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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Check out westie events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.
Discover all the westie events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.
Absolutely! Find westie events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.
Westie Events Today
Join in-person Westie events happening right now
Creativity Circle: Paper Flowers & Flower Crowns
**This month’s Creativity Circle is very timely. We will be making our own craft flowers out of paper, coffee filters, popsicle sticks, sparkles, cupcake liners, pipe cleaners and more! All ages welcome, show up as you can, bring a friend or a few if you would like to! Excited to see you there! Seats Limited. Held at the Westerville Public Library Meeting Room B.**
Journey: Hiking the Highlands in Scotland 2026
*We can only take 13 women on this trip.*
**The details...**
Immerse yourself in the wild splendor of Scotland on this exclusive **women’s 8-day hiking** adventure.
Misty moors, heather-clad hillsides, verdant glens, and ancient castles steeped in folklore will fill your camera roll by the end of this trip.
***Learn more about this all women journey here: [Highlands](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/journeys-1/hiking-highlands-scotland-2026)***
**A guided adventure:**
Guided by experienced locals, explore the untamed hills of Glencoe and the Cairngorms during invigorating day hikes. Each evening, unwind and reflect on the day’s experiences, forging friendships and savoring Highland hospitality.
This is more than a hiking trip.
It’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in Scotland’s rich history and traditions. Learn about women-led crofts and take a loch plunge while wild swimming (followed by a steamy sauna).
**What to expect...**
* Hike in Scotland’s rugged Highlands and experience green Glencoe.
* Visit a medieval castles and historic stone villages.
* Soak up the history of Edinburgh’s city center.
* Indulge in delicious and plentiful Scottish cuisine, including fresh seafood, local beer, and hearty breakfasts.
* Traverse heather-clad landscapes while giving your body a good workout. (You must train for this trip.)
* Enjoy restorative stays at beautiful hotels.
**Wait, there's more...**
* Bask in the beauty of the Cairngorms.
* Hike with other Bold Spirit women who love to travel as much as you do.
* Learn about rewilding and women-led crofting.
* Shop along the cobblestone streets of Edinburgh.
* Take the plunge into a loch for wild swimming and a shoreline sauna experience.
* Stretch both your mind and hamstrings on this special journey.
The best part? Our team **takes care of the logistics** so you can focus on enjoying a much needed vacation in beautiful Scotland.
Are you ready to meet other women who love to hike and travel, plus see Scotland with professional guides?
***Learn more about this all women tour here: [2026 Hiking the Highlands Journey](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/journeys-1/hiking-highlands-scotland-2026)***
* Ask us questions here: [Tell me more about this trip](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/contact)
* Learn about Bold Spirit Travel [here](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/about).
* Rates start at $6195
Early Dinner At O'Charley's
Enjoy a nice day out for early dinner. No over-the-top expensive Mother's day hoopla stuff. Just good eats.
Detroit Interactive Virtual Speed Dating Locals
💌 **Online Speed Dating for Detroit Singles — Real Connections, Long-Term Thinking**
This is for singles who are done with apps that go nowhere. Done with casual. Ready for a genuine conversation with someone who might actually matter.
Live on Zoom. Personality matched. Built for people who want something that lasts.
**Choose your age group to register:**
- Ages 18-32: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Detroit&groupurlname=foster-meaningful-relationships-through-outdoor-exploration&ar=18-32&face_v=2.0)
- Ages 30-46: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Detroit&groupurlname=foster-meaningful-relationships-through-outdoor-exploration&ar=30-46&face_v=2.0)
- Ages 40-58: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Detroit&groupurlname=foster-meaningful-relationships-through-outdoor-exploration&ar=40-58&face_v=2.0)
- Ages 55+: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Detroit&groupurlname=foster-meaningful-relationships-through-outdoor-exploration&ar=55+&face_v=2.0)
🌿 RSVP here alone does not hold your place. Complete your registration through the link above and finish the short personality quiz.
---
**How it works:**
1. Register via your age group link and complete the personality quiz.
2. Join Zoom at the event time — works on any device, no downloads needed.
3. Meet Detroit singles in short one-on-one rounds matched by age and personality.
4. Mutual matches are shared after — take it forward at your own pace.
🤍 Spots are kept small to keep things personal. If you are serious about finding the right person, this is where it starts.
