Malabar Farm State Park
Operated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Parks.Malabar Farm State Park is over 900 acres of forests and fields, lakes, streams, and rolling hills. Visitors can not only explore and learn about farm life; they can feel the natural beauty all around as well.
Location
4050 Bromfield RoadLucas, Ohio 44843
Ecological Information
Malabar Farm is located in the glaciated Allegheny plateau region of Ohio. The forests of the region are generally mixed hardwoods. American Beech trees, Sugar Maples, Red Maples, Black Gum, sturdy Red and Black Oaks, and many other upland forest trees can be found in the extensive forests of the park. Spring wildflowers such as trillium, spring beauties, toothwort, and yellow trout lily carpet the forest floors. Wildlife abounds, with red fox, white-tailed deer, chipmunks, and scores of bird species using the area.
A scenic autumn view from Mt. Jeez overlook, Malabar Farm State Park, Ohio
Activities & Amenities
Malabar Farm State park offers guided tours of the farm, once owned by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Louis Bromfield, and tours of the vegetable gardens as well. There is a small, interesting visitor center that includes a gift shop.The park also offers primitive camping, with 15 sites available for either horsemen or families. Water and non-flush toilets are located at the camp.
Picnicking and hiking are popular activities here as well. Check out the Butternut Loop Trail. The farm ponds provide opportunities for fishing with a valid Ohio fishing license.
The colder season of the year provides the opportunity to see a different side of Malabar Farm. Sledding, cross-country skiing, and ice skating are popular choices when the weather is right. Particularly during the fall, do not miss the Mt. Jeez Overlook. This hill is the highest point in Richland County Ohio. From the summit, visitors can survey the entire park, as well as five surrounding counties.
Other Parks in Ohio
Check out these other great places to enjoy the natural world around Ohio: Ohio Parks and Natural Areas
