What a Mansfield gem! We were visiting from out of town and needed a place to stretch our legs and…read moreexplore nature, and came across Gorman Nature Center. It's a beautiful park and a great place to go for an easy hike. We visited on a day that the nature center was closed, so we only explored the outdoor areas during our visit. But even without visiting the nature center, we had a great time. The hiking trails are easy and wide, and perfect for strollers. The trails are also mostly lined with grass, so it was easy on my kids' little legs and feet. There are lots of native flowers and plants all over the park, plus bridges, forests, prairies, streams, ponds and other things that make the hike interesting. Gorman Nature Center encompasses 150 acres, and there are five miles of trails to walk. We only walked a total of a little less than a mile (my kids were pooping out), but the mile we walked was beautiful and peaceful. I would have loved to explore more of the park, so I'm hoping we get a chance to come back!

Went here later at night as part of Mohican Wildlife Weekend. The presentation talked about native…read moreOhio animals with the chance to see a grey tree frog and a snake (I think garter). We were also allowed to hold the snake if we wanted. They did a little game where they played an animal sound then we guessed what kind of animal it was. I didn't know deer can bark. Afterwards, we went on a guided night hike to the ponds on the property. We were able to see a lot of local frogs and toads. My main complaint is that everyone, from the guides to little kids, repeatedly picked up the frogs and toads. It's dangerous to do that since frogs and toads have very sensitive, absorbent skin so common chemicals like soap or hand sanitizer is very dangerous to the animals. A frog trying to escape can often dislocate their leg from kicking. One toad started secreting a white toxin from stress. The inside of the center had a lot of taxidermy animals. The main interesting thing about the center itself is that much about it was built to be ecofriendly. They use geothermal heating, have wood from local trees that is the tiny or "imperfect" pieces that often go to waste otherwise, composting toilets, and more. I was there at night so I can't comment much on the property.

I love carpenter but it said there was a waterfall here. Ive been all the way around and through…read moreprobably more than 100 times and have never seen a waterfall here. I recommend carpenter on a day where it's not wet. If it's to wet you may get your feet suck or not be able to walk the whole way around. But there is a beautifully wonderful bench that sits on top of this little hill all by itself. It's mind clearing and amazing.

Birding hotspot!…read more It's a little more than an hours drive East of Columbus. It's kind of out in the middle of nowhere but it's worth the drive to see some beautiful wildlife, especially birds. The wildlife area consists of seasonally flooded moist soil meadows and bottomland hardwoods. You can expect to see migrants, shorebirds, waterfowl, Bald eagles andantes other birds that aren't usually seen in the city. Be sure to bring your spotting scope if you have one and a good pair of binoculars. Enjoy the fresh air and everything that nature has to offer.

Mt. Jeez Overlook is on the property of Malabar Farm State Park, but it's kind of its own thing…read more Some places mark it as being in Perrysville, and some in Lucas. Wherever it is, you'll find it by driving to Malabar Farm off of Pleasant Valley Road, and following the signs to the overlook. The dirt road that takes you to the overlook is a bit bumpy, so hang on to your butts. But there's no other option -- you can't really walk up to the overlook because there's nowhere to park at the bottom. But, there's parking at the top, so I'm thinking that that's what you're supposed to do: endure the minute-long bumpy ride. Once you're at the top, you will be treated to fabulous views of central Ohio countryside. The overlook is the highest point on Malabar Farm, and at more than 1,300 feet above sea level, Mount Jeez will give you an up-high look at farmland for several miles. This is an amazing spot to just sit (there's a bench up here) and take in the view. There's also a hiking trail in the woods just off the overlook. We didn't venture too far into the path when we visited, but it's there and it is beautiful when everything is growing and blooming.

Go on a clear evening for sunset. Golden hour light is divine. Sun sets a little earlier due to…read morehigher tree line. Beautiful.

The short walk and cross the bridge, you hike will start. There is limited signs to guide you but…read morethe paths are clear to follow. The closer you get to the river the muddier it becomes (march). When you reach the south end of the 2 mile trail, the trail is temporary closed and you have to find your own way out. I used a construction path to get back to the bridge. It is a great place to take an easy stroll.

Lovely small town golf course, it plays fairly short but offers enough challenge…read more We arrived early and we're allowed out right away. The golf cart was in good condition. Staff here is very friendly and welcoming, they take your green fees and get your snacks at the snack bar. The golf shop has essentials. The greens were in terrific condition but played somewhat slow due to all the recent rain; also had 90 degree rule in effect but not a lot of mud. The golf course is walkable but has some up and down hill. Great place to have fun.

Called for an 8:30 a.m. Tuesday morning tee time...Asked if there were any leagues or outings...Was…read moretold "no."...Showed up to find a regular senior league on the front 9...Had to play the back 9 twice. Two weeks later, called for a Monday 8:30 a.m. tee time...Again asked about leagues or outings...Was told "no."...Showed up to find a junior golf league on the front 9...Played back nine...Was told we could wait 45 minutes until the league finished the front or play the back 9...again. Got rainchecks...Gave them away...Won't be back.

Always a great time, while I enjoy hunting, I love watching the dogs more. I have never had a guide…read morewith a dog that was not well trained, and you could tell loved what they were doing.

I have never personally experienced a guided hunt at this facility; however, I can speak to what I…read moredo know of the place. We were GIVEN one of their guide dogs bc he was no longer a good fit for their lodge due to a leg issue that was supposedly fixed with surgery. He "just wasn't able to do as many hunts a day that they required of him". After numerous calls from my boyfriend they refused to answer his questions or give him the info that he was requesting. I finally called and spoke to Ruth. Ruth gave me the vets number that they used for him during his stay there (which wasn't too lengthy). I called that vets office, they gave me minimal info on him. I took him to my vets office for an overall exam. According to Ruth, from Elkhorn, he was intact and in great health needing nothing once leaving their facility. The plan was to neuter him as soon as we could. The issue was, he didn't have any balls, meaning he would need exploratory surgery to make sure they weren't impacted inside him causing MORE issues. Elkhorn stated he just had arthritis and an old surgery from a "bone spur" removal. We scheduled X-rays at my vets office and as directed by my vet I called Elkhorn immediately and confronted Ruth again about all the possible medical expenses faced with the dog they had given us and demanded all the vet information they had on him that instant. She miraculously found his records within min of speaking to her. It turned out that he was in fact already neutered after she swore that when he left their facility he was intact. He only had surgery on one leg for an OCD lesion when he had it on both rear legs and he had an ACL injury that was never addressed. These were all on the records from the breeders vet they had received him from. Once they got this poor dog from the breeder with all of these issues acknowledged, they ran this poor dog until he could not do the job they required of him. They dumped this poor guy on us without giving us the full report of how much work/surgeries he would need. Now we are faced with bilateral ACL injuries that require surgery and a dog that will most likely not be able to function as a LIGHT bird hunting dog even after the surgeries. All of this for this guy at just 2-3 years of age. You would think that they would treat their dogs as prized possessions given they do the work for their business. Its very sad to see how neglected this young dogs medical conditions have been. They aren't forthcoming with information until you drag it out of them. Based off my experience with this facility and the brothers who referred us to take this dog (Fouty brothers), I would NOT recommend.

Members only, but if your looking for a private club, look no further. IDPA, Tactical Rifle,…read moreSkeet, Trap, and a new indoor range. One of the best clubs in Ohio. Most events are open to the public so if you want to compete come on down and give it a shot...