On a visit to Wayne County, there are many family-friendly activities that promise a blend of fun and relaxation, complete with a fusion of rustic beauty and cultural allure, as well as a taste of history.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Wooster and the Wayne County offer primitive and paved trails with winding paths that lead through lush woodlands and meandering streams throughout the area.
Secrest Arboretum
On the grounds of The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, you will find Secrest Arboretum , 2122 Williams Road, Wooster, which provides an accessible, sustainable, well-documented collection of horticulturally relevant trees, shrubs and herbaceous perennial plants.
The Arboretum serves the land-grant mission as a living resource for horticultural education, research and outreach to diverse stakeholders.
Secrest Arboretum recently underwent a significant upgrade to the John Streeter Garden Amphitheater to allow for more capacity as well as better access and safety.
The amphitheater is a popular location for weddings, concerts, including the Music at the Arboretum summer concert series, outdoor plays and other activities, according to outreach coordinator Cathy Herms.
Wooster Memorial Park
Wooster Memorial Park, formerly known as Spangler Park, is a primitive park located at the intersection of Jefferson and Silver roads, west of Wooster, off U.S. Route 250. The actual address is 5197 Silver Road, Wooster.
The park has 422 acres and 11.6 miles of trails the wind up, down and around the wooded area. The park is part of the Old Growth Forest Network, the only national network in the U.S. of protected, old-growth, native forests where people of all generations can experience biodiversity and the beauty of nature.
The park is overseen by Friends of Wooster Memorial Park, a volunteer community group dedicated to the preservation and public enjoyment the park.
The park closes 30 minutes after sundown. Dogs must be on leashes.
Barnes Preserve
The Barnes Preserve on Sylvan Road, also is just southeast of the city.
The preserve is a fully accessible nature park that encompasses 76 acres of mature woods and meadow with nearly a mile of American Disability Act-paved trails, an observation deck overlooking a wetland pond and a pavilion.
Rails to Trails, Wayne County
Greater Wayne County has four trails totaling 21 miles as part of Wayne County Rails to Trails. The County Line Trail and Sippo Valley Trail are completed. The Heartland Trail has two sections completed: 1.3 miles in Orrville and 2.4 miles from Forrer Road to Marshallville, according to the organization's website. The gap between Forrer Road and Allen Avenue in Orrville is in the planning stage.
The Heartland Trail will run about 9 1/2 miles from Orrville to Clinton. The County Line Trail is about 7 miles connecting Creston and Rittman. The Sippo Valley trail is about 10 1/2 miles leading from Dalton to Massillon and the Salt Creek Trail, about a half mile, connects Fredericksburg to the Holmes County Line.
The Wilderness Center
Other outdoor activities in the Wooster area include the Wilderness Center , which is in the western most part of Stark County, on the eastern edge of Wayne County, just off US Route 250 on Alabama Avenue Southwest.
The center offers scenic trails, wildlife exhibits in the interpretive building along with educational programs that celebrate the natural beauty of the region. There also is a nature playscape for children to enjoy while visiting the center.
Historical experiences
The Wayne County Historical Society, located on East Bowman Street, Wooster, features eight buildings, including a pioneer-era log house, a mid-19th century general store and the Beall-Stibbs homestead, the oldest surviving residence in the city of Wooster.
Learn more at waynehistoricalohio.org or call 330-264-8856.
The Smithville Community Historical Society hosts food trucks every Wednesday at the Pioneer Village on Main Street from noon-6 p.m. The Mishler Weaving Mill is open on Wednesdays 1:30-4 p.m., featuring live weaving demonstrations.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Get up and get moving at these scenic trails found in Wooster and Wayne County
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