Cleveland Online Speed Dating Verified Locals
💌 **Online Speed Dating for Cleveland Singles — Real Connections, Long-Term Thinking**
This is for singles who are done with apps that go nowhere. Done with casual. Ready for a genuine conversation with someone who might actually matter.
Live on Zoom. Personality matched. Built for people who want something that lasts.
**Choose your age group to register:**
- Ages 18-32: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cleveland&groupurlname=foster-meaningful-relationships-through-outdoor-exploration&ar=18-32&face_v=2.0)
- Ages 30-46: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cleveland&groupurlname=foster-meaningful-relationships-through-outdoor-exploration&ar=30-46&face_v=2.0)
- Ages 40-58: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cleveland&groupurlname=foster-meaningful-relationships-through-outdoor-exploration&ar=40-58&face_v=2.0)
- Ages 55+: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cleveland&groupurlname=foster-meaningful-relationships-through-outdoor-exploration&ar=55+&face_v=2.0)
🌿 RSVP here alone does not hold your place. Complete your registration through the link above and finish the short personality quiz.
---
**How it works:**
1. Register via your age group link and complete the personality quiz.
2. Join Zoom at the event time — works on any device, no downloads needed.
3. Meet Cleveland singles in short one-on-one rounds matched by age and personality.
4. Mutual matches are shared after — take it forward at your own pace.
🤍 Spots are kept small to keep things personal. If you are serious about finding the right person, this is where it starts.
Westie Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
Fort Wayne Personality Matched Professional Speed Dating
💌 **Online Speed Dating for Fort Wayne Singles — Real Connections, Long-Term Thinking**
This is for singles who are done with apps that go nowhere. Done with casual. Ready for a genuine conversation with someone who might actually matter.
Live on Zoom. Personality matched. Built for people who want something that lasts.
**Choose your age group to register:**
- Ages 18-32: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Fort%20Wayne&groupurlname=foster-meaningful-relationships-through-outdoor-exploration&ar=18-32&face_v=2.0)
- Ages 30-46: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Fort%20Wayne&groupurlname=foster-meaningful-relationships-through-outdoor-exploration&ar=30-46&face_v=2.0)
- Ages 40-58: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Fort%20Wayne&groupurlname=foster-meaningful-relationships-through-outdoor-exploration&ar=40-58&face_v=2.0)
- Ages 55+: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Fort%20Wayne&groupurlname=foster-meaningful-relationships-through-outdoor-exploration&ar=55+&face_v=2.0)
🌿 RSVP here alone does not hold your place. Complete your registration through the link above and finish the short personality quiz.
---
**How it works:**
1. Register via your age group link and complete the personality quiz.
2. Join Zoom at the event time — works on any device, no downloads needed.
3. Meet Fort Wayne singles in short one-on-one rounds matched by age and personality.
4. Mutual matches are shared after — take it forward at your own pace.
🤍 Spots are kept small to keep things personal. If you are serious about finding the right person, this is where it starts.
Toledo Beginner Friendly Home Speed Dating
**💓 Zoom-Hosted Speed Dating for Toledo People Done with Apps**
Each evening, you'll be guided through rapid one-on-one Zoom dates with people from Toledo sorted by age and compatibility, while a live host keeps things smooth throughout.
Right after registering, you submit a short personality questionnaire — the quiz results inform who you meet to match you with Toledo singles who are likely to click with you, meaning your rounds are curated and not random.
Once it is wrapped up, mutual match details are distributed — exclusively for mutual selections — and it is yours to follow up without any rush.
**Find your bracket and register:**
- **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Toledo&groupurlname=collective-of-singles-planning-dinner-parties&ar=18-32&face_v=3.0)
- **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Toledo&groupurlname=collective-of-singles-planning-dinner-parties&ar=30-46&face_v=3.0)
- **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Toledo&groupurlname=collective-of-singles-planning-dinner-parties&ar=40-58&face_v=3.0)
- **Ages 55+** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Toledo&groupurlname=collective-of-singles-planning-dinner-parties&ar=55+&face_v=3.0)
**⚠️ Important:** An rsvp on this page is not a confirmed spot, so use the link for your age bracket above, sign up, and finish the short personality quiz — spots go quickly so register now rather than later, and both steps together are what confirm your place.
