Historic Buildings
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Check out historic buildings events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.
Discover all the historic buildings events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.
Absolutely! Find historic buildings events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.
Historic Buildings Events Today
Join in-person Historic Buildings events happening right now
Malvern & Armadale Fully Guided History Walk Tour
**Malvern & Armadale Fully Guided History Walk Tour**
*Discover how John Gardiner's cattle run turned into a thriving township*
**Date: Saturday May 23rd - meet at 12.15PM for a 12.30PM start** \- walk goes to approx 3PM\-ish
**Only $25 per person** \- please pay at start of walk \(cash or cards welcome\)
**Starting Point:** We will meet at the courtyard area in front of the coffee shop "Giorgios" 12.15pm - for the 12.30pm sharp start. (NB: corner of High Street and Glenferrie Road) You'll see me there from 12.00noon ... on the High Street Side of the corner.
**About This Walk** \- Malvern has long been an attraction for shoppers and many also enjoy its fine dining\. On this walk we'll examine the Malvern background from its art\, buildings\, yes its interesting people\.\.\. and its lasting cultural influences in Melbourne society\. Join us as we meander the streets around Malvern and Armadale unlocking the past\.
**After our walk** \- we will enjoy a lovely cuppa at a nice cafe together and chat about what we've seen\.
**How To Get There:**
\*Parking: is best in (typically) Willis Street or Malvern shopping center nearby
\*Tram No 6 on High Street or Tram 16 Glenferrie Road
\*Trains - Armadale then get tram 6 or Malvern and then tram 16 either train station is in walking distance
Afternoon Walk in Botanic Gardens + Coffee & Bocce on the Lawns, Family Friendly
Join me for a family friendly afternoon walk, coffee and a game of bocce in the Royal Botanic Gardens. This environment is a stunning place to relax, explore, and make new connections in all seasons.
There are winding paths, groves, lakes, lawns and more than 8,500 species of plants.
We will stop in at the Terrace cafe for takeaways, or bring your own drinks and snacks and we can stop for a chat and a game on the lawns. Our walk will finish at the Shrine of Remembrance to see the beautiful views of the city.
This walk is rated easy, it is relatively flat and we will walk at a slow to moderate pace so we can socialise along the way. There are a few sections with stairs but there are alternative pathways close by.
**Agenda:**
I will meet you at **2pm** at the circular sculpture near the Observatory & Visitors Centre, 100 Birdwood Avenue. There is a map and photo of the meeting place below.
We will head off no later than **2.15pm**
We will reach the Terrace Cafe by **3pm**, have a coffee and a game of bocce on the lawns, then explore the gardens finishing at the Shrine of Remembrance at 5pm.
When you RSVP **please click Attend** on the event page and I will be in touch about the details via direct message.
As this is a rain or shine event I will also be available in the Event Comments on the day, and add any updates there if needed regarding weather conditions.
***Kingdoms, Dynasties, Kings and High Kings of Ireland ***
\*\*\*Kingdoms, Dynasties, Kings and High Kings of Ireland \*\*\*
Over coffee @ the Lobby Lounge - Westin Hotel Melbourne
23/05/2026 10AM
A prelude to my forthcoming session on the Cycle of the Kings in my other group.
This session will include
\* mythological kings and ancestors
\* sources and manuscripts
\* historical overview of kings/dynasties of Connacht, Leinster, Munster and Ulster.
\* The Northern and Southern Ui Neill
\* The conception of the High King of Ireland.
\* Viking incursions
\* Brian Boru and the battle of Clontarf
\* Decline of Irish Kingship - the Anglo Norman invasion through to the Tudor conquest
Main sources drawn from
https://grokipedia.com/page/List_of_kings_of_Leinster
https://grokipedia.com/page/List_of_kings_of_Munster
https://grokipedia.com/page/List_of_kings_of_Ulster
https://grokipedia.com/page/List_of_kings_of_Connacht
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Uí_Néill
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Uí_Néill
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGUJDdJBsG8
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Ireland
Stoa podcast discussion
KereKere Green in Fitzroy Gardens
We will be discussing Philosophize This! Episode 18: Avicenna
Can be found on the Philosophize This! website ( https://www.philosophizethis.org/podcast/avicenna-mz68j ), Spotify, YouTube Music, or other places you listen to podcasts.
Everyone welcome
Day Trip to Ararat | Former Gold Mining Town
We’re heading to Ararat - historic former gold-mining town.
