Wilmington, Ohio – The colorful sights and songs of Ohio’s natural world are on display at the newly renovated nature center at Cowan Lake State Park. Remodeled inside and out, the nature center is open and ready to educate visitors this summer.
The park is a 36-45 minute drive from downtown Loveland.
“Our vision for each nature center is to spark interest in learning about nature and encourage conservation of Ohio’s precious natural resources,” said Ohio Department of Natural Resources Director Mary Mertz. “Investing in our nature centers increases an appreciation for being outside and learning more about the natural world around us.”
Director Mertz was joined by staff from the ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft, project partners, park volunteers, and park visitors to officially reopen the new nature center. After welcome remarks from Director Mertz, guests were treated to a guided tour of the new exhibits by the park’s naturalist and park manager.
Highlights of the new exhibits, which were designed by the Cincinnati-based Reverb Art & Design, include displays related to the wildlife found at Cowan Lake including the bald eagle and pollinators as well as a wingspan mural.
The nature center also offers visitors a chance to safely view native wildlife up close. Currently, it houses a corn snake, spotted salamander, and several woodland box turtles. An adjacent raptor center features several birds of prey, including a barred owl and American kestrel.
Improvements to the building’s interior and exterior include new floors and lighting, a new roof, sidewalks, and entrance ramps that make the center more accessible.
A 1,000-foot public beach is located on the south lake shore. Changing house and restrooms are available for public use. Swimming is permitted during daylight hours only in designated areas. Please exercise caution while swimming at the beach.
The beach is a Carry In, Carry Out area. No trash cans are available. Please bring your own trash bags.
The park offers more than 8 miles of hiking trails offering a variety of scenic views for hikers.
Trails located within the campground include:
- Beechnut – 0.5 mile – Easy, loop
- Lakeview – 1.1 miles – Moderate. loop
Trails near main office:
- Dogwood – 0.7 mile – Easy
- Oldfield – 0.8 mile – Moderate, loop
Southside lake trails:
- Spillway – 2.6 miles – Moderate
- Emerald Woods – 1.8 miles – Easy
Three picnic areas with tables and grills are located in areas overlooking the lake and are available on a “first come, first serve” basis.
Two picnic shelters can be reserved online:
- Dance Pavilion – Covered shelter with electric, located off Yankee Road near the public beach. Visitors are asked to practice Carry In, Carry Out. Seasonal (April-Oct) portable toilet located in the parking lot.
- Campground Shelter – Located in the campground near Showerhouse 1, this covered shelter offers electric, picnic tables, and a charcoal grill.
To learn more about Cowan State Park’s nature center and other facilities, including overnight accommodations, please visit https://ohiodnr.gov/wps/portal/gov/odnr/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/cowan-lake-state-park.
