Beechwold Park

Beechwold Park is an 11.41-acre nature preserve located in the Clintonville community of Columbus, Ohio. Designated as a preserve in 2016, it is situated within the Old Beechwold Historical District, which was listed on the Columbus Register of Historic Properties in 1985 and on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987.

The park has a rich history dating back to the early 1900s when the area was once home to a zoo. Today, remnants of this past can still be seen, including the zookeeper's gatehouse, a bridge, and surrounding buildings. After the zoo's closure, the land was sold and eventually became known as "Beechwold," meaning "The Beech Forest," a nod to the numerous beech trees that populate the area.

Beechwold Park features wooded ravines, a floodplain, and over 4,000 linear feet of streams, including high-quality waterways with bedrock substrate and unique spherical rock concretions. The preserve is characterized by its mature upland forest with large diameter trees, providing a natural habitat for various plant and wildlife species.

The park offers visitors an opportunity to experience nature within an urban setting. While it may not have extensive recreational facilities, it serves as an important ecological area, contributing to the preservation of local flora and fauna. The park is open to the public from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., allowing for daytime exploration and enjoyment of its natural features.