Please follow **all three steps to confirm your spot**. Please remember to get the free V/Line tickets right after you get the Trybooking ticket.
Step 1: Please RSVP to this event on meetup.
Step 2: Please pay the organizer fee ($20 - Early Bird, $25 - Regular) via Trybooking - [https://www.trybooking.com/DMFZZ](https://www.trybooking.com/DMFZZ)
Step 3: Please get the free return V/Line ticket ($0.00).
[https://bit.ly/48XyAUU](https://bit.ly/48XyAUU)
Onward: 10:35
Return: 16:14
Trybooking tickets will be scanned at the meeting point.
Please note that the ticket will be only refunded if the event is moved or cancelled. There are no refunds. The tickets also cannot be transferred to a different event. Payments are managed through Trybooking and not Meetup. You will see an "Unpaid" status on your RSVP. The only thing you need is the Trybooking ticket which you will receive by email.
**Meeting Point:** Let's meet in the Corner of Spencer Street and Bourke Street (Station Side - Near the steps) at 10:00 AM and head to take the train. We are meeting much earlier than departure time to ensure we get seats. We should be back in the city around 7 PM.
Meeting Point Photo: [https://bit.ly/2SkyVL2](https://bit.ly/2SkyVL2)
Map: [https://www.google.com.au/maps/place/Spencer+St+%26+Bourke+St,+Docklands+VIC+3008/@-37.8171681,144.9534121,20z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x6ad65d4e4c1a2cad:0x5d63752e26275ea0!8m2!3d-37.8171007!4d144.9531805](https://www.google.com.au/maps/place/Spencer+St+%26+Bourke+St,+Docklands+VIC+3008/@-37.8171681,144.9534121,20z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x6ad65d4e4c1a2cad:0x5d63752e26275ea0!8m2!3d-37.8171007!4d144.9531805)
Cost:
Organizer Fee: $20 - Early Bird, $25 - Regular
Transport: V/Line - Free
J Ward Museum (Optional): $17
Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre (Optional): $14
Photos: All the photos will be uploaded to our Facebook Group (Explore Melbourne) - [https://www.facebook.com/groups/exploremelb](https://www.facebook.com/groups/exploremelb) and to meetup.
Tentative places we plan to visit by walking around town:
\* Langi Morgala Museum
\* Ararat Gallery TAMA
\* Ararat and Grampians Visitor Information Centre
\* Alexandra Gardens Park
\* Ararat Town Hall
Optional ones you can walk to:
\* J Ward Museum (Optional): $17
\* Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre (Optional): $14
Please follow us on Social Media for photos, videos & updates:
[YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@explore-melbourne) \| [Facebook Page](https://www.facebook.com/exploremelb) \| [Facebook Group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/exploremelb) \| [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/xpmelb/) \| [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@exploremelbourne) \| [ExploreMelbourne.AU](https://exploremelbourne.au/)
Explore Melbourne is the largest meetup group in Australia. We have seven simple rules in place to protect our community and for everyone to have a positive experience.
❌ **Not a dating group!** – We’re here to make friends, not find soulmates. No flirty business, please!
📵 **No phone numbers**, please! – Feel free to swap social media if both parties are cool with it, but let’s keep our digits private. Please **don’t add people to WhatsApp or other groups**.
🔞 Our events are only **open to people aged 18 and older**.
📢 Please **do not advertise other events or groups**.
😅 **Don’t be a social octopus!** – Give people space to chat with others. Please don't be clingy.
🚗 We **don't allow carpooling** due to safety incidents/our public liability insurance not covering motor related accidents.
💰 **No sales pitches!** – No selling, no MLMs, no pyramid schemes, no “life-changing mentorship” offers—let’s keep things scam-free.
By joining this event, you’re giving us a virtual pinky promise 🤝 that you’ll follow the rules. Break them, and—poof!—you’re out for good. No second chances, no do-overs. Let’s keep it fun, friendly, and drama-free!
**Liability Waiver:**
The organizer of this group cannot accept any liability for any loss, damage, injury, or accident to participants or their property at this event. By participating in this event, you're taking responsibility for your safety and well-being. By joining this event, you agree to the liability waiver mentioned here: [https://exploremelbourne.au/explore-melbourne-liability-waiver/](https://exploremelbourne.au/explore-melbourne-liability-waiver/)
Historic Buildings Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
Sunday Meditation | Community Building | Connection | Meet New People
**Who We are..... 🤝**
Our journey to bring people together began in January of 2022. The group was started with a simple intention to gather and meet some likeminded people - connecting through the powerful act of meditation and sharing our genuine selves while sitting in a circle that represents equality, harmony and wholeness( *we believe everyone in the circle is a teacher and a student at the same time)*.
