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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Check out caving events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.

Discover all the caving events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.

Absolutely! Find caving events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.

Caving Events Today

Join in-person Caving events happening right now

Peru Adventure: Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, Sea Lions
Peru Adventure: Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, Sea Lions
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) Entrance & Guide Machu Picchu Experince swim with sea Lion Hike & Guide to Rainbow Mountain Francisco Monastery Catacombs Breakfast, Buffet lunch 1x Lima Walking tour **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!
Sketching History on Museum Island
Sketching History on Museum Island
***Sketch Berlin’s iconic Museum Island with fellow artists while learning composition, linework & proportion in a relaxed outdoor session.*** **HOW DO I JOIN THIS EVENT?** Click on link below to get complete info and to sign up for this event by getting your ticket. [https://urbanaturetravel.com/event/museum-island-sketching-16may2026](https://urbanaturetravel.com/event/museum-island-sketching-16may2026) **SPECIAL OFFER FOR NEW USERS** * 10% New User Discount using promo code: **MEETUP10** * Valid for this trip or any other trips available on our website. **WHY GO?** * Join us, the afternoon of ***Saturday, May 16th at 13:00*** on Museum Island for an afternoon of sketching. We will meet in front of Humboldt Forum along Karl-Liebknecht Strasse to begin a day of deep seeing while improving our sketching skills. We’ll be meeting up with fellow ***Sketchers & Artists*** to practice our ***sketching skills while enjoying iconic historical architecture.*** We’ll be walking around to three separate sites on Museum Island where we will do guided warmups where we practice ***drawing composure, line weight, and proportion***. These practice warmups will come with an ***accompanying set of worksheets to help you get started on your sketching journey*** no matter if you are a beginner or a professional. You will receive feedback while you sketch by the instructor, and will have time to practice what you’ve learned before moving on to the next subject. Museum Island is a place rich in details for drawing. There is no shortage of subjects to spend your time studying, admiring, and drawing. * If this is your first time sketching or 100th time sketching, you can find subjects that are right for you. ***You don’t need to be a professional at all!*** You should just want to practice your sketching skills while meeting new people, and hopefully sketching a bit better than you did the day before. * If this is your first time to Museum Island, ***please be aware that this is a tourist destination***, and there will be tourists walking around in the area. * We will be stopping to do at least ***3 30 min sketches with the goal of improving our foundational drawing skills***. ***Composition, line weight and proportion are foundational skills that every artist needs to develop*** in order to simplify a scene while communicating the necessary details for a viewer to see and feel a scene or detail. These are sketching skills that can be applied across artistic mediums. * Bring your preferred drawing medium for 30 min ***sketches***, and meet up with fellow Berlin sketchers. There are benches in the area, but you may wish to bring a small chair or cushion to make things more comfortable. Many find that if this is their first time drawing, a simple B4 or B6 pencil, and plain white paper is best to learn on. Others who enjoy ink will benefit equally from instruction. * The drawings are purely for fun, and to get to know other artists and hobbyists in the area! * (This meet-up does *not* include entry to any of the museums on museum island) * Join us at 13:00 at the Humboldt Forum with our host - Elizabeth, we’ll get to know one another and then set out as a group to sketch around the island. We will sketch from 13:00-15:30, before going our separate ways. ### 📲 Stay Connected Please do join our **WhatsApp / Telegram channels** for: * Event updates * Future trips & meetups * Early-bird discounts * Contests & giveaways 1. [WhatsApp Channel](https://go.unt.global/travelgroup) 2. [Telegram Channel](https://t.me/urbanaturetravel)
FLINTA* Run Moabit Spreeufer
FLINTA* Run Moabit Spreeufer
