The West Woods551

The West Woods - a stunning gem of a park property - features a large nature center staffed by bright and kind Geauga Park District personnel and volunteers who are happy to answer kids' and adults' questions. The center offers families an opportunity to learn about Ohio's natural resources indoors, with a special emphasis on the hydrology and geology of northeastern Ohio.

Outside, trails wander through more than 900 acres featuring a variety of habitats: a wildlife feeding area attracts birds and butterflies, bridle trails (also open to hikers) traverse a cool, thick forest. Only trails closest to the nature center are stroller- and wheelchair-friendly, however, children of any age can enjoy at the nature center's indoor, hands-on activities.

Our favorite natural feature in the park is Ansel's Cave, actually a rock outcropping of Sharon conglomerate, with an interesting story. (We won't spoil it for you - visit and read the posted history yourself!)

Our favorite "unnatural" feature is the park's next-door neighbor, an awe-inspiring geodesic dome, the largest such structure in the world. The dome belongs to ASM (formerly American Society of Materials) and is visible from the Ansel's Cave Trail. Although the grounds are private property, ASM allows visitors to walk under the dome during daylight hours. There, visitors can find a garden of trees, shrubs, and more than 60 specimens of raw mineral ores, all labeled.

Older children and active families can enjoy Geocaching sites in several Geauga County Parks. For details about cache locations, visit the website.