And over the last 4 years of consistently coming together, we have fostered a beautiful, loving, dependable community where members from all walks of life have experienced a sacred space to sit in silence together and meditate, share their authentic selves, give presence to others and forge meaningful and long lasting connections.
The Meditations are guided by Sana(co-founder and host), who is a Trained and certified meditation teacher by the Meditation Association of Australia, and has been guiding meditations for 3+ years in corporate and community settings.
✨ **Do you wish to....**
* Experience a simple yet powerful meditation and breathing practice to find calm, relaxation and clarity
* Connect with like-minded people in your local community and foster meaningful connections
* Meet others who are passionate about growing, uplifting themselves, and supporting others
* Share insights from your personal journey (or simply listen and learn)
Or maybe you just want to...
☮️ **Spend your Sunday evening in a peaceful, zen space and meet new people? Bring a friend (or two!) and let’s connect.**
**What’s on the evening’s flow?**
* **Open meet & greet** – connect and settle in
* **5 min guided meditation** to land into the space and connect within
* **Sharing circle** (totally optional!) – share your thoughts or simply listen
* **20-30 min guided meditation** – for relaxation and deeper connection
**Where?**
📍 **250 George St, Fitzroy VIC 3065**
Enter through the church gates. You’ll see a small garden on the left and stairs on the right leading up to the **Dance of Life Yoga Studio (first door on your right upstairs).**
**What to bring?**
* **Donation:** A contribution of **$15 or more is recommended**.
Your donations directly help us cover venue, meetup membership and other costs, provide valuable resources, and keep this meditation community alive and growing.
* **Warm jumper/jacket** (just in case!)
* **Water**
* **Any books/resources/inspiration you’d love to share**
**Important Notes:**
* Spaces are **limited**, so if you can’t make it, please update your RSVP to “Not going” or send us a quick message.
* **No-show policy:** To keep it fair for everyone, repeat no-shows without notice may not be able to RSVP in the future.
* Attendees under 18 must have a guardian present.
**Everyone is welcome!**
All ages (with guardians for under 18), backgrounds, genders, and experiences – no meditation experience needed.
The event runs for about **2.5 hours**, but you’re free to come and go as you need.
Saturday Morning Coffee @ Windchimes Cafe 3109 🌸
Hi Radiant Ladies,
After our morning walk, come and join us at Windchimes Café for coffee, warm conversation, and a lovely relaxed catch-up with your favourite ladies!
🅿️ Easy 2-hour parking right out front.
See you there!
Lyn ☕💓
MBTC 2026 Annual General Meeting
**MBTC Annual General Meeting**
***Location - Community Hub at The Dock, Multi-purpose room***
912 Collins St, Docklands, 3008 (around the corner from Library at The Dock)
* Doors open at 1:00pm
Snacks on arrival , because you are hungry, it's been a long day.
You can vote for the photo competition via MBTC Electoral Commission. Your vote counts !
* Photos will be posted around the rooms , discuss with other members in this, the world's first MBTC photo comp !
**Special guest speaker is Franca Vicendese** **an international bike rider**
**who is currently in Australia, she will talk about her special touring bike and some of the wonderful places she and her husband have toured in USA and around Australia,**
* At 2.00 the presentation from our special guest.
* Around 2.45 break for a feed including the AGM approved pumpkin soup and a yak and cast your vote.
Remember to bring a bowl, spoon and cup
* AGM at 3:30 \~ 4.15pm
AGM business will be conducted with all committee positions being declared vacant. Opportunity for any member to become part of the committee. Currently David will stand again as President, Alister as Club Secretary, Walter as Club Treasurer , with Jen P , John Waters as committee members. Vacant positions are Vice President and Ride Secretary.
* After the AGM, the Electoral scrutineers will announce the winners of the photo comp.
* Room is available until 5:30pm allowing time for a cuppa and more chatting and a some amount of gossip.
How to get to the venue
**Tram:** Routes 11, 48 (stop D18). This stop is within the free tram zone connecting Southern Cross Station and the city.
**Train: **Take any train to Southern Cross Station and catch the tram or walk 500 m to the Hub.
**Car:** There are a limited number of metered parking spaces in the area, primarily along Bourke and Collins streets. There is no parking within the immediate vicinity of the Hub.
