Tours

**Ein bisschen Glitzer, ein bisschen Pop und ganz viel Brompton!** Am **14\. Mai** führt uns unser Brompton Social Ride quer durch die **Eurovision Song Contest**-Stimmung in Wien – inklusive einem Abstecher zur Wiener Stadthalle, um uns den Eventstandort einmal aus nächster Nähe anzuschauen, bevor wir weiter zum Haus der Geschichte Österreich rollen. Dort tauchen wir gemeinsam in die Ausstellung **„Unstoppable! Eurovision Song Contest Highlights im Museum“** ein. **Beschreibung der Ausstellung:** Unpolitisch? Wohl kaum. Zwar sind politische Botschaften beim Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) offiziell verboten, doch sie finden dennoch ihren Weg auf die Bühne – manchmal laut, manchmal subtil. Denn auch große Unterhaltung erzählt immer von ihrer Zeit. Treffpunkt ist um 17:00 in der Brompton Junction Vienna, von dort fahren wir gemeinsam los – zuerst zur Stadthalle, danach weiter Richtung Neue Burg. Vor Ort lassen wir uns durch die Ausstellung treiben und nehmen ein Stück ESC-Geschichte mit. **Wichtig:** Bitte nehmt ein Schloss mit — Wir werden unsere Räder vor der Burg abstellen. Für die Rückfahrt braucht man vielleicht Lichter. Es sind keine festen Stops entlang der Route geplant – aber natürlich lassen wir uns Zeit und genießen die Fahrt. Wie immer gilt: kein Rennen! Alle sind willkommen, niemand wird zurückgelassen. Alle FahrerInnen, die sich mit Tempo und Distanz Wohl fühlen, sind herzlich eingeladen mitzukommen. Wir freuen uns auf einen bunten, entspannten Ride mit euch! **Unsere Gemeinschaftsregeln:** **1.** Sei freundlich. Heiße andere Fahrer willkommen und ermutige sie. Beleidigungen, Beschämungen und Hass werden entfernt, und Zuwiderhandelnde werden gesperrt. **2.** Deine Sicherheit liegt in deiner Verantwortung. Helme sind Pflicht. Bei Fahrten im Dunkeln ist Beleuchtung vorgeschrieben. Es liegt in der Verantwortung jedes Fahrers, sicherzustellen, dass sein Fahrrad sauber, gut gewartet und voll funktionsfähig ist. **3.** Alle Fahrräder sind willkommen. Gelegentliche Veranstaltungen nur für Brompton-Fahrräder werden deutlich gekennzeichnet. Kontaktiere deinen örtlichen Brompton-Händler, wenn du für eine Veranstaltung ein Brompton ausleihen möchtest (Teilnahme kann variieren). **4.** Wenn sich deine Pläne ändern, aktualisiere bitte deine Zusage. **DURCH DIE TEILNAHME an dieser Veranstaltung ERKENNEN SIE AN und AKZEPTIEREN Sie Folgendes:** Ich ERKENNE AN, stimme zu und erkläre, dass ich die Natur der Fahrradaktivitäten verstehe und dass ich qualifiziert, bei guter Gesundheit und in guter körperlicher Verfassung bin, um an einer solchen Aktivität teilzunehmen. Ich erkenne ferner an, dass die Ausfahrt über öffentliche Gehwege und Einrichtungen, die für die Öffentlichkeit zugänglich sind, durchgeführt wird und dass auf diesen mit Gefahren zu rechnen ist. Ich stimme ferner zu und garantiere, dass ich, wenn ich zu irgendeinem Zeitpunkt der Meinung bin, dass die Bedingungen unsicher sind, sofort die weitere Teilnahme einstellen werde. Ich VERSTEHE VOLLSTÄNDIG, dass (a) FAHRRADAKTIVITÄTEN RISIKEN UND GEFAHREN SCHWERER KÖRPERLICHER VERLETZUNGEN, EINSCHLIESSLICH PERMANENTER BEHINDERUNG, LÄHMUNG UND TOD ("Risiken") MIT SICH BRINGEN; (b) diese Risiken und Gefahren durch meine eigenen Handlungen oder Unterlassungen, die Handlungen oder Unterlassungen anderer Teilnehmer an der Ausfahrt, die Bedingungen, unter denen die Ausfahrt stattfindet, oder die Fahrlässigkeit anderer verursacht werden können; (c) es können ANDERE RISIKEN UND SOZIALE UND WIRTSCHAFTLICHE VERLUSTE bestehen, die mir derzeit nicht bekannt oder nicht ohne Weiteres vorhersehbar sind; und ich AKZEPTIERE UND ÜBERNEHME VOLLSTÄNDIG ALLE DIESE RISIKEN UND ALLE VERANTWORTUNG FÜR VERLUSTE, KOSTEN UND SCHÄDEN, die mir durch meine Teilnahme entstehen können; (d) ich erkenne an, dass Brompton Bicycle, Veranstaltungsorganisatoren, Fahrtenleiter und Freiwillige nicht für Unfälle oder Schäden bei dieser Ausfahrt haftbar gemacht werden können. FOTOFREIGABE: Ich GEBE MEIN EINVERSTÄNDNIS, dass meine Stimme, mein Name und/oder mein Abbild ohne Entschädigung in allen Medien, die jetzt bekannt sind oder später entwickelt werden, für die Ewigkeit verwendet werden dürfen, und entbinde Brompton Bicycle, seine Nachfolger, Abtretungsempfänger und Lizenznehmer von jeglicher Haftung. MELDEN SIE SICH NICHT FÜR DIESE VERANSTALTUNG AN, WENN SIE NICHT DEN OBEN GENANNTEN BEDINGUNGEN UNTERLIEGEN MÖCHTEN.