---
**Here is how the evening goes**
1. **Lock in your place** – by selecting your age group and following the link, then finish the compatibility quiz, because this step is your confirmation not the RSVP.
2. **Hop on** – via your Zoom registration link at the right time, any device works and no download is required, and the host introduces everyone and gets the rounds started.
3. **Have your dates** – timed one-on-one speed dates with age-matched Toledo locals paired by quiz, as the host handles all transitions so conversations stay natural, since every person you meet was matched to you on purpose.
4. **Review your matches** – after the night mutual match results are sent to both parties, since non-mutual choices are never shared with either party, and you reach out whenever you feel ready.
**Who it is for:**
- Individuals in Toledo finished with profiles that never convert to actual dates and are ready for a genuine first impression.
- Those based in Toledo who are tired of endless scrolling and zero real dates and need a better way to meet people.
- Anyone locally in Toledo moving beyond swiping left and right with no results and are ready for a genuine first impression.
- Daters around Toledo who no longer want app fatigue and empty match queues and are serious about meeting someone.
- People calling Toledo home wanting to escape swiping left and right with no results and are after something more than a swipe can offer.
**Event Info**
- **Format:** Host-managed through Zoom video built around curated one-on-one dates, personality-first and age-grouped at every stage.
- **Where:** From home — on any screen with a camera and mic, Wi-Fi and a front-facing camera covers it completely, and any quiet space with good lighting will do fine.
- **Host:** A welcoming host runs the session from the opening to the final round, so every conversation gets your full attention — there is nothing on your end to organise or manage.
- **Vibe:** Comfortable short conversations with Toledo people who are ready for something real, and the whole thing is better than you would expect.
- **Duration:** Roughly 60 to 75 minutes from host intro to final round, with most rounds feeling short.
⭐ *"Tried it once and booked again — did not feel awkward at all"* – Toledo attendee
💡 **Helpful hint:** prepare one or two opening questions, and the host takes care of everything else from there, and the host handles everything else from that point.
---
✨ Your next match could be one Zoom call away — grab your spot above and all the logistics are covered this time. See you on the other side. 💎 ✨
Indianapolis Faceless Online Speed Dating Event
**🎊 Zoom Speed Dating for Indianapolis Locals from Home**
In each session, you'll move through private one-on-one video rounds with Indianapolis people in your age bracket who match your profile, with someone hosting live from start to finish.
When booking your spot, you take a quick personality and preferences survey — those results are used to match you with Indianapolis people who are actually compatible, so the format works harder than any dating app.
When it is all over, we send mutual match results — with privacy guaranteed for all non-mutual picks — and everything that follows is on your schedule.
**Age groups — click yours to register:**
- **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Indianapolis&groupurlname=collective-of-singles-planning-dinner-parties&ar=18-32&face_v=3.0)
- **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Indianapolis&groupurlname=collective-of-singles-planning-dinner-parties&ar=30-46&face_v=3.0)
- **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Indianapolis&groupurlname=collective-of-singles-planning-dinner-parties&ar=40-58&face_v=3.0)
- **Ages 55+** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Indianapolis&groupurlname=collective-of-singles-planning-dinner-parties&ar=55+&face_v=3.0)
**⚠️ RSVP is not enough:** Rsvping on meetup does not confirm your spot at the event, so follow the age group link above, register, and complete the personality quiz to lock in your spot — numbers are intentionally limited so register early, and only the combination of both confirms your attendance.
---
**The breakdown**
1. **Register** – through the link corresponding to your age range, then complete the personality assessment, because registration closes once spots fill.
2. **Log on** – by opening the session link at the right time, works on any device without requiring a download, and from there a live host guides everything.
3. **Start the rounds** – brief timed one-on-one chats with Indianapolis singles curated for you by age and personality, as the host signals each transition calmly and clearly, knowing the matching already happened before you got on Zoom.
