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    Cincinnati Nature Center

    4.8 (119 reviews)
    Open 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

    Services - Cincinnati Nature Center

    Community Service/Non-Profit

    Catering services

    On-site management services

    2 More Services

    Post-event cleaning services

    Venue rental

    Cincinnati Nature Center Photos

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    Recommended Reviews - Cincinnati Nature Center

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    Reviews With Photos - Cincinnati Nature Center

    Nature center.
    Julie T.

    Beautiful trails you always feel safe. Dogs are welcome. So many programs and events Light in the Forest is outstanding. The staff is welcoming and friendly and knowledgeable.

    Jessica L.

    I have been a member here for over 15 years. I am not a hiker, but I LOVE walking in nature. Especially with my husband and dog(s). I've taken my 4 dogs (that were mine) here, plus others I've cared for, over the years and they all get something out of it. My current beagle boy, Henry, gets the most out of it because he didn't get much fun with his previous owner. My husband likes the plant sale. I like their gift shop, even though I don't get many chances to go in and purchase from them.

    Ann S.

    Always outstanding - I mean, it's nature! But as a facility, it's pretty great. Well tended and documented trails, nice visitor center and places for classes (haven't tried one yet). Great little shop inside. It's popular, so you will see others on the trails, but not so many that you forget you are wandering around in the forest, communing with nature. Plenty of parking. Definitely get the season pass if you are local and if you are not, take a hike through the forest. It's with it.

    Cindy W.

    WOW!! I have been trying to hit some of the major parks in Cincinnati, as I have made hiking one of my goals in 2023. The entire time I was in this park, I kept questioning that I was actually in Milford. I have been driving 40 to 45 minutes to find nice woods to hike through and have landed at various metro parks north of Cincinnati (huge fan of Ceasar Creek State Park, Sugarcreek, Germantown... but the common denominator is that all of these parks are a long drive from Loveland). Enter Cincinnati Nature Center: only 23 minutes via 275 and right in the heart of Milford/Tealtown area. On my first time visiting this park since I was a kid, I decided to hike the perimeter. It's about 10 miles and does a big circle through the various acres of the park. It does hit lots of the trails that are marked within the nature center limits, but I definitely had to download the AllTrails app to figure out my way in navigating the perimeter (it was easier, although I was handed a hard copy map at the welcome center too). Unlike the metro parks, the perimeter trail is not marked by a certain color. It picks up all of the other trails that are already marked and combines them together to make about a 10 mile loop. The only thing that I did not get to was the 3 miles across the street from the nature center. This trail allows you to cross Tealtown Road and wind around a 3 mile pass across the street. With that mileage, an entire perimeter walk would be about 13 miles--in MILFORD. It was a cold winter day, as you can see in the pictures. Lots of brown, but the blue sky and sun helped, for sure. I loved the creek crossings and the marsh area. They even had a neat area called the 'boneyard' with information about different animals. I also loved anything with the wooden path elevated above the water. Those major viewpoints were within the first 2 miles around the nature center. You don't have to go too far to catch those highlights--and it's worth not missing!! I really contemplated wearing my gym shoes versus my hiking boots, as sometimes my boots can feel heavy with a 10+ mile hike. I am so glad I opted for the hiking boots, as it was muddy! I have a feeling some of those trails stay pretty muddy, as there were rocks significantly placed in some areas to help navigate the mud. Good news/Bad news: you have to pay $10 to enter the park. I definitely think it is entirely worth the $10. A single membership for the entire year is $45. You have to pay about $70 if you want to bring a guest or the guest would have to just pay $10 to enter. I really do think they use that money to maintain the trails, as I felt like the park was very clean and well-kept. I definitely think it would be worth a year-long membership for $45. If you think you would at least go 4 to 5 times within the year, it's worth it. I would really enjoy seeing this park throughout the various seasons--I'm sure it looks entirely different with green on those trees!! Highly recommend getting out to explore this park!

    Kelly H.

    Loved seeing another side of the nature center at the Groesbeck Estate for a friend's wedding. So lovely to be in nature and see another cool hidden gem in Cincinnati! Staff was incredible and helpful and roads were easy to navigate

    Jayme H.