**Dieses Meetup richtet sich exklusiv an die Menschen aus der Join The Crew Reisecommunity zwischen 20 und 39 Jahren.** **Aktivität:** Weinstube **Details:** ACHTUNG- Aufgrund des Wetters müssen wir unseren Plan etwas anpassen. Wenn es das Wetter zulässt werden wir trotzdem eine kleine Runde gehen, werden aber im Anschluß beim Heurigen Mayer am Pfarrplatz einkehren. Allerdings haben wir keine Plätze reservieren können und gehen auf gut Glück rein. Treffpunkt bleibt gleich. **Treffpunkt:** Treffpunkt 14 Uhr bei der Endstation der Straßenbahnlinie D (https://maps.app.goo.gl/TKmCSrbDqcdKGpMh7) **Bitte unbedingt pünktlich sein!** **Weitere Information:** **Auf diesem Event werden ggf. Bilder und Videos gemacht, die wir auf unseren Instagram Kanälen oder auf [meetup.de](http://meetup.de/) verwenden.** Solltest Du nicht damit einverstanden sein, sag das bitte direkt zu Begin des Meetups deinem Host. **Über uns:** Wir - eine Community von mittlerweile über 40.000 Leuten aus Deutschland, Österreich & der Schweiz reisen nicht nur in der Weltgeschichte herum sondern treffen uns auch regelmäßig in verschiedensten Städten um Freundschaften zu pflegen & Neulingen das Segeln und Outdoor-Abenteuer mit Join The Crew näher zu bringen. Egal ob du bereits bei vielen Törns und Touren dabei warst, du noch nie mit uns unterwegs warst oder einfach nur mit coolen Leuten abhängen willst, auf unseren Meetups bist du immer willkommen! Mehr Infos zu unserer Community findest du auf [https://join-the-crew.com/de](https://join-the-crew.com/de) Fragen? Kommentiert bitte unter diesem Beitrag!

