Attractions and Places To See around Westerville - Top 20

Westerville offers numerous natural spaces for outdoor activities. You can explore Hoover Reservoir Park, which spans over 4,700 acres and is ideal for picnicking, hiking, boating, fishing, and bird watching, including frequent sightings of American Bald Eagles. Other notable spots include Inniswood Metro Gardens with its diverse plant collections and walking trails, and Alum Creek State Park, offering camping, swimming, and over 40 miles of trails. For a peaceful stroll, visit Delawanda Park along the Olentangy River.

Yes, Westerville is rich in history. You can visit the Hanby House Museum, recognized as an Underground Railroad site, or explore the Westerville History Center and Museum at the Westerville Public Library, which details the city's role in the Underground Railroad and the anti-alcohol movement. Uptown Westerville itself is a historic district with many buildings featuring bronze plaques detailing their historical value. The Everal Barn and Homestead at Heritage Park is another historical landmark.

Many attractions in Westerville are suitable for families. Hoover Reservoir Park and Delawanda Park offer easy trails and open spaces for children. Inniswood Metro Gardens provides children's programs alongside its beautiful themed gardens. The Westerville Sports Complex features soccer fields, basketball courts, a playground, and multi-use paths, including the only BMX track in Greater Columbus.

For scenic walks, consider Inniswood Metro Gardens with its streams, woodlands, and themed gardens. Sharon Woods Metro Park offers many trails, including the ADA-accessible Edward S. Thomas Trail. Rocky Fork Metro Park provides over three miles of walking trails. You can also find easy hiking routes around Westerville, such as the Big Walnut Creek Trail or the Heritage Park Trail. For more options, explore the easy hikes around Westerville.

Absolutely. The Olentangy River Trail is a prominent 22-mile cycle way connecting various neighborhoods, Ohio State University, natural areas, and historical sites. Many parks, including Delawanda Park and the Westerville Sports Complex, also feature paved multi-use paths suitable for cycling. You can find various cycling options, from easy to moderate, by checking out the cycling routes around Westerville.

Many parks in Westerville are dog-friendly. Rocky Fork Metro Park, for example, features a dedicated dog park with an off-leash trail. It's always a good idea to check specific park regulations regarding leashes and designated off-leash areas before your visit.

Westerville boasts a vibrant cultural scene. Uptown Westerville is not just historic but also a hub for unique shops, dining, and a DORA (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area). Otterbein University contributes significantly with its art galleries, including The Miller & Fisher Galleries and the Frank Museum of Art, which showcases captivating art displays. The Westerville Parks & Recreation Civic Theatre and Curtain Players Theatre offer live performances, and the Westerville Symphony provides symphonic performances.

Yes, Sharon Woods Metro Park is known for its ADA-accessible Edward S. Thomas Trail, making it a great option for visitors with mobility needs. Many paved paths in parks like the Westerville Sports Complex and the Olentangy River Trail are also generally accessible.

Westerville's outdoor attractions can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling, with fall providing beautiful foliage displays. Summer is ideal for water activities at Hoover Reservoir Park and Alum Creek State Park. Even in winter, trails like those in Delawanda Park can be enjoyed for quiet walks.

To delve deeper into Westerville's unique history, visit the Westerville History Center and Museum, located at the Westerville Public Library. This museum offers insights into Westerville's past as the 'Dry Capital of the World' due to the Anti-Saloon League and its significant role in the Underground Railroad. The Hanby House Museum is also a key site for learning about the Underground Railroad. You can also find more historical information on the Visit Westerville history page.

Beyond the larger parks, Westerville has some unique natural spots. Boyer Nature Preserve is a small, 9-acre pocket park that is a remnant of the Ice Age, featuring a kettle (a pond or bog created by a retreating glacier) and a boardwalk. Mud Hen Marsh Nature Preserve is another hidden gem, ideal for bird watching in its wetlands. These offer a different perspective on the region's natural beauty.

Westerville's natural areas are home to diverse wildlife. Hoover Reservoir Park is particularly known for bird watching, with frequent sightings of the American Bald Eagle. Mud Hen Marsh Nature Preserve is also excellent for sighting various bird species. Deer, rabbits, and other small mammals are commonly seen in many of the metro parks and nature preserves throughout the area.