We are exploring the running routes of our community members! Join us to explore Astrid’s area 🥰 On May 16 we’ll gather at U-Bahn Turmstraße at 11 am for another 5k run in Moabit. The meeting point - Bike Stands at Heilandskirche Church https://maps.app.goo.gl/KRupENA2g2raX1dXA Don’t worry if you are new! We run at a pace which is comfortable for everyone, so it’s a great chance to start 😉 Take care and see you soon to enjoy another active morning together ❤️ P.S. ‼️️ Please cancel your participation if you can’t show up, even if it’s at short notice so that we don’t wait for you. Thanks! ‼️
Eberswalde (Hike 🍃🍃 with Coffee at the end in the town 🏘️) 15 Kms
Eberswalde (Hike 🍃🍃 with Coffee at the end in the town 🏘️) 15 Kms
2 EURO DONATION FEE PER PERSON IS REQUIRED (on site, in cash), to pay back the Meetup subscription fees and support my Events. READ THE DESCRIPTION WITH THE INFO (IMPORTANT). WHATSAPP LINK BELOW 📳​ We take the RE3 train that arrives to Eberswalde at 11,02 🚉😀 and stops in Berlin Hbf at 10,23 The train stops not only in Berlin Hbf (I attach below the screenshots with the stations and the timetable 🕐) Once in Eberwalde station, we follow this route 🍃🍃 [https://www.komoot.com/tour/2383133702](https://www.komoot.com/tour/2383133702) Bring your own food 🍔 and water 🥤, for the about 15kms of Hike. After the Hike, we come back to Eberswalde town center 🏘️ to take a coffee ☕ or a cake 🍰 here, for the people who want (the others can directly take the first train to come back to Berlin): [https://maps.app.goo.gl/YeLEY8FFMWsSLwtv6](https://maps.app.goo.gl/YeLEY8FFMWsSLwtv6) One train per hour is available to come back to Berlin 🚉 NFO ℹ️ℹ️ Route distance: 15 kms Pace: about 14 minutes per km (know by experience with my events) Breaks ⛔: 2 breaks at approximately 1/3 and 2/3 of the way I do not provide a "personal support" for people who do not take the indicated train. You are responsible to check for the weather and decide if come or not. Thanks for understanding. If you have to contact me, make it via Whatsapp, not here on Meetup. WHATSAPP COMMUNITY 💬 to find each other (join it, we use this group to find and synchronize us, as well as post photos) [https://docs.google.com/document/d/157uLVXObKt1a4NqqvPa09NJW-050YBwHLW-7DbOD8R8/](https://docs.google.com/document/d/157uLVXObKt1a4NqqvPa09NJW-050YBwHLW-7DbOD8R8/)
Sip Happens! Saturday Social @ Brewdog mitte 🍺
Sip Happens! Saturday Social @ Brewdog mitte 🍺
Meet up and join other people in Berlin this Saturday! Whether you're a long-time resident or just travelling through, come and meet new people to have fun, make new friends and enjoy your Saturday evening in a safe and welcoming environment at one of Berlins fantastic bars. This week we're heading to Brewdog mitte (see link to location). Looking forward to seeing you there! Look out for the "Meetup Saturday Social" signs on tables. We always have several organisers there (male and female), so come say hello to us! We care to make sure that everyones enjoys themselves and we have **no tolerance for bad behaviour or creepiness.** **Follow us on Insta:** @siphappens.berlin **Join us on Telegram:** t.me/siphappens_berlin **👉 Other important notes:** \- 🍸 The locations we visit are bars and clubs\, they are businesses and we are able to keep these events free ONLY if people buy drinks\. Please respect the locations and the event by making purchases \- 🦹‍♂️ Remember to keep an eye on your belongings and prioritize your own well\-being\. We are not responsible for any lost items or personal issues\. \- 📷 By attending our events\, you consent to being photographed or filmed\. Photos and videos taken during the events may be shared on our social media\. If you do not wish to appear in the photos or if you appear in a photo that we post that you would like removed\, please send us a private message as soon as possible on Instagram \(@siphappens\.berlin\)
German, English, Spanish, Coffe A2-C2, Bring 2 German Friend get 1Drink, ur Ex..
German, English, Spanish, Coffe A2-C2, Bring 2 German Friend get 1Drink, ur Ex..
Meet, Match, MoveOn and Manage or Master Why Meet 1)Meet new People Culture Languages. 2)Not Match Romance, Political Views nor Religion, only Respect and Joy 3) Moveon, advance with your level, goals, and especially share and try Rotate the groups and let others participate a bit. 4) Master the challenges, and Manage to give a Like or appreciate the meetups!! **Thematic** or small Concept: Manage to Bring 2 German Friends and you get a Drink. if you bring your Ex Partner + 2 German friends =2 drinks = thats the Challenge and the Attitude of 2026
Coffee Run Club Lichtenberg
Coffee Run Club Lichtenberg
Fuelled by our pre-workout Espresso we go on a scenic run to Treptower Park. Whether you're training for a marathon or just decided to give running a shot: with us, you are welcome. We offer 5k or 10k routes, both with plenty of talk and good vibes all the way. > Meet us @ 9:20 AM @ Green Wall Coffee Lichtenberg > Get your pre-workout Espresso for only €1

