Bison at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park

The days following Thanksgiving were just gorgeous! We felt as if the weather was beckoning us outside, so we took a hike to see the bison at Battelle Darby Creek. The park is located in Galloway – about a twenty-five minute drive from I-270 and Sawmill Road…fyi, currently there is construction on the freeway. Just be prepared if you go during a regular weekend day or week day for construction hiccups. All in all, though, it was an easy drive out.

Once we arrived at the park we pulled in the first entrance called Cedar Ridge. The Greenway Trail was located to the right of the first set of playground equipment, and this trail led out to where the bison roam. The hike was a mile out and a mile back. I should have known better after hiking out to see the eagles earlier this year at Highbanks that my kids would complain. My little ones thought it was too long to be walking – they whined about being bored or that their legs hurt all the way back. We made lots of stops for water, snacks, and to play. Luckily, the sun during this time of year casts great shadows, and we played a bit of shadow tag. I also brought my daughter’s pedometer along (she won it at school, but I am sure you could find one at Target or online). I kept challenging her to get X number of steps and made a game out of hiking back. It helped…a little. I was not alone, though, I noticed a few families brought strollers and many dads were carrying kids back on their shoulders.

My children complaining I am used to and didn’t let it bother me, but I really wish the climax of seeing the bison was more mind-numbing. Instead, the big furry ladies were far away behind an electric fence, all sleeping. Now, I can’t blame them for being tired; but because the distance between us and them was so great, they looked like little specks. I was a bit disappointed. We brought our binoculars, but dangit, I wanted to see one up close and personal. Oh well, I know the bison weren’t there to put on a show for me. I should not have had high expectations…or maybe I need to ask for a telephoto lens for Christmas.

Anyhoo…being outside and playing with my kids was awesome. Plus, we love our Metro Parks!! Battelle Darby offers “bison” hikes with guides various times during the year. I wonder if you get to see a closer view of them?

Battelle Darby Creek
1775 Darby Creek Drive
Galloway, OH 43119

Learn from me:

• Take snacks and water.
• Carry a pack for the layers your children will peel off, especially if you go during the winter months.
• Think of ways to keep your kids occupied if they don’t do well on longer walks/hikes.
• Bathrooms located at Cedar Ridge area.
• Bring binoculars.
• Consider a stroller if your children are smaller and you don’t want to end up carrying them back.