    Yes, yes, YES!!! I was blown away by my recent first visit here and it's currently pinned as my favorite place in Cincinnati. I can't wait to go back, I'll make a point to go back, and if I lived here I would one hundred percent be a member. Lucky for me, I came with a friend that happens to have one of their annual memberships. At roughly $75 a year, he gets endless visits AND can bring a friend. To get the basic, boring stuff out of the way I'll go ahead and tell you that it is gated, there is plenty of parking, the place is HUGE, there's beautiful venues hidden throughout, and there's a crap ton of signage, so you can't get lost. Now, on to the good stuff... Did I mention how big this place is yet? There were so many different trails, so many small bodies of water, so many spots to just stop and admire, and SO MANY turtles. I can't remember which trail was my favorite but I can definitely describe it to you. There was a waterfall, the trail went up and down a lot, and there was a brand new bridge built. It reminded me most of being fully immersed in the wilderness while the others felt a little more crafted. Again, so many freakin turtles. It was hilarious. I loved the amount of wildlife I saw. The little bird sanctuary type spot was adorable. I don't know what it is but as I've gotten older I really do like watching birds! I saw a giant blue bird, plenty of cardinals, and little finches. Tons of squirrels and frogs too.

    I'm not only a member of the park but I have been coming there the past several years. It was a place that brought me peace. Whenever I was having a bad day or feeling a little down, I would come there and leave feeling as though I didn't have a care in the world until... September 17th, wanting to have such a day as fore mentioned, I'm waiting in line behind 2 vehicles to enter. I notice that they 2 are members because they displayed their membership and the gentleman at the window scanned them. It's now my turn so I hold out my membership and he proceeds to take it instead of just scanning it the same as he did the 2 earlier vehicles. He then asked for my ID. At that moment, I felt as those I shouldn't have a membership. I felt degraded, embarrassed, angry, confused, deflated and any hope of me trying to have a peaceful day was gone just in that moment. I proceeded to find a parking spot and feeling somewhat defeated. I walk inside to the visitor center wanting to explain what just happened to me. There was a young lady that I spoke with and she somewhat dismissed what I was trying to explain by stating.. "Yes we ask for ID of all members" as to which I replied "That's not true" "I just witnessed 2 white people show their memberships, then being scanned and gaining entry without showing their ID's". Her reply, what's your name? I gave her my name then stated "I wouldn't expect you to understand". I can assure you that I will never come there or any other park you may have! I will spend as much time necessary to tell all of my friends and family about my experience. I will discourage any and everyone I know from coming there. As a police officer I would never make anyone I come in contact with feel the way I felt today. I don't expect anyone reading this to understand or have any sympathy for how something like this effects me as a Black Woman. I truly thought I was a part of something to brag about, be proud to be a member of and be excited to share my experiences there with my friends and family. I am truly saddened and now ashamed. As stated above I don't expect anyone to understand or care. I simply wanted to let someone know that today, I was reminded of what it's like to be ME!

    Entrance to the light path
    Grace D.

    Soooooo many people have recommended their hiking trails to me (which I will have to come back during warmer months to experience) and I have been wanting to visit, so when a friend of mine told me about their "Light in the Forest" event, I was totally down for it. They had a really great path that not only led you through their trails to see some of the artists that displayed their light work, but they had indoor stopping zones where you could warm back up and do a little holiday shopping : ) . Each light display was very unique and a couple of my favorites were the twinkling forest and the light up box on the lake. The twinkling lights looked like they were being projected from somewhere that you could not see and covered a good number of trees that it seemed very magical! The luminary box that I can only describe as looking like a very large nightlight floating on the lake would change colors and reflect against the water. For any holiday activity, this is definitely one that you should check out. : )

    What a great idea!
    Heather L.