Caving Events This Week

Discover what is happening in the next few days

Let’s Play Backgammon! - Play, Socialize & Have Fun
Let’s Play Backgammon! - Play, Socialize & Have Fun
Join our Backgammon Meetup to play, socialize, and enjoy this classic game! Everyone’s welcome! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player. Expect fun, friendly games, laughter, and new friends. 👉 Please RSVP only if you plan to attend. 👉 Bring your own set if you have one. *** **How to Play (Quick Guide):** * Each player has 15 checkers and moves them toward their home board. * Dice rolls decide how many spaces you can move. * Land on an opponent’s single checker to send it to the bar. * Once all your checkers are home, start bearing off (removing them). * First to remove all checkers wins! *** **Fun Fact:** The Origin of Backgammon: Backgammon is one of the oldest known board games, with roots deeply embedded in the ancient civilisations of Mesopotamia. But it is in Persia, where the game truly flourished and evolved into what we now know as 'Takhte Nard'. Archaeological findings suggest that early forms of backgammon were played in Iran over 5,000 years ago. Artifacts such as game boards and dice have been discovered in sites like 'Shahr-e Sukhteh' (The Burnt City), indicating the game’s ancient origins.
Nieplitz Hike: Stücken to Beelitz (17 km)
Nieplitz Hike: Stücken to Beelitz (17 km)
This Sunday's hike starts in Stücken, a village near the Nuthe-Nieplitz nature reserve. It features a bird-watching watchtower and maybe a stork in the village of Körzin who has been living there for several years. Next comes a long stretch along the shore of the Nieplitz river into the town of Beelitz, where you can try its famous asparagus in a restaurant before taking the train back to Berlin. Meet us in the **first car of the train RE7**, departing from **Alexanderplatz station at 12:08 on platform 2 (direction Dessau),** **arriving at Michendorf (Mark) at 12:50, then taking the Bus 608 at 13:01 to Stücken (Dorf)** Unless you are subscribed to the Deutschlandticket, you'll need to buy a ticket to Stücken (Dorf). Please note: * As a grown-up, you are responsible for yourself. * Come prepared for cold and windy weather. * Wear appropriate footwear, we may come across some muddy sections. * Forecasts predict low chance of rain, but you never know... * Bring enough water, food and some cash with you. * Please be fair and only RSVP if you are sure you can make it and update if your plans change. See you on Sunday!
Fairytale Forest: Hike through the Mystical Landscape of Briesetal
Fairytale Forest: Hike through the Mystical Landscape of Briesetal
***Discover the mystical sunken birch forest, the valley and its unspoilt nature while hiking along river Briese.*** **HOW DO I JOIN THIS EVENT?** Click on link below to get complete info and to sign up for this event by getting your ticket. [https://urbanaturetravel.com/event/briesetal-fairytale-forest-17may2026](https://urbanaturetravel.com/event/briesetal-fairytale-forest-17may2026) **SPECIAL OFFER FOR NEW USERS** * 10% New User Discount using promo code: **MEETUP10** * Valid for this trip or any other trips available on our website. **WHY GO?** The Briesetal is one of Brandenburgs most scenic valleys, formed by river Briese. The quiet nature preservation area is home to mischievous beavers whose dams created a sunken birch forest. The valley is still dominated by unspoilt nature, seemingly untouched by humans. It's only a 40 minute train ride north of Berlin, making it the perfect day trip getaway from the city's hustling. Following the meandering river we traverse the mystical forest, walk on wooden planks through moors and marshes and explore natural habitats and endemic wildlife. On this hike, immerse yourself into nature’s wonder! Have you ever observed the tiny details of the outdoors? Such as the intricate veins on the back of a leaf? Or the delicate edges of flowers’ petals? Or the movement of a cheeky squirrel? On this walk, you will have the chance to truly connect with the natural world around you. No experience or preparation is needed, just your curiosity. You will be guided through every step of the way. **TRIP DETAILS** **Distance:** 13 km walking, 7 hours from start to closing, multiple break times **Hiking Difficulty:** Easy – walking on marked paths / dirt roads, mostly flat terrain, relaxed pace **Kid Friendly:** Yes **Pet Friendly:** Yes **What is included?** * Community Leader and Guide for the entire duration. * Guided hike. * Access to Google photos album dedicated for this trip for sharing all your amazing pictures and videos from the trip. * Access to a WhatsApp group for the confirmed participants. **Note:** Please contact us immediately if you do not have WhatsApp and we can make alternate arrangements from our end to ensure you do not miss out on any communication. **FOR FUTURE TRIP UPDATES:** Please do join our WhatsApp / Telegram channel for updates about our future trips including possible early bird discounts, contests etc. 1. [WhatsApp Channel](https://go.unt.global/travelgroup) 2. [Telegram Channel](https://t.me/urbanaturetravel)
🌍 JUST GUTSY — Solo Travelers Meetup (Berlin 4PM local time)
