Events
October 2026
UPDATES AND ANNOUNCEMENSS
-
Click here or here for last-minute announcements regarding scheduled events because of weather or other circumstances.
Click here for a printable Winter 2025 calendar.
October
- Thursday, October 1
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Intro to Birding: Fall Migration
- 10:00 am - 11:00 am
- Join us during the peak of fall migration for this beginner-friendly birding program where we'll explore the fascinating world of birds and learn how to identify common species in our area.
- Meet at the Nature Center.
- Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp
Rocks and Relics
- 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
- Stop by the Nature Center to explore cool rocks and fossils, learning how they formed and what they reveal about Earth's history.
- Sessions will last roughly half an hour and start at 1:00 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:00 pm, and 2:30 pm.
- Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp
- Friday, October 2
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Woof Walk
- 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
- Bring your four-legged friend along for a guided walk! Join us to explore the trails, enjoy the outdoors, and learn about nature together.
- Please always keep dogs on a leash and clean up after your pet. We appreciate it!
- Meet at the Nature Center.
- Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp
Meet the Raptor
- 7:00 pm - 7:30 pm
- Meet our feathered wildlife ambassador up close! Learn about raptors you may see in the park.
- Meet at the Nature Center.
- Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp
Bat Crazy!
- 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm
- Bats are all around us after sunset, but we rarely hear them. Join us for a nighttime hike to learn about Ohio's fascinating flying mammals. Flashlights are welcome but aren't required.
- Meet at the Nature Center.
- Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp
- Saturday, October 3
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Archery: Bullseye Basics
- 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
- Join us in learning the fundamentals of archery! Equipment and instruction provided.
- Must be present at the beginning of the program to be able to participate.
- Meet at the Nature Center.
- Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp
Meet the Woolly Bear
- 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
- Meet the fuzzy woolly bear caterpillar and discover its fascinating life cycle, unique winter survival strategies, and the folklore behind its famous weather predictions. Perfect for curious nature lovers of all ages.
- Sessions will last roughly half an hour and start at 5:00 pm and 5:30 pm.
- Meet at the Nature Center.
- Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp
Campfire Stories and Wildlife Myths
- 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
- Gather around the campfire as we separate fact from fiction about some of Ohio's most misunderstood wildlife. From owls and bats to snakes, spiders, and coyotes, we'll share folklore, tell stories, and uncover the science behind these amazing animals.
- Meet at the Nature Center.
- Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp
- Sunday, October 11
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Cowan's Critters
- 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
- Join us to meet our wildlife ambassadors up close, learn about their unique adaptations, and if timing allows, watch them enjoy a feeding!
- Meet at the Nature Center.
- Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp
- Monday, October 12
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Stories in Charcoal
- 10:00 am - 10:45 am
- Nature has inspired art for thousands of years. Join us as we use charcoal to sketch leaves, wildlife, or landscapes found in the park. Take home your artwork and a new appreciation for nature's role in creativity!
- Meet at the Nature Center.
- Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp
Echoes in Stone: Indigenous Peoples' Day
- 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
- In honor of Indigenous Peoples' Day, explore a display of Native American stone tools and artifacts while learning about their craftmanship and uses.
- Meet at the Nature Center.
- Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp
- Thursday, October 15
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Tree Trek: Fall Foliage
- 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
- Take a walk through the vibrant colors of autumn as we explore the trees that make fall so spectacular. Learn why leaves change color, discover how to identify common tree species, and enjoy the beauty of the season on this guided hike.
- Meet at the Nature Center.
- Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp
Scales and Tails
- 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
- Join us to learn about local amphibians and reptiles with a chance to meet some of our wildlife ambassadors up close.
- Meet at the Nature Center.
- Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp
- Friday, October 16
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Nature on Wheels
- 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
- Keep an eye out for the Naturalist and her nature wagon as it travels through the campground! Stop by anytime to discover fascinating critters, mystery boxes, and other hands-on nature surprises.
- Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp
Bat Crazy!
- 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm
- Bats are all around us after sunset, but we rarely hear them. Join us for a nighttime hike to learn about Ohio's fascinating flying mammals. Flashlights are welcome but aren't required.
- Meet at the Nature Center.
- Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp
- Saturday, October 17
-
Tree Trek: Fall Foliage
- 10:00 am - 11:00 am
- Take a walk through the vibrant colors of autumn as we explore the trees that make fall so spectacular. Learn why leaves change color, discover how to identify common tree species, and enjoy the beauty of the season on this guided hike.
- Meet at the Commissary.
- Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp
Fact or Fright?
- 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
- Snakes, coyotes, spiders, and more might seem scary? but are they really? Join us to discover the truth behind these misunderstood animals.
- Meet at the Nature Center.
- Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp
Haunted Archery
- 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
- An introduction to archery for all ages! Equipment and instruction provided.
- Must be present at the beginning of the program to be able to participate.
- Meet at the Nature Center.
- Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp
- Thursday, October 22
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Guided Nature Center Tour
- 10:00 am - 11:00 am
- Meet the Naturalist for a guided tour of the Nature Center, and a chance to meet some of our wildlife ambassadors up close. Learn about plants and wildlife you may see in the park.
- Meet at the Caesar Creek Nature Center.
- Park Naturalist Erin Shaw
The Science of Light - Rainbows and Prisms
- 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
- Meet at the Nature Center.
- Discover the colorful science behind one of nature's most familiar mysteries.
- In this hands-on program, we'll explore how sunlight, water droplets, prisms and angles work together to create rainbows. Participants will learn about the visible light spectrum and how rainbows help us understand light, weather, water, basic elements and the natural world.