Any questions contact the committee through email
🎉 Port Melbourne Social Get-Together 🎸
💥🌟 **Join us at this awesome new venue** 💥🌟
Welcome to the ***Cornerstone Pub***, where its all about great food & drinks, and sharing a fun night with friends old and new 🤩.
We'll have a reserved space just for us downstairs in the main bar area, with live acoustic music 🎶.
Afterwards there'll be a Latin Night if you want to stick around and dance into the night 💃🏽🕺🏻.
Flying solo or new to the group? No worries, many of us are! We’re a friendly and fun bunch. Let Annita or Andy know and we’ll do an intro with other members. You're welcome to bring a friend or two as well 🥂.
**Where:** 1 Crockford Street, Port Melbourne. We’ll have a reserved spot in the main bar area downstairs.
**When:** From 6:30pm
**How**: Tram 109 to North Port Light Rail Station, stop 127, and short walk from there. Or street parking where available.
See you there! 🎉🍹
Historic Buildings Events Near You
Connect with your local Historic Buildings community
Franklin Park Conservatory / Columbus Brewing Company
**History**
The [Franklin Park Conservatory](https://www.fpconservatory.org/)’s roots trace back to 1852 when the Franklin County Agricultural Society purchased 88 acres of land to host the Ohio State Fair. After the fair moved to its permanent home, the city of Columbus transformed the grounds into Franklin Park in 1884. This transition shifted the space from a temporary event site to a dedicated public green space for the growing community. The park became a central hub for outdoor recreation and early civic gatherings in the neighborhood.
In 1895, the landmark Victorian-style Palm House opened its doors, drawing heavy inspiration from the Glass Palace of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. This iron and glass structure became an immediate icon, housing exotic plants that residents would otherwise never see in the Midwest. It remains the oldest part of the facility and serves as a primary link to the conservatory’s 19th-century origins. For decades, it stood as a singular testament to grand horticultural architecture in Central Ohio.
A major turning point arrived in 1992 when Columbus hosted AmeriFlora '92, an international horticultural exhibition. This massive event prompted a $16 million renovation and expansion, adding significantly more greenhouse space and the Dorothy M. Davis Showhouse. The festival put the conservatory on the international map and fundamentally changed its scale and ambition. Following the event, the facility transitioned from a city-run park to a private, non-profit organization.
In 2003, the conservatory’s identity was further defined through a long-term partnership with world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. After a successful exhibition, the Friends of the Conservatory purchased most of the glass installations, creating the largest permanent collection of Chihuly’s work in a botanical setting. These vibrant glass sculptures are now woven throughout the biomes, blending art with nature. This addition helped cement the conservatory as a premier cultural destination rather than just a botanical garden.
Recent years have seen the site expand beyond the glass walls to emphasize community engagement and outdoor education. The 2018 opening of the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden added two acres of interactive landscape designed for hands-on learning. The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus also provides local residents with space to grow their own food and learn sustainable practices. Today, the conservatory balances its historic Victorian charm with modern commitments to local ecology and the Columbus community.
**Maps of the Conservatory**
Here is the [main map](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/franklin-park-zones-scaled.jpg) of the Conservatory grounds. Here's a [map of the areas](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ConstructionMap-2026.jpg) in which the Conservatory has ongoing construction (see below).
**Summary**
For this event, we'll explore Columbus's highly-rated and very popular Conservatory. As mentioned above, the Conservatory is doing renovations on parts of the facility. These renovations are scheduled to be ongoing until the Fall of next year.
Basically, no matter when you go to the Conservatory over the next 18 months, you're going to see some metaphorical orange barrels. So let's just go now.
**Tickets and pricing**
On the first Sunday of every month, the Conservatory is free for residents of Franklin County and the city of Columbus. You must bring an ID to receive this discount. (Yes, they do check.) Otherwise, tickets are $25.20.
Members of the Columbus Zoo (of which I am one) do get a discount on tickets, though I have never actually bought a ticket to the Conservatory (I've always gone on free days). I believe the discount is $4.
Parking is always free.
If you have additional questions about pricing or whether and for what you qualify, you can reach the Conservatory at 614-715-8000.
**Where we'll meet**
We will meet just outside the main entrance. I guarantee there's going to be a line. The Conservatory is always popular on free days, and especially in nice weather.
**Your GPS is stupid!**
Be careful simply typing "Franklin Park Conservatory" in your GPS and going where it tells you.