    I obtained passes for here through a Living social deal which was a great way to try it out! Normal admission per person is $9 (Summer 2019) with a $2 dog fee. If you decide to become a member you have 14 days to apply that day fee towards the price of membership. The best deal is the yearly pass for $40 (individual) and they have various other packages that increase from there for multiple people and families. A friend and I came around 2pm on a gorgeous summer Friday afternoon. We had brought separate cars thinking admission was taken at the visitor center, however it is obtained at a guard shack at the entrance when each car pulls up. The lady at the entrance was nice enough to let me show both passes and let both our cars through. It was a very easy transaction (not all living social or groupon deals are!). We parked in the lot closest to the visitor center so we could go in and get maps and look around. The visitor center is really nice and includes some wildlife, an info desk, and a really impressive gift shop! At the entrance there are walking sticks to borrow and boot brushes to get any mud off shoes. There are bathrooms and water fountains inside and outside. If you've brought your dog, they are not allowed inside. All of the staff here were super nice and had great suggestions. We exited out the back door at which there was another boot wipe station and a machine where you could pay for food to feed fish/frogs etc. We first took the geology trail upon recommendation of staff as a nicely shaded but moderate hike. Trails were very well maintained with signage that at times was a bit confusing. As a newbie having the map as well was necessary. There are lots of water features from a lake to ponds to a creek/river. This trail had various sets of stairs of wood or stone that were in good condition. At multiple points along the trail there were lookouts or benches for resting. Rules ask that you do not go off trail, nor pick flowers or take fossils. After completing that trail we joined up with the upland trail and mashburn trail which had lots of sights to see. There was a lodge with a very nice terrace featuring a fountain, a butterfly garden, a cabin with rocking chairs on its porch, a lotus pond, and many solar panels. There are a lot of educational things here geared for kids that are also fun. Pet waste stations and trash stations are available at various points. Signage indicated many free or for a fee special events that are put on. The next upcoming event is an Owl and Beer night! I most likely will join here. There is so much more to explore and in a few hours I was only able to get a small taste of it all!

    Erin Q.

    Didn't know we had to pay to enter, but they take credit card so that worked out. The person working the gate was very friendly and provided tips on trails and a map for us. The visitor center was open and the restrooms were available for use. We started on the butterfly trail, which was easy, and ventured onto the fern trail from there. The fern trail was listed as difficult, but if you hike often I would consider it more of a moderate trail. It was slippery in spots from the wet leaves, but the elevation was completely doable. We had a deer following us for awhile and it was quite beautiful out. We passed several people and everyone was good about putting their masks on. This is a great way to get some outdoor time in and remain socially distant. So glad we came upon it!

    Dale H.

    My husband and I came here for the first time to attend the Light in the Forest event. If you want to go next year, buy your tix early because they sell out! You are taking a chance buying ahead because of the unknown weather, but I just looked at the forecast, took a chance, and we had a great time! Parking was easy peasy because of all the great, friendly volunteers showing you the way! The CNC also put on a COVID friendly event. Everyone wore masks and the trail was one-way. The paths were festively lit and the projected light images were beautiful! We also enjoyed the Charlie Harper exhibit they were having in a room next to the Nature Shop, in addition to displays of artwork by local artists. Overall, a great evening! It was child and stroller friendly too!

    Cassandra C.

    A little pricy to get in. Pricing is per person. Once you get in the scenery is amazing! I choose to come here based on a beautiful photo I saw on Instagram. I don't think this will be a normal spot but I'd love to make it out once or twice a yr starting now!

    Tyler M.

    There is a reason that the Cincinnati Nature Center has a perfect 5-star rating. It is awesome. With everything going on in the world this weekend, I needed an escape. I had recently purchased a membership to the Cincinnati Nature Center (I believe it was $64 for the year and allows me to bring a guest each time) but had not visited the main park yet. The trails are meticulously well-kept and well-marked. I really loved the benches that were placed throughout the trails, they always overlooked something truly beautiful. You couldn't help but sit and admire the beauty of the park. During COVID-19, visitors must be members and must reserve time-slots for their visits. You could tell that the park was not overcrowded. We also opted to get as deep into the trails as possible to avoid others. I didn't look too hard at it, but there also seemed to be a pretty robust play area for children (though currently closed during COVID). Truly, Cincinnati Nature Center is a gem. This was the best purchase I've made all year.

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    4 years ago

    Love the trails, the gift shop, the educational programs. It's definitely worth the membership price.

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    Beautiful Trails. The options are good for beginners and experienced hikers to get a nice exercise. Worth the cost.

