Cedar Bog Nature Preserve

See Ohio as it was over 10,000 years ago at this 450-acre nature preserve.

Cedar Bog Nature Preserve

980 Woodburn Road, Urbana, OH, USA
March - October
Hours
Wednesday: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Thursday: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Friday: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Saturday: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Sunday: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm

Boardwalk:
The boardwalk is open during regular hours with the exception of severe weather/high winds and deer firearms hunting season (see dates below).

November 16 - November 17, 2024
December 2 - December 8, 2024
December 21 - December 22, 2024
January 4 - January 7, 2025
Cedar Bog will open at 12 PM the day after each of the closures to ensure the boardwalk is safe to use.


Handicapped Accessibility:
Ohio History Connection strives to meet ADA requirements. However, historic structures and outdoor areas provide challenges that make it difficult to provide complete access to all visitors. Please call the site with specific questions and concerns.
Adult - $5.00 Children 6-12 - $4.00 Children under 6 - Free OHC & Cedar Bog Assoc. Members - Free

Visit

Experience Ohio as it was over 10,000 years ago as you walk along a mile-long boardwalk through this 450-acre preserve. Depending on the time of year, you’ll encounter a variety of unique wildflowers including skunk cabbage in February (it blooms because it can thaw the ice and snow around it), a sea of marsh marigolds in March and April and photographers’ most sought after showy lady slipper orchid in May. Walk slowly and quietly and you may hear the “plop” into the water of the elusive and endangered spotted turtle.

The Cedar Bog Visitor Center includes exhibits, a classroom, restrooms and a gift shop. Average visit time: Allow 2+ hours

A National Natural Landmark, Cedar Bog Nature Preserve is the largest and best example of a boreal and prairie fen complex in Ohio. It has many rare plants and animals, as well as excellent orchid, prairie and woodland wildflower displays. In fact, Cedar Bog is home to 40% of Ohio’s rare species, in one location.

The almost mile-long boardwalk will guide you through Ohio’s recent to Ice Age past. Mastodons probably fed here and all of the Indian cultures of Ohio lived around here.

Learn more about Cedar Bog’s history and what you can do there!

Please Note:
​​A new site policy has been instituted for the safety of our visitors. Any time the predicted wind speeds are 30-35 mph or higher, the boardwalk will be closed.

Damage caused by the emerald ash borer has resulted in the death of many ash trees throughout the site. These trees and their branches become a potential hazard in high wind situations. Although the trees are regularly monitored and maintained, we are adding this extra precaution. If you have questions, please call ahead before visiting.

Cedar Bog Nature Preserve is managed locally by the Cedar Bog Association.

  • Audiences: K-5th Grade Students, 6-8th Grade Students, 9-12th Grade Students, Higher Education Students, Educators, Families, Government, Specialists, Tourists, Community Groups, History Enthusiasts & Sports Fans
  • Historical Topics: Natural History
  • Regions: Northwest Ohio & Southwest Ohio
  • Site Activities: Self-Guided, Hiking, Birdwatching & Guided Tours
  • Museum & Site Type: Geocaching Site, Blue Star Site & Ohio History Connection Site