Join us for Padel on this public holiday **How we play** Beginners, Intermediate and Advanced Players are welcome Number of courts depends on the number of players * 4-5 players: one court * 8-10 players: two courts * 12-14 players: three courts Teams are mixed all the time. So you will play with/against different players during the event * Teams are put together based on their skill level * We focus on having balanced teams **Equipment** * I provide balls (usually Bullpadel Next) * If you need a racket, you can rent it from me for 2 € (limited number available). You can also rent a racket from the venue for 5 € **Price** * 16-19 € for 2 hours depending on number of players * I use the money to cover the costs for the court, balls and rackets. * You can pay via Revolut, PayPal, instant Bank Transfer or Cash. I prefer transfer over cash. **Cancellation** * Please cancel at least 10h before the event, to give people on the wait list the chance to jump in. Otherwise a late cancellation fee of 10 € must be paid. * Cancel at least 26h before the event in case the wait list is empty. Otherwise a late cancellation fee will be charged * Late Cancellation fees will be donated to Médecins Sans Frontières (Ärzte ohne Grenzen). * I understand that sometimes unexpected things can come up. However, not showing up and failing to let me know is considered disrespectful and goes against the community spirit. People doing uncommented no-shows have to pay the full event fee. **Important** * Playing competitive is allowed (Smashing balls, hitting balls close to opponent player etc.) * We still value fair play and sportsmanship. * Having fun together is way more important as winning. **Other information** * The venue has courts **outdoor only**. Dress accordingly to the weather * We are respectful and warm with each other. Our cultural and professional background is diverse * The host or regular players can ask misbehaving players to step out from the court * The venue has changing rooms and showers free of charge * If you have questions, you can send me a message any time. I speak german too.

🌿 Deutsch unten -- We now offer the following activities, all on Thursday Evenings from 19:00–21:00 🌿 🖌 1st Thursday of the month – Meditation & Drawing Chanting & meditation, followed by creative drawing exercises to expand perception and soften habitual patterns. 🧘 2nd Thursdays of the month – Meditation & Yoga Chanting & meditation, followed by Pranayama, gentle Hatha/Ashtanga-inspired movements to cultivate balance, clarity, and presence. 🕊 3rd Thursday of the month – Meditation in Movement Chanting & meditation, followed by Qigong moving exercises led by Manuel to apply non-dualism while in slow movement. 😇 4th Thursday of the month – Guided Meditation Chanting & meditation, followed by an investigation into our true nature. We will take a Zen koan from the Gateless Gate as a point of departure. 🤫 In case there is a 5th Thursday – Silent Meditation Chanting & meditation, followed by longer periods of silence. ✨ Details • €12 (€10 reduced), cash at the door • Registration through Meetup appreciated, not required • No prior experience needed • Light snacks and drinks available during the breaks 🔗 [www.meetup.com/der-stille-punkt-wien/](http://www.meetup.com/der-stille-punkt-wien/) 🏠 Hütteldorferstraße 128, Top 02, 1140 Wien 📧 [jacques.van.engel@gmail.com](mailto:jacques.van.engel@gmail.com) =============================================== 🌿Wir bieten nun folgende Aktivitäten an, jeweils donnerstags von 19:00 bis 21:00 Uhr 🖌 Erster Donnerstag im Monat – Meditation & Zeichnen Chanten & Meditation, gefolgt von kreativen Zeichenübungen, um die Wahrnehmung zu erweitern und gewohnheitsmäßige Muster aufzulockern. 🧘 2. Donnerstag im Monat – Yoga & Meditation Chanten & Meditation, gefolgt von Pranayama und sanften, von Hatha/Ashtanga inspirierten Bewegungen zur Förderung von Gleichgewicht, Klarheit und Präsenz. 🕊 3. Donnerstag im Monat – Meditation in Bewegung Chanten & Meditation, gefolgt von Qigong-Bewegungsübungen unter der Leitung von Manuel, um Non-Dualismus in langsamen Bewegungen zu erforschen. 😇 4. Donnerstag im Monat – Geführte Meditation Chanten & Meditation, gefolgt von einer Erkundung unserer wahren Natur. Jacques wird einen Zen-Koan aus dem „Tor ohne Tor“ als Ausgangspunkt nehmen. 🤫 Falls es einen 5. Donnerstag gibt – Stille Meditation Chanten & Meditation, gefolgt von längeren Phasen der Stille. ✨ Details • 12 € (ermäßigt 10 €), Barzahlung an der Tür • Anmeldung über Meetup erwünscht, aber nicht erforderlich • Keine Vorkenntnisse erforderlich • kleine Snacks & Getränke während der Pausen 🔗 [www.meetup.com/der-stille-punkt-wien/](http://www.meetup.com/der-stille-punkt-wien/) 🏠 Hütteldorferstraße 128, Top 02, 1140 Wien 📧 jacques.van.engel@gmail.com