🌍 JUST GUTSY — Solo Travelers Meetup (Berlin 4PM local time)
No agenda. No awkward intros. Just good people. Just Gutsy is a weekly meetup for solo travelers, nomads and locals who love meeting them, a simple way to find your people in a new city. Who comes: Solo travelers in transit · digital nomads · curious locals who love meeting travelers What to expect: casual and self-led · small group energy · show up, talk to someone, see where it goes Not sure how to talk to strangers? I put together a set of questions that actually make it easy — find them here: [justgutsy.com/icebreakers](http://justgutsy.com/icebreakers) The only things you need to do: → Comment below so others know you're coming → If plans change, update your RSVP → When you arrive: comment "Here, [what you're wearing]" so people find you When & where: • Every Sunday · 4PM local time Meetup.com sometimes shows a different timezone — ignore it, it's always 4PM where you are • Location: in front of the Indischer Brunnen Join Just Gutsy → [justgutsy.com](http://justgutsy.com/) · Early members get lifetime premium access to the app
Hike in the Lange Dammwiesen  12km
Hike in the Lange Dammwiesen 12km
Lange Dammwiesen und Annatal is a beautiful and scenic nature reserve in Brandenburg in the area of Strausberg. It has a mixture of dry grassland, wet meadows and forest. It has unique small hills in the shape of a dam. We will hike in this nature reserve. After the nature reserve we will pass the beautiful lakes Kleiner Stienitzsee and Stienitzsee. After 3 hours of hiking I plan to have a coffee but can't promise there will be something open. I am asking for a donation of 2€ for this event. **Good to know:** We will meet at the Station Strausberg (not Strausberg Stadt) **at 12pm** in front of the Service store/main station building. You need ABC-Ticket or Deutschland Ticket.
Terrible Football (Sunday). Shoes with studs are not allowed
Terrible Football (Sunday). Shoes with studs are not allowed
Welcome to Terrible Football Berlin!
Do you want to play football but don't want to pay? Are you a bit unfit, a bit old, or a bit Terrible? Want to have a relaxed kick about and a couple of beers after? Then Terrible Football is for you!
Anyone can play: any ability, any age, and any gender. Terrible Football is about miss kicked clearances, sweet half volleys and desperate diving saves. We play in the rain, sun or snow. It's completely free, and always will be. It's open, inclusive and Terrible. We usually play on Astro (artificial grass) and sometimes on grass, depending on numbers. Bibs, balls, and cones are taken care of! Just bring sporty clothes and a pair of rubber studded football shoes you'll be good to go! You don't need shin pads and **we don't allow hard plastic or metal studs.** The exact location of the event is in the Telegram group description ([https://t.me/joinchat/OkWQBBcw3b7ptauwrIEfig](https://t.me/joinchat/OkWQBBcw3b7ptauwrIEfig)). Still trouble finding us? Send a message in our Telegram group and we'll help you out. You'll also stay up to date with last-minute changes!
See you on the pitch!
... and stay Terrible! \-\-\-\> GUIDELINES FOR THE SESSIONS <\-\-\-
 How the games will work:
 1\. We will have up to 18 players\.
 2\. Please RSVP on Meetup if you want to participate\.
 3\. If you sign up\, please try your best to attend the event to avoid disturbing the format\. If you cannot attend the session\, deregister asap \(Please check below how the waiting list will work\)\. LATEST CANCELLATION is 3 HOURS before the start of the event\. 4\. Regular no\-shows could be banned from future TF Meetups\.
 5\. We will NOT allow unregistered participants\.
 6\. The organizer group will ban repeat rule breakers\, so play nice\.
Hike - Lakes loop near Oderin - 17 Kms
Hike - Lakes loop near Oderin - 17 Kms
**Route:** [Link](https://www.komoot.com/tour/2955043547?ref=itd&share_token=ap7b44apshBXv9yZbxaMOqj1HmDLRPkQv5bobKaR8qtrs6g1oi&ref=its) **Walking Speed:** ~4.5 km/hr **Highlights:** Köthener See, Triftsee, Mittelsee, Schwanensee, and Wehlaberg Observation Tower. **General Notes:** Participants with past no-shows or unexplained cancellations on the event day will be deprioritized, and only confirmed RSVP may join the hike. Regular group members as well as hikers who show genuine intent could be given priority on the waiting list. We will take brief breaks for refreshments, but don't plan for coffee stops. Please bring your water, snacks, mosquito repellent, and dress suitably for the day's weather. Please make every effort to be on time. I'm not a professional guide and according to Meetup rules not liable for anyone's safety. If you can't make it, please be respectful enough to update your confirmation of participation in a timely manner to give those in waiting list a fair chance to prepare.

