Beechwold Park

A Glimpse into History

Situated in Columbus' Clintonville community, the 11.41-acre Beechwold Park is a natural time capsule. Officially designated as a preserve in 2016, this green space sits within the Old Beechwold Historical District - an area recognized on both the Columbus Register of Historic Properties (1985) and the National Register of Historic Places (1987).

Take a walk through the park and you'll be treading on ground that once housed a zoo in the early 1900s. If you look closely, you can still spot remnants of this former attraction - the zookeeper's gatehouse stands as a silent witness to bygone days, alongside an old bridge and a few surrounding structures.

After the zoo closed its doors, the land changed hands and eventually became known as "Beechwold" - literally meaning "The Beech Forest," a fitting tribute to the abundant beech trees that grace the landscape.

Nature's Canvas

The park features wooded ravines and a peaceful floodplain. Over 4,000 linear feet of streams wind through the preserve, including some remarkably high-quality waterways. These streams feature bedrock substrate and fascinating spherical rock concretions that catch the eye of geology enthusiasts.

What makes this urban oasis special is its mature upland forest dotted with impressively large trees. This established woodland creates a great sanctuary for diverse plant and animal species. As one of several ravine parks in the Clintonville-Beechwold area, it offers some truly breathtaking views of the creek cutting through the dramatic ravine landscape.

Your Visit

Beechwold Park provides a refreshing escape from city life without having to leave the city. A trail along Riverview Park Drive lets you access beautiful vantage points overlooking the creek and surrounding ravines.

It's worth noting that as a nature preserve, the park prioritizes ecological conservation over recreational facilities. You won't find restrooms, playground equipment, or designated parking areas here - just protected nature. This focus on preservation rather than development helps maintain this natural area within Columbus.