We’re back on the dance floor! Queer Salsa returns to @[villavidacafe](http://www.instagram.com/villavidacafe) with weekly classes every Thursday. 💜 Our classes are donation-based and open to everyone—no gender roles assigned, no partner required. Come solo, with a friend, or bring your favorite dance partner. 🪩 No registration necessary, just show up. We offer **two levels of classes**, so whether you’re brand new to salsa or already have experience, you’ll find the right space to grow your skills and confidence as a queer salsa dancer. ☀️ ✨ What to expect: * A warm, inclusive community * Salsa lessons without gendered expectations * Two levels: beginner-friendly & intermediate * Fun, music, and connection every week 📅 When: Every Thursday 📍 Where: Villa Vida Café, Linke Wienzeile 102, Vienna 💜 Donation-based entry Let’s move, sweat, and celebrate together—queer style! (DE) Wir sind zurück auf der Tanzfläche! Queer Salsa startet wieder im @[villavidacafe](http://www.instagram.com/villavidacafe) mit wöchentlichen Kursen jeden Donnerstag. 💜 Unsere Kurse sind spendenbasiert und für alle offen – keine Geschlechterrollen, keine Tanzpartner*innen erforderlich. Komm allein, mit Freund*innen oder bring deine*n Lieblingstanzpartner*in mit. 🪩 Wir bieten **zwei Level** an, sodass sowohl absolute Anfänger*innen als auch Fortgeschrittene den passenden Raum finden, um ihre Salsa-Skills auszubauen und als Queer Salsa Tänzer*in selbstbewusst zu werden. ☀️ ✨ Das erwartet dich: * Eine warme, inklusive Community * Salsa-Unterricht ohne Geschlechterklischees * Zwei Levels: Anfänger\*innen & Fortgeschrittene * Spaß, Musik und Begegnung – jede Woche 📅 Wann: Jeden Donnerstag 📍 Wo: Villa Vida Café, Linke Wienzeile 102, Wien 💜 Teilnahme auf Spendenbasis Lasst uns gemeinsam tanzen, schwitzen und feiern – queer und voller Freude!

Du wirst in diesem lockeren Kunstgeschichte Kurs direkt vor den Originalen Meisterwerken im Kunsthistorischen Museum Wien einen Überblick über die wichtigsten Epochen der Kunstgeschichte von der Kunst des Mittelalters bis ins 18. Jahrhundert bekommen und wirst fortan Kunst in allen Ausstellungen anders sehen und verstehen und Zusammenhänge besser erkennen können. Jede Woche wenden wir uns einer Epoche zu und einem der wichtigsten Werke von einem der bedeutendsten Künstler im Kunsthistorischen Museum. Vorkenntnisse sind nicht erforderlich, der Kurs ist aber auch für Fortgeschrittene gut besuchbar. Alles wird in lockerem Beisammensein vor den Bildern stattfinden, anschließend stehen das wunderschöne Café in der Kuppelhalle im Museum und die vielen netten Lokale in nächster Nähe für weiteres Beisammensein zur Verfügung und natürlich kann man auch einfach noch weiter alleine oder mit alten und den neuen Bekannten sich selbständig im Museum noch mehr anschauen. Am Donnerstag ist das Kunsthistorische Museum immer bis 21 Uhr geöffnet! Wir freuen uns auf dich! Der Kurs wird geführt von: Dr. Kolja Kramer, Kunsthistoriker

Peru: Coast to Clouds – Sea Lions, Machu Picchu & Rainbow Trails. **1 spot left** Would you like to go on unforgettable journey through Peru? where ancient legends, natural wonders, and thrilling adventures collide. This unique itinerary takes you from the vibrant streets of Lima to the mystical heights of the Andes, offering a rare blend of wildlife encounters, cultural immersion, and bucket-list experiences. ✅What’s Included: Shared accommodation (SEPARATE BED) Experince swim with sea Lion Hike & Guide to Rainbow Mountain 4xBreakfast Buffet lunch 1x **Date: 16-24 May 2026** Arrival Airport: Lima Airport Meet up: at the accommodation [Click here ](https://www.joinmytrip.com/en/trips/peru-discovery-adventure-machu-picchu-rainbow-mountain-sea-lions-Ufws)for more details or [DM me on WhatsApp here ](https://wa.me/393755267768)or Instagram [@windyrann_](https://www.instagram.com/windyrann_), if you are interested in joining!

