Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Cincinnati Nature Center

    4.8 (120 reviews)
    Closed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Services - Cincinnati Nature Center

    Catering services

    Post-event cleaning services

    On-site management services

    Cincinnati Nature Center Photos

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Cincinnati Nature Center

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Michelle B.

    Cincinnati Nature Center is an amazing place to get away, be in tune with nature, hike many different trails and cross streams of water. The visitor center has lots of educational displays, a room for reading and bird watching, meeting rooms for events, and a beautiful store with some amazing items. One of my favorites is the Maple Syrup that is tapped from the trees on the grounds. CNC has lots of special programming for kids, families and adults. One of my recent favorite events was Maple Fest. It includes many tastes of maple from beer, to sugar, and other maple-infused appetizers. We took a hike out to see the maple tree tapping and got to taste from the spigot before the liquid went into the waiting buckets. They also included bourbon tastings which was a nice touch. Wonderfully fun event in the woods! Great place to visit during all seasons of the year.

    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!

    See all

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 days ago

    Love the walking trails and ponds. Plenty of parking. Weekends are always crowded. Dog friendly.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jessica L.
    8
    141
    126

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jayme H.
    4271
    1603
    13640

    6 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 0
    Love this 7
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Tyler M.
    3859
    633
    3851

    6 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 8
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

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

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Elyse F.
    197
    1513
    9702

    7 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Dave C.
    16
    30
    36

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

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

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Tammy W.
    31
    128
    3

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    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.

    Mentioned in 7 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Hiking 1,200 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Milford 16

    Milford 16

    2.7
    (52 reviews)

    The staff are amazing at this location! Assistant manager Audra is a blessing and makes sure there…read moreare plenty of staff and the food is fresh, as well as cleanliness through the whole location. Jacob makes the absolute BEST grilled chicken sandwiches in the tristate! I literally come here from an hour away weekly because of these 2! Our local locations are terrible and I have begged them to get closer to me lol. The seats are comfy, though more like racing seats instead of recliners. The theaters are clean and generally in good condition, the bathrooms are usually clean and in good repair as well. The drinks are always the correct mix, popcorn is fresh and have I mentioned the chicken sandwiches and fries?? Also, a mini pizza from "The Hut"? Just do it!

    I've been coming to the Milford theater for over 20 years, and my family has made countless…read morememories here. We've always loved supporting our local theater, which is why it's disappointing to see some of the recent changes. We were excited to come for the opening weekend of *Spider Man*, and the experience was frustrating from the moment we arrived. The new concession system created extremely long lines, and it appears that all food orders now have to be placed at the main concession stand. In the past, I always ordered meals from the side concession stands, which made perfect sense since I wasn't purchasing popcorn. On our visit, I planned to order cheeseburgers, chicken tenders and fries for the kids, and mozzarella sticks. When I went to the side concession stand, the menu screens were turned off, the registers were covered, and signs directed everyone to the already packed main concession line. The area looked closed, and there was no way to order food there anymore. This new process does not feel like an improvement. Instead of having separate lines based on what customers are purchasing, everyone is forced into one enormous line. Customers buying a full meal should not have to wait behind everyone buying popcorn and drinks just to place an order. Previously, I could quickly order my meal, receive a buzzer, enjoy the previews, and pick up my food when it was ready. Now, I have to wait in a very long line just to get the buzzer before waiting again for the food. Due to not wanting to miss the beginning of the movie, I ended up skipping food altogether. That is revenue the theater lost, and it was not because I did not want to buy dinner. I simply could not justify standing in such a long line. I've noticed during my last couple of visits over the past month that the theater seems to be heading in the wrong direction. These changes may have been intended to simplify operations, however, from a customer's perspective, they have made the experience much less enjoyable. I truly hope this is temporary or that the policy is reconsidered. Otherwise, my family will likely start eating at places like Red Robin, Wendy's, or Gold Star before coming to the movies. I would much rather continue buying our meals inside the theater, as we always have. I want to continue supporting this theater because it has been a special place for my family for decades. My children have grown up coming here, and we have always enjoyed spending our evenings here. However, forcing every customer into one massive concession line, regardless of what they are ordering, is frustrating, inefficient, and takes away from the overall experience. I sincerely hope management listens to customer feedback and brings back the convenience of ordering meals at the side concession stands. Loyal customers notice these changes, and I would hate to see such a great local theater lose the community support it has built over the years.

    Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Cincinnati-Eastgate

    Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Cincinnati-Eastgate

    2.8
    (54 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 August 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...