Cedar Bog Nature Preserve

We visited Cedar Bog Nature Preserve as part of our day trip to Urbana Ohio. Click the preceding link to read about all of our stops. child standing on boardwalk at cedar bogCedar Bog Nature Preserve is a large and rare fen, preserved by the Ohio Historical Society and the the Cedar Bog Association. It is fifty miles from central Ohio, accessible by driving west on 70 and north on 29 to just south of Urbana Ohio.

Visitors can view the unique habitat from a mile-long boardwalk that winds over the fen and through boreal forest. Engaging signage explains the natural features and some of the creatures expected at stops along the way. Though I have hiked all over the state of Ohio, I was delighted to learn about this new-to-me environment.

With stops for observation and discussion, walking the trail took Lil, exchange student Anna, and I about one hour. We witnessed many species of birds, several kinds of dragon and damsel flies, land snails, a salamander, and a baby northern brown snake. There was a light breeze during our hike; the trail is likely very buggy on days without such air flow.

The newly opened eco-friendly nature center offers accessible and clean restrooms, well designed exhibits, classroom space, and a small gift shop. The staff person there when we visited was extremely knowledgeable, helping to identify the snake based on our description and view screen on the camera. He offered us a program of their upcoming activities including nature walks, lectures, and a family Boo-in-the-Bog on October 14 and 15.

Admission to the park is $5 for adults, $4 for children 6-12 and free for children five and under and Ohio Historical Society members. The boardwalk is open during daylight hours. The center is open 10 am - 4 pm Wednesday - Sunday. boreal forest hiking cedar bog nature preservecedar bog ohio visitor centeryoung northern brown snake urbana ohio

If you go:

  • Bring a water bottle and perhaps a snack. There is no food service.
  • Wear light long sleeved clothing and pants or bug spray to prevent mosquito and black fly bites.
  • Leave your pet at home.
  • Bring your camera to capture the beauty of the diverse species that inhabit Cedar Bog.
  • Call ahead to schedule a tour for your school or civic group.
  • Consider bringing your bike; the bog is adjacent to the Simon Kenton Bike Trail.

Cedar Bog Nature Preserve 980 Woodburn Road Urbana, OH 43078-9417 Phone Number: 937-484-3744

Additional Urbana, Ohio Field Trip Destinations: Ohio Fish Farm Johnny Appleseed Museum