**Welcome to the DARE TO SHARE DEEPLY - event: use your true inner core, grow & connect as never before!** **Wherever you’re coming from, whatever you’re carrying — you’re welcome exactly as you are.** **This is for you** if you’re carrying more than you show — and you’re ready to stop pretending otherwise. What I’ve learned from my own journey: the moment you stop judging, hiding yourself, everything shifts. Your private and business relationships. Your confidence. How people see you and show up for you. **The inner world mirrors the outer one — every time.** So I created this space. **No gurus, no fixing, no comparison.** Just real people, real stories — love, loss, scars, the messy and the meaningful. **What to expect:** Come and share your story, or simply listen and observe — whatever feels right for you. Both are equally welcome here. We go deeper than small talk, beyond our differences, to what actually unites us as humans. **This is for you if:** — You feel disconnected from yourself, others or system/society — You’re done with surface-level connection — You want more joy, ease, and honesty in your relationships — You believe, like I do, that we grow through our differences — not despite them. When we learn to love and accept ourselves with genuine kindness, something larger becomes possible. I believe this alignment to our true selves is the foundation for a new kind of community — trauma-aware, deeply reflective, and built on empathy strong enough to carry us into a more united future together. **That future starts here. Person by person. Story by story**. Every way of being here is worth understanding. Not correcting. **Come as you are. Leave more yourself.** I am looking forward to seeing you in person. Any questions? Message me anytime. — Tom

**Stadtwanderweg 2 — Fifth hike of our Vienna Hiking Challenge** ❗️Even if Meetup shows the event as full, please still join the WA group and fill out the registration form. The form will indicate whether there are still spots available for the hike❗️ Join the WA group for the information: https://chat.whatsapp.com/GqWhKBUCR5RAhI6WUguIcR?mode=gi_t —————— 🌿 **Stadtwanderweg 2 — Vienna Hiking Challenge** 📆 Date & Time: 17 May, 11:00 📏 Length: 10 km ⏱ Walking time: approx. 3–4 hours For this hike we’re heading to Hermannskogel — the highest point of Vienna (542 m). The route goes through forests, open meadows and some of the most beautiful green areas on the edge of the city. **Important** After joining this event, please enter the WhatsApp group — https://chat.whatsapp.com/GqWhKBUCR5RAhI6WUguIcR?mode=gi_t Before the hike, I will share a registration form there and create a separate group for confirmed participants. **What is the Challenge:** we’re hiking all Vienna Stadtwanderwege and collecting stamps in the Wanderpass. • max. 20 participants • moderate pace • 5€ organisational contribution At the end of the challenge we’ll hold **a raffle with prizes** and a final meetup. Join the challenge and collect your next stamp! 🌿 ——————— ❗️Please make sure to fill out the registration form: the link will be posted in the WA group ❗️

To ring in the warm weather, we're hosting our second annual Young Democrats Cornhole Tournament on May 17th! For those who don’t know, cornhole is an outdoor game where players take turns throwing bean bags at inclined boards with a hole in them to score points. The goal is to have fun, so whether you’re a seasoned cornhole pro or new to the game, everyone is welcome to join! And who knows, you may even walk away with the championship title and one of our real corn prizes 🌽 🍿. Join your fellow Americans for an a-MAIZE-ing time. When: Sunday, May 17th at 2 PM Where: Burggarten, Josefsplatz 1 1010 Vienna (find us by the Mozart-Denkmal) In the event of bad weather, we will provide updates on alternative plans.

