Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Blues Creek Park

9627 Fontanelle Road, Ostrander, OH 43061

Amenities

Park Size

138.4 acres

Hours of Operation

Discover Your Park

Prairies, a sparkling creek, forested areas and wetlands characterize Blues Creek, which is named for the creek that meanders along the park’s northern edge. In late summer and early fall, the prairies are vibrant with bright yellow, purple and white flowers, interspersed with tall prairie grasses. The prairie areas are surrounded by mature woodlands, and areas that have been reforested. 

Foxes, pheasants, kestrels, meadowlarks, and American woodcock might all be seen during walks along the 2.5 miles of trails, and the restored wetlands attract the vociferous spring peepers and other frogs. Among the insect species, painted lady butterflies can be spotted, and the prairies will be full of orb-weaving spiders hoping to ensnare their prey. 

Special features of the park include a catch-and-release fishing pond for all ages, which allows park visitors to learn and participate in a sport they can enjoy their entire lives. No license is required to fish in this pond. The hill in the center of park is a sled hill on snowy days and, all year round, provides an expansive view of the park. There also are two picnic shelters that can be rented; scroll down for information. 

Blues Creek Preserve was acquired at public auction in 1993 with funds provided by an anonymous donor. The original purchase was 97.5 acres, and an adjoining 40.9 acres were acquired in 1999. The park was opened to the public in 2001.

Trail Information

Shagbark Loop Trail (Gravel Trail)

Approximate walking time: 45 minutes; little elevation change
Leashed dogs are allowed on this trail.

At 1.1 miles, this gravel trail is the longest in the park. You may enter the trail across the drive from the small parking lot near the park entrance, at the pedestrian bridge, or near the picnic shelters. This trail takes you through a meadow which is reverting from a previous farm field to a wooded area. The many young trees you will see are evidence of this succession. After traversing the meadow, you will enter a mature woods where you will see several large shagbark hickory trees. This section of the trail is a loop and leads you back to the meadow portion of the trail, or you may choose to continue onto the Bluestem Trail. A variety of wildlife may be seen from this, or any, trail in the park.

Bluestem Trail (Grass Trail)

Approximate walking time: 15 minutes; little elevation change
Leashed dogs are allowed on this trail.

This 3/10 mile grass loop leads you through a meadow which has emerging prairie plants, such as big bluestem, and a small wetland.

Fox Run (Grass Trail)

Approximate walking time: 30 minutes; little elevation change. NOTE: there is no shade along this trail.
Leashed dogs are allowed on this trail.

Beginning at the picnic area parking lot, this 5/10 mile grass trail winds through a meadow in which you might see foxes, deer, pheasants, wild turkeys and a variety of other grassland birds, such as red-winged blackbirds, meadowlarks, eastern bluebirds, and kestrels. The trail also climbs the sledding hill, providing a panoramic view of the park from the top of the hill.

Meadowlark Trail (Grass Trail)

Approximate walking time: 25 minutes; Little elevation change
Leashed dogs are allowed on this trail.

Also beginning at the picnic area parking lot, this 1/2 mile grass loop trail heads north towards Blues Creek as it winds its way through a separate section of the meadow. Because this trail comes closer to the woods and stream corridor, other bird species which may be seen include hawks, owls, fox sparrows and eastern towhees.

Park Location

Blues Creek Park Gallery

Share This Park:

Parks

Blues Creek Park

Prairies, a sparkling creek, forested areas and wetlands characterize Blues Creek, which is named for the creek that meanders along the park’s northern edge.

Char-Mar Ridge Park

A trail that winds up and down and along a ravine system characterizes this popular park located in Genoa Township.

Deer Haven Park

A bird lover’s paradise! Visit the injured birds of prey at the aviary, immerse yourself in a wildlife viewing blind, or stop by the Visitor Center.

Emily Traphagen Park

With its tall trees, wetlands, pond and meadows, beautiful Emily Traphagen Park provides a respite from the suburban development around it.

Gallant Farm

Time travel to a representation of a Depression-era farm that includes a farmhouse, livestock, gardens and crops.

Gallant Woods Park

Old growth woods, meadows, restored prairies and wetlands, and wetland woods characterize this popular park along with a sledding hill, reservable shelter and playground.

Hickory Woods Park

The former agricultural fields on this 115-acre site have been transformed into wetlands and prairies and reforested with oak and hickory trees.

Hogback Ridge Park

This beautiful wooded park includes trails that wind through a ravine system with hardwood and pine trees, and a bridge spanning a scenic ravine.

Ohio to Erie Trail

The Ohio to Erie Trail is a primarily off-street recreational trail that, when completed, will span the state of Ohio from Cincinnati to Cleveland. For the most part, it follows land formerly occupied by railroads and canals.

River Run Park

Put-in location for kayaks and canoes Beginning with headwaters as far north as Richland

Shale Hollow Park

Named for the curve in the tributary to the Olentangy State Scenic River that runs through the park, and for the shale evident in the cliff walls and stream bed.

Sycamore Run Park

Launch your kayak, go fishing and enjoy the beautiful views along the banks of the Olentangy River.

Trail Map

Facility Information

Two reservable picnic shelters (no electricity)
Capacity in each: 20

  • Restrooms, drinking fountain
  • Picnic tables (3 in one shelter, 4 in the other)
  • No electricity in shelters
  • Charcoal grill
  • Catch-and-release fishing pond
  • Sledding hill

Parks

Prairies, a sparkling creek, forested areas and wetlands characterize Blues Creek, which...
A bird lover’s paradise! Visit the injured birds of prey at the...
With its tall trees, wetlands, pond and meadows, beautiful Emily Traphagen Park...
Time travel to a representation of a Depression-era farm that includes a...
Old growth woods, meadows, restored prairies and wetlands, and wetland woods characterize...
The former agricultural fields on this 115-acre site have been transformed into...
This beautiful wooded park includes trails that wind through a ravine system...
The Ohio to Erie Trail is a primarily off-street recreational trail that,...
Put-in location for kayaks and canoes Beginning with headwaters as far north...
Named for the curve in the tributary to the Olentangy State Scenic...
Launch your kayak, go fishing and enjoy the beautiful views along the...