Roadside Ohio: Wildlife & Natural Wonders
Immerse yourself in Ohio’s natural beauty, from wildlife encounters with rescued birds at the Ohio Bird Sanctuary or marveling at the stunning rock formations of the Ohio Caverns.
Dickinson Cattle Co., Barnesville
Get a feel for the Longhorn State at this cattle ranch off Interstate 70 in Barnesville that is home to three varieties of grazing cattle. This 5,000-acre farm is where Darol Dickinson, his wife and four children raise cattle. Over 400 Texas Longhorns, 100 Dutch BueLingo and 15 African Watusi graze the fields in the southeast Ohio countryside. The farm welcomes visitors who want to take a closer look. 35000 Muskrat Rd., Barnesville 43713, 740/758-5050, texaslonghorn.com
Butterfly House, Put-in-Bay
Since 2004, The Butterfly House on Put-In-Bay has been a stopping point for families visiting the island. When Dee Dee Duggan bought Perry’s Cave (discovered by the Battle of Lake Erie Hero, Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, in 1999), she wanted a second, nature-focused attraction to accompany the cave. The answer was this colorful butterfly wonderland that houses over 50 different species from Giant Swallowtails to Red Mormons. These beautiful creatures float around the 4,000 square foot space complete with native plants and trees. No two visits are alike, with new butterflies arriving in their chrysalis stage each week during the season and being released into the enclosure once they’ve grown. 979 Catawba Ave., Put-In-Bay 43456, 419/285-2446, perryscave.com
The Ohio Bird Sanctuary, Mansfield
Hummingbirds newly recovered from injuries flutter around and large turkey Vultures flap their wings in the sanctuary that Gail Laux lovingly maintains. Laux has been healing winged creatures of all sizes since 1988 when she would rescue and rehabilitate raptors on her farm. She relocated her facility to its current location in Mansfield in 1999. Now, the Ohio Bird Sanctuary invites people of all ages to explore the different species that call the place home. 3774 Orweiler Rd., Mansfield, 44903, 419/884-4295, ohiobirdsanctuary.com
Ohio Caverns, West Liberty
Walking down the passageways of West Liberty’s Ohio Caverns, the first thing visitors can’t help but notice are the long, cream-white stalactites jutting from the ceiling. The caverns were originally unveiled when a farmhand discovered a large sinkhole in an open field on farmer Abraham William Reams’ property back in 1897. Almost a week after the initial discovery, guided groups climbed down a quarter mile of dark passageways with lanterns to explore. More than a century later, visitors can explore the 3 1/2 miles of underground wonder. 2210 E. St. Rte. 245, West Liberty 43357, 937/465-4017, ohiocaverns.com
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More Roadside Ohio: Bizzare Homes | Food Finds | Gravesites, Memorials and Monuments | Larger Than Life | Man-Made Marvels | Unusual Museums and Objects | Wildlife & Natural Wonders
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