Past-era discoveries and open networking night in Bratislava, Slovakia, conveniently starting and ending at Vienna Main Station (Wien Hauptbahnhof). After arriving in Bratislava's Petržalka suburb by direct train, we'll first head to the corn fields near the Austrian border to scout hidden WW2 bunkers and an iron curtain memorial site. Underway, we'll also look for the now-defunct tracks of the old Viedenská električka tram which until 1935 hauled theatre-goers and coffee lovers all the way to Vienna downtown. After so much history, it's time for early dinner. Fast-forward to a local restaurant in Bratislava's quaint downtown with tasty, reasonably-priced Slovak food and beer. Full and satisfied, we'll continue on to the [International Night Bratislava](https://bratislava.ixpat.com/internationalnight) for networking, games and fun. Right after this social highlight, we'll hop on our train back to Vienna, arriving shortly before midnight. Total time: Half-day Language: English Bring: Valid Passport/Visa or EU-National ID Card (driver's license doesn't count as travel ID) Wear: Seasonal outfit, rain gear depending on weather **Value and booking** Price includes train roundtrip, local transit and friendly host. Discount available for groups. Food/drinks are at your own expense. To secure your spots, please... Step 1: RSVP here on Meetup first (optional but recommended) Step 2: Complete your booking at https://vienna.ixpat.com/bratislava

Come for the movies, stay for the people. Tired of going to events where you sit around, smile politely, and still do not know what to say? This evening is for you. Vienna Flash Friending: Movies Edition 📍 Pickwick's Marc-Aurel-Straße 10-12, 1010 Vienna Fast Friending while discussing movies is a relaxed and welcoming event for people who want real conversation without the pressure of awkward small talk. Movies make it easy to connect, so whether you love classics, indie films, big blockbusters, or simply enjoy hearing different opinions, you will find plenty to talk about and plenty of people to meet. Still not booked? Well, Slots are limited. Book now, and Join us at Pickwick's, a cozy international pub perfect for film chat and new friendships. You do not need to be a film expert. You just need to bring your curiosity, your favorite movie opinions, and an open mind. To make the evening even easier, think of a few movie questions before you come, such as your favorite movie of all time, a film everyone should watch once, a comfort movie, or a hidden gem you love. The organisational fee is 10 euros plus one drink. Matches will be shared after the event ends, and if you do not get a match, you can join the next event free of charge. If you are looking for a warm, easygoing night where meeting people feels natural, this is your chance to find your kind of crowd. Pickwick's offers the perfect atmosphere with its warm lighting, bookshelves, and relaxed vibe for great conversations.

After a quick train & bus ride from Vienna Main Station (Wien Hauptbahnhof), this easy hike starts at a quaint village known for its harbor and laid-back taverns. Slowly pacing upwards next to a small creek, our group eventually arrives at Kahlenberg's mountain top with what's probably the most captivating scenic spot of entire Vienna. Descending along gentle slopes flanked by lush vineyards, we'll end up at the fringes of Grinzing district for our return commute. To secure your spots, please ... Step 1: RSVP here on Meetup first (optional but recommended) Step 2: Complete your booking at https://vienna.ixpat.com/kahlenberg

It’s time to take control of your mental health. How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself. Here is the secret of being positive and free: Thinking positively is not enough. You also have to get rid of the negative thinking. Your mind is like a garden. You can plant many beautiful flowers in it, but if you don't get rid of the weeds when you plant your flowers, the weeds will soon take over the whole garden. A positive thought is like a flower in your mental garden, and a negative thought is like a weed. You cannot expect to have a positive mindset if you continue to have negative thoughts dwelling and growing there. So, how do you get rid of the negative thoughts? That's what this Meetup is all about. Attend this local meeting and find out! The Meetup event will be led by a consultant who had helped many people live happier in life. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is created by the Dianetics & Scientology life improvement center.

Let’s meet and wander the galleries! General admission on Sundays is free.

It’s time to take control of your mental health. How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself. Have you ever suffered from a traumatic experience, a deep loss or been through a painful breakup? Has your ability to communicate suffered as a result? And after that, even though you "moved on" did you find that things were never quite the same? Have you ever looked at childhood photos, or reminisced your early life and wondered where that happiness and spark went? Are your emotions out of your own control? Have you ever felt, even if you aren’t aware of it, that possibly you are getting in your own way of your happiness and success? How does this affect your self-confidence? Find out what is at the root of all stress, anxiety, depression and self-doubt. Find out how and why you hold yourself back from achieving your goals and having the life you have dreamed of. As soon as you learn what is at the root of these unwanted conditions, you’ll see it is something you can DO something about. You will not be labeled or categorized at this MeetUp.