4. **Discover your matches** – mutual selections are shared privately once the evening wraps, with contact info only shared when both of you said yes, and from there you call every shot.
**Ideal if you are:**
- Someone near Indianapolis who have had enough of apps that waste evenings for no return and are ready for something that feels natural.
- Professionals from the Indianapolis area moving on from dating apps that go nowhere and want actual face-to-face conversation.
- Someone in the Indianapolis area moving beyond apps that waste evenings for no return and are ready for a genuine first impression.
- Members calling Indianapolis home who have given up on profiles instead of real people and are looking for real connection.
- Daters from around Indianapolis moving beyond shallow connections that never lead anywhere and want to talk to real people tonight.
**The Basics**
- **Format:** Real-time via a live video call centred on focused one-on-one video dates, age and personality sorted before the event begins.
- **Where:** Fully remote — on whatever device you prefer, no special equipment — just a device with a camera and internet, and wherever you feel at ease is effectively your venue.
- **Host:** A professional host handles everything so you just show up and enjoy, meaning you never have to think about the format — every transition and every call to move on is handled.
- **Vibe:** Welcoming private Zoom chats with real people from Indianapolis not filtered profiles, and the format itself removes most of the pressure.
- **Duration:** Total time is around 75 minutes or so across all rounds, and you will barely notice the time.
💡 **Tip:** clear your background or find a tidy corner, so the rounds feel natural from the very start, since small prep leads to a noticeably better experience.
---
✨ One Zoom call, real conversations, real matches — grab your spot above and the evening takes care of itself tonight. Can not wait to see you there. 🕊️ ✨
Cincinnati Virtual Speed Dating Authentic Locals
💌 **Online Speed Dating for Cincinnati Singles — Real Connections, Long-Term Thinking**
This is for singles who are done with apps that go nowhere. Done with casual. Ready for a genuine conversation with someone who might actually matter.
Live on Zoom. Personality matched. Built for people who want something that lasts.
**Choose your age group to register:**
- Ages 18-32: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cincinnati&groupurlname=foster-meaningful-relationships-through-outdoor-exploration&ar=18-32&face_v=2.0)
- Ages 30-46: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cincinnati&groupurlname=foster-meaningful-relationships-through-outdoor-exploration&ar=30-46&face_v=2.0)
- Ages 40-58: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cincinnati&groupurlname=foster-meaningful-relationships-through-outdoor-exploration&ar=40-58&face_v=2.0)
- Ages 55+: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cincinnati&groupurlname=foster-meaningful-relationships-through-outdoor-exploration&ar=55+&face_v=2.0)
🌿 RSVP here alone does not hold your place. Complete your registration through the link above and finish the short personality quiz.
---
**How it works:**
1. Register via your age group link and complete the personality quiz.
2. Join Zoom at the event time — works on any device, no downloads needed.
3. Meet Cincinnati singles in short one-on-one rounds matched by age and personality.
4. Mutual matches are shared after — take it forward at your own pace.
🤍 Spots are kept small to keep things personal. If you are serious about finding the right person, this is where it starts.
Indianapolis Verified Singles Speed Dating Home
💌 **Online Speed Dating for Indianapolis Singles — Real Connections, Long-Term Thinking**
This is for singles who are done with apps that go nowhere. Done with casual. Ready for a genuine conversation with someone who might actually matter.
Live on Zoom. Personality matched. Built for people who want something that lasts.
**Choose your age group to register:**
- Ages 18-32: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Indianapolis&groupurlname=foster-meaningful-relationships-through-outdoor-exploration&ar=18-32&face_v=2.0)
- Ages 30-46: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Indianapolis&groupurlname=foster-meaningful-relationships-through-outdoor-exploration&ar=30-46&face_v=2.0)
- Ages 40-58: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Indianapolis&groupurlname=foster-meaningful-relationships-through-outdoor-exploration&ar=40-58&face_v=2.0)
- Ages 55+: [Register Here](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Indianapolis&groupurlname=foster-meaningful-relationships-through-outdoor-exploration&ar=55+&face_v=2.0)
🌿 RSVP here alone does not hold your place. Complete your registration through the link above and finish the short personality quiz.
