Many things make me smile, but the outdoors and nature top the list. In Delaware, Ohio, Deer Haven Park is one of central Ohio’s premier places to take in the outdoors’ beauty. I have always said this park might be small with 97 acres, but it offers big park amenities.
I invite you to read about this amazing park located in Delaware, Ohio!
Trails within Deer Haven Park
Tree Swallow Trail (Gravel Trail)
Pro-tip: little elevation changes
Taking this 0.6-mile hike through a small wooded area into the open field is delightful. As you come out of the woods, you immediately will see bluebirds and tree swallow swooping by to have some bug snacks! We have seen deer, hawks, and heard plenty of spring peepers while walking on this trail.
This Trail connects to a trail in adjacent Havener Park, so if you are interested in a longer hike, you can continue on the Havener Park trail.
Pets are NOT allowed on this trail.
Bent Tree Ridge Trail/Creek Crossing (Gravel Trail)
Pro-tip: moderate elevation changes
This is our family’s favorite trail in the park. When we get to the stone creek crossing, we always enjoy hopping over to the other side. The Bent Tree Ridge Trail is a short 0.5-mile hike where you can see ravines and hike through a beautifully wooded area. This trail takes you beside the Amy Bader Bird Sanctuary, and you can take the spur off the trail to the wildlife blind.
Pets are NOT allowed on this trail.
As I mentioned in my opening paragraph, it is a small park. However, if you choose to add Havener Park to the Tree Swallow Trail, you will be here for half the day! We usually hike in both parks when we are there.
Looking for more great things to do in Delaware, Ohio? Enjoy a hot chocolate trail after your hike with our favorites. 6 Best Places for Hot Chocolate in Delaware, Ohio
Things to Do at Deer Haven Park
Bird Watching
The bird watching at Deer Haven Park is wonderful. We have seen quite a few species when we have been here. Amy Bader Bird Sanctuary is located within the borders of this park and offers great bird viewing.
Wildlife Blind
One of my favorite things to do is go to the wildlife blind located off of the Bent Tree Ridge Trail. We have viewed ducks, geese and sunning turtles from here. There are benches in the blind where you can take a short break before heading back out to hike.
Aviary (Coming Soon)
Picnicking
Spend the afternoon relaxing after a hike or bird watching with a picnic. Sprinkled throughout the park are plenty of picnic tables to be able to enjoy an outdoor feast.
Natural Play Area
I love these areas! When my children were younger and we lived on a farm, this is what they did! There is nothing more thrilling than watching children create with natural materials.
Geocaching
What is geocaching? It is an outdoor recreational activity, in which participants use a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver or mobile device and other navigational techniques to hide and seek containers, called “geocaches” or “caches”, at specific locations marked by coordinates all over the world.
Deer Haven has a great one and we have enjoyed finding it a time or two 🙂 This will keep you busy for quite a while. You can read more here about how to geocache in Preservation Parks.
Visitor Center
Deer Haven Park visitor center is one of the best! It has big park amenities here. They offer binoculars to view wildlife, a library with nature guides and a great space to learn about the animals and plants found within the park,
In summer, you can cool off and relax and in winter they offer a delightful fire in the fireplace and hot cocoa to warm up with. There is a volunteer or staff on premises during the open hours so take advantage of that and get your questions answered.
Deer Haven Park: Location and How to Get There
Amenities:
Natural Play Area
Picnic Tables
Water Fountains
Bathrooms
Visitor Center
Pollinator Garden
Wildlife Blind
Aviary (coming soon)
Parking:
There is plenty of parking at Deer Haven! We have never had trouble finding a place when we have come here.
Deer Haven Park is located at:
4183 Liberty Road
Delaware, OH 43015
740.362.0283
Hours of Operation
Winter Hours: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. (November 1 – February 28)
Summer Hours: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. (March 1 – October 31)
Deer Haven Park Visitor Center DAILY Noon- 5 p.m.
While there are many parks to choose from in the Delaware, Ohio area, we highly recommend you make your way to Deer Haven Park for a day of outdoor adventure! We have come to this park every season, and each time we find something we love about this park during the time we are there. I am sure you will be delighted with what you find at Deer Haven Park!
Happy Adventures,
Brandy
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