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    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - Cincinnati Nature Center

    Review Highlights - Cincinnati Nature Center

    I took my 17 month old for a kids concert, which he didn't care for too much, so we made our way to the playscape.

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    Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Cincinnati-Eastgate

    Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Cincinnati-Eastgate

    2.8
    (53 reviews)
    $$

    Well.... This is one of those reviews where I want to be positive... But there's a few negative…read morethings worth mentioning.. So the Staff was just Amazing. I was greeted and treated with nothing but respect and such kind hospitality for the 2 little days I was there. So I have no issues with that... However, to no fault to the staff.. this place was simply outdated.. Old rooms with old stained furniture. 1970's telephone that didn't work.. shower with nowhere to put anything like your soap!!! Just lost in time... And not dirty.. yet not clean... more of that dirty look due to it being so outdated. Basically.... Time for a Renovation! And some Deep Cleaning. Thanks to the staff for making some good come out of this stay.

    My group comes to this hotel two times a year for a 3-4 day retreat. We use the restaurant and…read morehuge community room for up to 80 people. I've stayed two other times and was satisfied with the fact that this place was a decent price and serviced our large group. Each time we've had to ask for toilet paper as the rolls are almost gone upon check in. But this time- I found a note from the maid. She neglected to clean the hairball out of the shower drain/. The bathtub floor and corners in the bathroom are all brown. There was hair in the bathroom sink. The shower curtain is not long enough to keep the water from going on the floor. Basic cleanliness and accessories were lacking. When you find a hairball in the bathtub and hair in the bathroom sink- it makes you wonder what else didn't get cleaned. Nice staff. Nice large facility. But I'm staying 4 nights. I want to at least feel comfortable and safe.

    Cincinnati Nature Center Long Branch Farm & Trails

    Cincinnati Nature Center Long Branch Farm & Trails

    5.0
    (2 reviews)

    After Cincinnati Nature Center made Yelp's list of best places to hike in the country, I knew I…read moreneeded to try out a yearly membership. During COVID-19, Cincinnati Nature Center (as well as Long Branch Farm) are exclusively for members (normally, you can pay a daily rate). A yearly fee of $64 (which includes a guest each time) seemed reasonable. Also during COVID-19, they have time slots for you to sign up for to access the park. I wanted to take advantage right away, but all the time slots for Cincinnati Nature Center were booked, so I decided to book a time slot at Long Branch Farms and Trails. I hadn't received my access card in the mail yet, but someone at the gate was able to let us in. All of the Trails are pretty short (the longest being about 1.5 miles). If you're feeling ambitious, you can totally tackle all the trails in one visit. I believe we walked almost all of them. Definitely plan on wearing some hiking boots if there is any moisture on the ground, you WILL get muddy. You can also stand in the shallow stream to clean off your boots a bit. The trails were well-kept. I'll definitely venture back to spend more time on the trails and find some good spots to put up a hammock!

    I would live here if I could. This place is amazing…read more The trails are great and offer varying hikes in length, terrain and scenery. There are constantly improvements being made as well, showing a real commitment to the place and the people who love it. There are maps available that list the trails and can be recycled when you are done as well as trail journals scattered throughout for jotting down quick thoughts or discoveries to share with fellow hikers. Mother Nature's guestbook! The main lodge has restrooms and a gift shop as well as a great little selection of books to read. There is also one of many areas available throughout the park where you can observe local birds as they go about their bird business. The naturalists are very knowledgeable and just as excited about nature as you would hope. Some trails are equipped with little learning stations that offer more information about local flora and fauna and there are descriptive boards along each section of trail that detail the type of area, improvements etc. The feeling that comes from spending time here is priceless. Every time I leave I feel like I'm breathing more easily and deeply at peace. They offer a wide range of activities and social events year round to help build the community. The trails are dog friendly and there are pet pick up bags and disposal stations throughout. For quiet hikes, try one of the longer trails or one that takes you farther from the main lodge. And be aware that on week days there tend to be class trips, so if large groups of children aren't your thing, the longer trails might be a better option too.

    Cincinnati Nature Center - hiking - Updated July 2026

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