---
**How it works:**
1. Register via your age group link and complete the personality quiz.
2. Join Zoom at the event time — works on any device, no downloads needed.
3. Meet Indianapolis singles in short one-on-one rounds matched by age and personality.
4. Mutual matches are shared after — take it forward at your own pace.
🤍 Spots are kept small to keep things personal. If you are serious about finding the right person, this is where it starts.
Westie Events Near You
Connect with your local Westie community
Women’s Night Out: Boots, Bites & Good Vibes
Who’s up for a fun night out?
Get your boots on, grab your cowboy hat, and let’s have some fun!
Thinking about checking out PBR Cowboy Bar & Smokehouse for a lively evening to unwind, connect, and enjoy the night together.
• Lively atmosphere with country vibes
• Delicious food + drinks
• Music, dancing, and lots of laughs
• Great conversation and new connections
Westerville Queer Coffee Meetup
WQC has weekly Thursday night social nights at the Westerville Java Central. Come and grab a coffee and connect with the community: low stakes, chill environment, and tasty drinks. No registration is required; come as you are.
Choose Your Movie: THE SHEEP DETECTIVES vs HOKUM at Cinemark Stoneridge!
Join us as we get together to see your choice of two VERY different movies – one sweet and wholesome – the other a terrifying folklore horror! Option 1 is the fun whodunnit-action-comedy-mystery led by Hugh Jackman, THE SHEEP DETECTIVES! Option 2 is the top-reviewed supernatural-horror-thriller starring Adam Scott, HOKUM! Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event:
THE SHEEP DETECTIVES: Every night a shepherd reads aloud a murder mystery, pretending his sheep can understand. When he is found dead, the sheep realize at once that it was a murder and think they know everything about how to go about solving it. The film is directed by Kyle Balda and take a look at this ensemble cast: Hugh Jackman, Nicholas Braun, Molly Gordon, Hong Chau and Emma Thompson and the voices of Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Bryan Cranston, Chris O'Dowd, Regina Hall, Patrick Stewart, Bella Ramsey, Brett Goldstein and Rhys Darby. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyZI5oM6hWk
HOKUM: In this film, a horror writer visits an Irish inn to scatter his parents' ashes, unaware the property is said to be haunted by a witch. It is written/directed by Damian McCarthy stars Adam Scott, Peter Coonan, David Wilmot, Florence Ordesh and Austin Amelio. Hokum premiered to rave reviews at this year’s SXSW Festival and is being release by Neon. It is earning a stellar 97% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which calls it, “A classic haunted house story enriched with atmospheric folklore and perfectly-timed shocks!” TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVCIK_MPyhc
PLAN: For those seeing HOKUM, please purchase your ticket for the 7:00pm showing and meet inside the theater lobby at 6:50pm! For those seeing THE SHEEP DETECTIVES, please purchase your ticket for the 7:15pm showing and meet inside the theater lobby at 7:00pm! For BOTH films, we’ll plan for a pre-show bite at nearby El Vaquero! For those joining for dinner, we’ll meet at El Vaquero at 5:45pm!
Should be a couple of fun movies and a good time together, Dan
CONNECTED Westerville Mastermind Group
Join the CONNECTED Westerville Mastermind Group for a dynamic afternoon of B2B networking! This event is perfect for professionals looking to expand their business connections, share insights, and foster collaboration within the community. Whether you are a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this event offers a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas, build relationships, and grow your network in a supportive environment. Connect with like-minded individuals, explore potential partnerships, and discover new opportunities for professional growth. Don't miss out on this chance to enhance your business network and take your career to the next level with CONNECTED Westerville Mastermind Group! We meet the 4th Monday of every month from 11am-1pm. Welcome and general networking from 11am - 11:30am with core meeting 11;30 - 12:30 and a final round of networking from 12:30 - 1pm.
Connected Westerville Night of Networking!
Connected Westerville Night of Networking flips the script on networking, with surprises and connections that'll make you say, "Who knew networking could be this much fun?!"
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.


















