Yes, there are bison near Columbus! Follow along as Maggie and I explore Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park, tour the incredible Nature Center, and come face-to-face with Ohio’s most surprising residents.

After our exciting adventures up north were complete, we finally returned to the old homestead of Columbus. While brainstorming ideas for more local adventures, Maggie stumbled across a fun and slightly unbelievable tidbit: a local metro park that’s home to bison.

Yep – actual bison. The fluffy giants that look like oversized bulls with afros. It feels random that an animal most people associate with the Great Plains can be found just outside the city, but hey… when in Rome.

The park that makes this possible is Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park, a sprawling preserve located in Galloway, roughly twenty minutes from downtown.

I was already pretty familiar with the park, having run multiple races here over the years. But its sheer size means it’s easy to miss entire sections – even after countless miles logged. Somehow, I had no idea there were dedicated trails designed specifically for viewing bison, all connected directly to the park’s Nature Center.

Naturally, that’s where our adventure began.

The Nature Center: Worth the Stop 

We pulled into the Nature Center parking lot on a quiet Tuesday afternoon. With minimal traffic and almost no crowds, the park felt calm and expansive – something I’ve consistently appreciated about Battelle Darby Creek over the years.

We started at the Nature Center for two reasons:

1. It’s one of the easiest access points for seeing the bison.
   
2. I really had to pee.

Normally, I’d skip the building entirely and head straight for the trail, but I’m officially breaking that habit. The Nature Center here is easily the coolest metro park nature center I’ve ever visited.

Inside, we were greeted by a helpful ranger station ready to direct visitors across the massive park. Beyond the front desk, the space opens into immersive exhibits highlighting the wildlife and ecosystems that make Battelle Darby Creek special.

The standout feature is an interactive water exhibit that runs through the center, modeling the creek’s ecosystem. Fish and turtles swim through a large tank, complete with crawl-through tunnels that let kids (and curious adults) experience the exhibit from different angles.

Further inside, displays of taxidermy animals showcase species found throughout the park. They’re fascinating—but fair warning: if you’re not paying attention (or sprinting toward the restroom), turning a corner into a life-size coyote can be mildly startling.

The center also features live tanks with frogs, toads, lizards, and turtles. My personal favorite was the massive snapping turtle, which was significantly larger – and more intimidating – than expected.

All in all, the Nature Center was a fantastic experience and well worth slowing down for.

Finding the Bison

Once we wrapped up inside, we headed out onto the trail in search of the bison. Informational signs explained that the herd rotates between two pastures depending on the season. The winter pasture is closer to the Nature Center, while the summer pasture requires a slightly longer walk.

Given that we were visiting during a cold, windy winter day, the closer pasture was a welcome bonus.

And honestly? We barely had time to get cold.

After walking less than half a mile, we spotted the bison grazing. Seeing them in person was genuinely awe-inspiring. I’ve seen bison in books, documentaries, and zoos – but standing that close to them in a natural setting hits differently.

The viewing experience is extremely well designed. The fencing is secure but low-profile, allowing for clear sightlines without breaking the immersion. We were especially lucky – the bison were gathered close to the fence, making for incredible views and photos.

Most of the herd was content to lounge and graze, but one bison in particular seemed very aware of Maggie and I. After a few minutes of intense staring, he apparently decided we weren’t a threat and put on what I can only describe as a low-budget bison performance: slow pacing, dramatic flops onto the ground, and occasional grazing breaks.

We stayed and watched for about thirty minutes before heading back toward the main parking lot – cold, happy, and thoroughly entertained.

Final Thoughts

I’ve explored a lot of metro parks around Columbus, including Battelle Darby Creek, but this was the first time I encountered wildlife that felt so unexpected. I’m very familiar with the wild turkeys at Blendon Woods and the deer, foxes, and small critters scattered across other parks – but bison are on a completely different level.

For some readers, seeing a bison might not feel like a big deal. But for someone raised – and still living – in the suburbs of a major city, bison have always felt like “zoo animals” or something you only see on TV. Experiencing them in a spacious, natural environment was far more memorable than either of those options.

Battelle Darby Creek already stands out for its size and scenery, but the bison elevate it into something truly special. We’ll absolutely be back in the warmer months to explore more trails – and to see where the herd decides to roam next.

Quick Tips for Visiting the Battelle Darby Creek Bison

• Start at the Nature Center for restrooms, maps, and the easiest access to the bison trails.
  
• Dress for wind – open prairie areas can feel colder than expected.
  
• Bring binoculars or a zoom lens in case the herd is farther back.
  
• Stay behind all fencing and give the bison plenty of space.
  
• Plan extra time: The Nature Center is worth exploring, even if wildlife sightings are quick.

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