The only way to access the parking lot to the Conservatory is off of Broad Street. Unfortunately, since Google Maps is unable to find its way out of a wet paper bag, it has a tendency to want to take people to a mythical, non-existent Conservatory entrance on Nelson Road.
If your GPS does this, just drive to the north side of the Conservatory along Broad Street. Your GPS should then redirect you to the main Conservatory entrance. If your GPS doesn't, then throw your phone away\* and look for the big Conservatory sign on the south side of Broad Street between Nelson Road and Franklin Park West.
You also should be able to use the map pin I've provided, below, and it should properly direct you to where you need to drive.
\* Don't really do this.
**After the event**
After stopping to smell the roses, for those that are interested, we'll head to the nearby [Columbus Brewing Company Beer Hall](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/) for [drinks](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#draft-list) and [lunch](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#food-menu).
The Beer Hall's actual address is [200 Kelton Ave, Columbus, OH 43205](https://www.google.com/maps/place/200+Kelton+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43205/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x883889a94ac4acad:0xadb2e60240dbc38b?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111) (it's literally just on the south side of the Conservatory). Be sure this is where your GPS is taking you when you use it, as the Brewing Company has a taproom on Harrison Avenue that is *not* what you want for this event.
We should be at the Beer Hall by 1 if you can't make the Conservatory and just want to join us for drinks.
How to Be a Better Communicator - Free Seminar
Communication is everything in life
You are only as successful as your ability to communicate.
\- What if you could confidently talk to anyone?
\- What if you had the ability to calmly control every conversation?
\- What if you could close that sale\, ask for that date\, make new friends\, repair problematic relationships\, get that raise\, or effortlessly express any idea with confidence?
You can!
The secret to success relies on your ability or inability to effectively communicate. Attend a free seminar and gain a better ability to communicate.
Hosted by the Church of Scientology of Central Ohio
1266 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH 43215
For more information, contact Rhiannon, the Event Host at 614-221-5024
Richmond Zoom Online Speed Dating
**❤️🔥 Richmond Online Speed Dating on Zoom**
Online speed dating for Richmond locals — personality matched, hosted live on Zoom.
**Choose your age range to sign up:**
- **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=537.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Richmond&groupurlname=build-real-connections-at-day-trips&ar=18-32&face_v=9.0)
- **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=537.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Richmond&groupurlname=build-real-connections-at-day-trips&ar=30-46&face_v=9.0)
- **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=537.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Richmond&groupurlname=build-real-connections-at-day-trips&ar=40-58&face_v=9.0)
- **Ages 55+** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=537.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Richmond&groupurlname=build-real-connections-at-day-trips&ar=55+&face_v=9.0)
**⚠️ Your RSVP doesn't confirm a place.** Click your age group below, register, and take the personality quiz. Spots are limited.
---
**How It Works**
1. **Register** – Pick your age group above and sign up.
2. **Take the quiz** – Short personality quiz so we can match you well.
3. **Join on Zoom** – Your host will guide you through every round.
4. **Get matches** – Mutual matches sent after the event.
---
✨ Speed dating from home — easy, matched, and fun. 💕 ✨
Columbus Museum of Art, Free Admission Sundays
Let’s meet and wander the galleries! General admission on Sundays is free.
Surrey Online Speed Dating
**💝 Surrey Zoom Online Speed Dating**
Online speed dating for Surrey locals — personality matched, hosted live on Zoom.
**Choose your age range to sign up:**
- **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=537.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Surrey&groupurlname=build-real-connections-at-day-trips&ar=18-32&face_v=9.0)
- **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=537.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Surrey&groupurlname=build-real-connections-at-day-trips&ar=30-46&face_v=9.0)
- **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=537.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Surrey&groupurlname=build-real-connections-at-day-trips&ar=40-58&face_v=9.0)
- **Ages 55+** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=537.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Surrey&groupurlname=build-real-connections-at-day-trips&ar=55+&face_v=9.0)
**⚠️ RSVP alone won't secure your spot.** Register through your age group link below and complete the personality quiz. Places are limited.
---
**How It Works**
1. **Register** – Pick your age group above and sign up.
2. **Take the quiz** – Short personality quiz so we can match you well.
3. **Join on Zoom** – Your host will guide you through every round.
4. **Get matches** – Mutual matches sent after the event.
---
✨ Your next match is one Zoom call away. 🫶 ✨
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.




















