There’s nothing quite like the peace and quiet of Ohio nature.

Few people realize how many wetlands are hiding in Ohio—and few people realize just how refreshing they can be. A great place to observe wildlife, Estel Wenrick Wetlands in Medway, Ohio is a little-known preserve that’s worthy of your bucket list. The unique trail system gives you the chance to observe plants and animals up close. Here’s why you’ll want to explore these peaceful wetlands the next time you find yourself in the area:

Part of the Clark County Park District, Estel Wenrick Wetlands features 144 acres of peaceful nature, thriving in a carefully preserved environment.

Ethan Vose/AllTrails The preserve is open daily from dawn to dusk and is free to visit.

Nature is undisturbed here and free to run its course. It’s so peaceful you can hear yourself think, making this refuge the perfect place to clear your head and enjoy the outdoors.

Clark County Park District/Facebook For more information about the preserve and the Clark County Park District, click here.

Bird watchers will especially appreciate Estel Wenrick Wetlands, as it is home to many indigenous Ohio waterfowl, such as the Great Blue Heron and the Wood Duck.

Scott Culver/AllTrails (Keep your eye out for the American Beaver as well!)

Additionally, there are more than 200 identified plant species, including the endangered Eastern Prairie Fringe Orchid. You’ll spot several colorful blooms.

Clark County Park District/Facebook To view a map of the preserve’s trails in a separate tab or window, click here.

The wetlands are designed to provide a place for excess water to flow. Depending on the amount of recent rainfall and the time of year you visit, water may appear in areas it wasn’t present before.

Scott Culver/AllTrails If you have questions before your visit, you can call the Park District Office at 937-882-6000.

Have you ever explored Estel Wenrick Wetlands before? If so, we want to know what your experience was like!

Ethan Vose/AllTrails

The preserve is open daily from dawn to dusk and is free to visit.

Clark County Park District/Facebook

For more information about the preserve and the Clark County Park District, click here.

Scott Culver/AllTrails

(Keep your eye out for the American Beaver as well!)

To view a map of the preserve’s trails in a separate tab or window, click here.

If you have questions before your visit, you can call the Park District Office at 937-882-6000.

For more beautiful places to explore in Ohio nature, check out our previous article: Buffalo Roam Free At The 7,000-Acre Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park In Ohio.

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Address: 2855 Union Rd, Medway, OH 45341, USA