**History** The history of [Blendon Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blendon-woods/) began long before its 1951 opening, rooted in a landscape of rugged ridges and deep ravines that made the land unsuitable for traditional farming. In 1945, a report proposing a metropolitan park system for Franklin County specifically highlighted these cliffs of Bedford Shale as some of the "wildest land in the vicinity". Following this recommendation, the recently formed park district purchased the first 229 acres in early 1949. Because the terrain was so uneven, developers had to cut a mile-and-a-half-long roadway through dense woods just to bring in heavy equipment. This initial preservation effort ensured that the mature second-growth hardwood forests remained largely untouched by the urban expansion spreading toward Westerville. Opening day arrived on Labor Day, September 3, 1951, marking Blendon Woods as the second park in the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system. The final push to open was a frantic race; the State Highway Department only finished the primary gravel access road four days before the gates opened. Early staff members, consisting of just four full-time employees, had to hand-dig pit toilets and learn construction skills on the fly to build the first picnic shelters. Despite the dusty conditions and limited facilities, the park was an immediate success, drawing massive crowds from across Central Ohio. By the end of the 1950s, annual visitation had already climbed to over 190,000 people. As the surrounding suburbs grew in the 1960s, the park faced severe overcrowding that threatened its natural habitats. In response, Franklin County voters passed the first Metro Parks levy in 1960, providing the funds necessary for a decade of steady expansion. During this era, the park nearly doubled in size, growing from 264 acres to over 570 acres by 1968. Planners also addressed a critical water shortage by collaborating with the U.S. Soil and Conservation Service to build a lake in 1964. This body of water originally served as a temporary reservoir before its role shifted toward conservation and wildlife support. The 1970s marked a transition toward the specialized wildlife and educational focus for which the park is known today. In 1971, the Walden Waterfowl Refuge was established around the 11-acre Thoreau Lake, creating a sanctuary that remains restricted to provide a quiet habitat for migratory birds. A formal nature center was also developed during this period, expanding on the guided Sunday walks that had been a park staple since the early 1950s. The park’s famous "Monarch Mansion" also became a prominent fixture, starting a long tradition of raising and releasing thousands of monarch butterflies each September. These initiatives cemented the park’s reputation as a premier destination for birders and nature enthusiasts. In more recent decades, Blendon Woods has continued to modernize while maintaining its wilderness character. The 10-acre Natural Play Area was added in 2017, encouraging kids to explore the ravines and woods off-trail. This was followed by the opening of a $1.5 million inclusive playground in April 2025, designed to accommodate children of all physical abilities. The nature center also underwent major renovations to include immersive, three-dimensional exhibits and a new butterfly house. Today, the park encompasses 653 acres, preserving a unique geologic and biological corridor amidst the bustling Westerville and Northeast Columbus area. **Map of the Park** Here is a map of [Blendon Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/BLN_map_Inclusive-Playground-and-Butterfly-Trail_May-2025_1980px.png). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Lake View, Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook, Brookside, and Sugarbush Trails. This sounds like a lot, but it will really be only a little over five miles. Blendon Woods has a few hills here and there, but it's not one of the more strenuous metro parks. **Where We'll Meet** We'll meet just in front of the Nature Center. This is about a mile into the park from the main entrance. You have to go past the Ranger Station and the Shadblow Reservable Area to get to it, so don't stop too early at the Ranger Station and get it confused with the Nature Center. **After the Hike** Afterward, we will head over to [Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/) at Easton for [drinks](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/#dinner-menu) and [food](https://forbiddenroot.com/wp-content/uploads/Cbus-Food.pdf). We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks. The brewery's actual address is [4080 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219](https://www.google.com/maps/place/4080+Worth+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43219/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88388a86d10b6619:0x4d42b470a5cf11d3?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111); however, I recommend pointing your GPS to the [Worth Garage](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Worth+Garage/@40.0542293,-82.9137962,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388b4df6082825:0x17582f0eccd9dda1!8m2!3d40.0542293!4d-82.9137962!16s%2Fg%2F11rzfvvv8b?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQxNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) across the street. Parking in this garage is free as long as you're not on the first floor, and it is literally right next to the brewery.