Fairfield Township. Take advantage of The Great Miami River kayak access and picnic sites, or roam miles of hiking trails.
What to See: Remnants of the Miami-Erie Canal
Photo Op: Suspension Bridge near Reigart Road
Conversation Starter: Learn about the prehistoric Native American earthworks located at this park
Voice of America MetroPark
7850 VOA Park Drive | West Chester, Ohio
Discover this 435-acre park in West Chester! Take a walk on a paved, picturesque trail or accompany your furry friend to Wiggly Field dog park. Cast a fishing line on the 35-acre stocked lake, or rent a kayak right from your phone.
What to See: Chill Hill
Photo Op: Gazebo Overlook
Conversation Starter: VOA is the site of the National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting with rotating exhibits highlighting broadcast history and technology.
Bull's Run Nature Sanctuary & Arboretum
3909 Rosedale Road | Middletown, Ohio
Wander the last free-flowing portion of the Bull's Run Creek — originally a boundary of the city of Middletown, plotted in 1802. Since 1978, the land has belonged to a non-profit working to restore natural diversity and educate the community on sustainable practices.
What to See: Arboretum with labeled tree species supporting native floral and fauna
Photo Op: Butterfly garden encouraging healthy pollination
Conversation Starter: A dedicated group of sanctuary naturalists are often available to answer questions and share their knowledge.
Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum
1763 Hamilton Cleves Road | Hamilton, Ohio
Marvel at the intersection of art and nature at this sculpture park in Hamilton. Admire the monumental outdoor sculpture collection, an iconic Pyramid House full of ancient and contemporary exhibits.
What to See: Pioneer house dating to the 1820s
Photo Op: 70+ outdoor sculptures
Conversation Starter: See antiquities dating back 1550 B.C.E on display in the Pyramid House.
Indian Creek MetroPark
3800 Indian Creek Road | Oxford, Ohio
Immerse yourself in nature and history at this Oxford park. Explore the scenic banks of Indian Creek on a leisurely hike or scenic picnic, then take advantage of four activity areas complete with playgrounds, picnic shelters, and historical sites.
What to See: Wade in a dappled stream and enjoy bird watching
Photo Op: The Pioneer Church & Burial Ground, dating back to 1810
Conversation Starter: Step back in time to the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, and the Civil War eras at the historic Bunker Hill Cemetery.
Governor Bebb MetroPark
1979 Bebb Park Lane | Okeana, Ohio
Step back in time at this park in Okeana, known for its historical pioneer village. These reconstructed log houses represent a typical 19th century American settlement in this region, including a general store, blacksmith’s shop, tavern and more.
What to See: One room schoolhouse
Photo Op: Covered bridge from the 1800s
Conversation Starter: The log house birthplace of William Bebb, Ohio’s nineteenth governor, rests on the property.
Niederman Family Farm
5110 LeSourdsville West Chester Road | Liberty Township, Ohio
Fun awaits for everyone at this farm in Liberty Township. Throughout the year, the farm hosts unique events like craft shows featuring artisan vendors. If you're feeling adventurous, challenge your friends to a round of paintball. Each fall, wind your way through a corn maze, take a scenic hayride, and pick the perfect pumpkin — apple cider slushie in hand.
What to See: Max the farm dog
Photo Op: Farm-themed photo cutout boards
Conversation Starter: Four generations of the Niederman Family have worked on the farm since 1948.
Harbin Park
1300 Hunter Road | Fairfield, Ohio
Play and explore at this outdoor oasis in Fairfield. Harbin Park features an 18-hole disc golf course, an incredible network of mountain biking and walking trails, eight pickleball courts, and more.
What to See: Miles of mountain biking trails ranging from easy to challenging
Photo Op: Scenic overlook
Conversation Starter: Hike a massive, speedy sledding hill for winter adventures; warm up and chat between runs at the fire pit at the peak.
Bachelor Nature Preserve
5358 Oxford Millville Road | Oxford, Ohio
Lace up your boots for a hike on the Bachelor Loop in Oxford, comprised of three trails (Pine, North, and East Loops) that combine and span over 6 scenic miles.
What to See: Wood ducks nesting at The Bachelor Pond
Photo Op: The swinging bridge
Conversation Starter: With pinewoods, beech, maple, oak trees, and so much more, see how many you can discover.