Caving Events Near You

Connect with your local Caving community

First Look at Bank Run
First Look at Bank Run
Tour - Lavender & Light: Provence, France 2026
Tour - Lavender & Light: Provence, France 2026
Join Bold Spirit Travel for an all-women’s journey through the [heart of Provence. ](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/journeys-1/south-of-france-provence-2026) From charming villages and bustling markets, to lavender fields and coastal cliffs, this adventure blends history, art, food, and stunning landscapes. Your base is a boutique hotel in Aix-en-Provence, the perfect hub for exploring southern France. *\*We can only take 10 women on this trip.* **Highlights** * **Aix-en-Provence** – stroll cobbled streets, browse colorful markets, and enjoy lively cafés. * **Marseilles** – tour its historic basilica and meet traditional soap makers. * **Arles & Wine Tasting** – explore Roman ruins and sip wines at Mas Valériole estate. * **Lavender Fields** – capture the beauty of Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque. * **Cassis & the Calanques** – enjoy seaside scenery and an optional boat ride. * **St. Rémy** – wander the vibrant market and visit Van Gogh’s former monastery. * **Les Baux-de-Provence** – experience the dazzling immersive light show. * **Cabrières-d’Avignon** – discover lavender’s artistry at the Lavender Museum. **What's Included:** * 6 nights in a boutique hotel (shared occupancy; private upgrades available). * Expert Bold Spirit tour leader plus bilingual local guides. * Meals as listed in the itinerary. * Private ground transportation. * Pre-trip support: Zoom call, WhatsApp group, and packing guidance. **Why Travel With Us?** This Provence adventure is designed for women who love travel, culture, and connection. You’ll share meals, explore iconic sites, and enjoy the slower pleasures of the French countryside—with expert guidance and community every step of the way. **Pricing:** * **Trip Cost:** USD 5,885 * **Deposit:** USD 700 non-refundable (secures hotels and guides) Get in touch with us to set up a call and learn [more](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/journeys-1/south-of-france-provence-2026). Contact:[ https://www.boldspirittravel.com/contact](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/contact)
Blendonwood Ravine Day Hike, 10:30 am
Blendonwood Ravine Day Hike, 10:30 am
Olentangy Caverns 🚒
Olentangy Caverns 🚒
Three Creeks Metro Park
Three Creeks Metro Park
We'll get in around 4 miles at Three Creeks Metro Parks, primarily natural trails. 17-18 minute miles, no one left behind, and faster walkers are free to lead out. Optional lunch after! If you're joining for hiking all the metro parks, this is the sixth one!
Conquer Negative Emotion To Have a Happier Life!
Conquer Negative Emotion To Have a Happier Life!
Do you want more Self Confidence, less Self Doubt, more Happiness, less Anxiety, and more Love? This event is an introduction to how to handle irrational emotion. How often are yours or another's emotions out of control? What is that about??? I have asked these questions and after much search have found answers and am sharing. Maybe you have suffered a traumatic experience, a deep loss or been through a painful breakup? After that, you try to move on but you just can't. Possibly you have a thought or emotion that hangs around for days and you just can't shake it. What is all this stress, anxiety, depression, and self doubt? It's just crazy! It's not the real you. You can find out what is at the root of all this. This is a local event. Areas you can change with the right information: * Control of unwanted emotions * Lack of confidence * Grief * Anxiety * Anger management * Creating ideal relationships * Memory * and more... This is a local meeting that can start you on the way to a better life, more confidence and less negativity. All the happiness you have lies within you. Let's find it! 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 and Scientology life improvement center.
Trails & Ales! Blendon Woods Metro Park / Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery
Trails & Ales! Blendon Woods Metro Park / Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery
**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.