- Park Naturalist: Erin Shaw
- The program will also connect rainbows to the bigger ideas in nature, including pollinators, animal vision, solar energy, weather patterns and why light is an important natural resource.
- Families will have the chance to experiment with prisms, observe colors in sunlight and discover how something as simple as a rainbow can reveal the hidden science all around us.
- Park Naturalist: Erin Shaw
- Friday, October 23
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Nature on Wheels
- 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
- Keep an eye out for the Naturalist and her nature wagon as it travels through the campground! Stop by anytime to discover fascinating critters, mystery boxes, and other hands-on nature surprises.
- Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp
Meet the Raptor
- 7:00 pm - 7:30 pm
- Meet our feathered wildlife ambassador up close! Learn about raptors you may see in the park.
- Meet at the Nature Center.
- Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp
Night Hike
- 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm
- Experience the park after sunset as your senses come alive. Flashlights are welcome, but I challenge you to let your eyes adjust and discover how much the night has to offer. We'll listen to nocturnal wildlife, explore the darkness, and see nature from a whole new perspective.
- Meet at the Nature Center.
- Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp
- Saturday, October 24
-
Tree Trek: Fall Foliage
- 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
- Take a walk through the vibrant colors of autumn as we explore the trees that make fall so spectacular. Learn why leaves change color, discover how to identify common tree species, and enjoy the beauty of the season on this guided hike.
- Meet at the Commissary.
- Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp
Archery: Aim for Adventure
- 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
- An introduction to archery for all ages! Equipment and instruction provided.
- Must be present at the beginning of the program to be able to participate.
- Meet at the Nature Center.
- Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp
Campfire Stories and Wildlife Myths
- 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
- Gather around the campfire as we separate fact from fiction about some of Ohio's most misunderstood wildlife. From owls and bats to snakes, spiders, and coyotes, we'll share folklore, tell stories, and uncover the science behind these amazing animals.
- Meet at the Nature Center.
- Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp
- Sunday, October 25
-
Intro to Birding: Fall Migration
- 10:00 am - 11:00 am
- Join us during the peak of fall migration for this beginner-friendly birding program where we'll explore the fascinating world of birds and learn how to identify common species in our area.
- Meet at the Nature Center.
- Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp
Spillway Hike
- 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
- Join us for a ~5-mile guided hike on Spillway trail. Learn about wildlife and park history on the way.
- Closed-toed shoes, appropriate clothes, and water recommended.
- Meet at the Spillway Parking Lot on the west side of the lake.
- Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp
- Thursday, October 29
-
Tree Trek: Fall Foliage
- 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
- Take a walk through the vibrant colors of autumn as we explore the trees that make fall so spectacular. Learn why leaves change color, discover how to identify common tree species, and enjoy the beauty of the season on this guided hike.
- Meet at the Commissary.
- Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp
Cowan's Critters
- 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
- Join us to meet our wildlife ambassadors up close, learn about their unique adaptations, and if timing allows, watch them enjoy a feeding!
- Meet at the Nature Center.
- Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp
- Friday, October 30
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Campfire and Cryptids
- 6:15 pm - 7:45 pm
- Gather around the campfire as we explore the legends behind famous cryptids like Bigfoot, the Mothman, and more! Discover the folklore, separate facts from fiction, and enjoy an evening of campfire stories and conversation.
- Meet at the Nature Center.
- Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp
Night Hike
- 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm
- Experience the park after sunset as your senses come alive. Flashlights are welcome, but I challenge you to let your eyes adjust and discover how much the night has to offer. We'll listen to nocturnal wildlife, explore the darkness, and see nature from a whole new perspective.
- Meet at the Nature Center.
- Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp
- Saturday, October 31
-
Tree Trek: Fall Foliage
- 10:00 am - 11:00 am
- Take a walk through the vibrant colors of autumn as we explore the trees that make fall so spectacular. Learn why leaves change color, discover how to identify common tree species, and enjoy the beauty of the season on this guided hike.
- Meet at the Commissary.
- Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp
Fact or Fright?
- 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
- Snakes, coyotes, spiders, and more might seem scary? but are they really? Join us to discover the truth behind these misunderstood animals.
- Meet at the Nature Center.
- Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp
Haunted Archery
- 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
- An introduction to archery for all ages! Equipment and instruction provided.
- Must be present at the beginning of the program to be able to participate.
- Meet at the Nature Center.
- Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp
Novermber 2026
UPDATES AND ANNOUNCEMENSS
-
Click here or here for last-minute announcements regarding scheduled events because of weather or other circumstances.
Click here for a printable Winter 2025 calendar.
November
- Saturday, November 7
-
Trail of Heroes Dedication
- 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
- Join us to dedicate the trail to honor veterans and first responders from Clinton County. Attendees can walk the trail and read the stories of local heroes along the way.
- All are welcome to celebrate and honor our heroes.
- An ODNR America 250 event.
- Meet at the Nature Center.
- Friday, November 13
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Meet the Raptor
- 4:30 pm - 5:00 pm
- Meet our feathered wildlife ambassador up close! Learn about raptors you may see in the park.
- Meet at the Nature Center.
- Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp
Twilight on the Trail
- 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
- Explore Lakeview Trail as the sun goes down. Look and listen to wildlife while enjoying the peaceful sights and sounds of the lake at dusk.
- Meet at the Commissary.
- Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp
- Saturday, November 14
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Tree Trek: Winter ID
- 10:00 am - 11:00 am
- Join us for a winter tree trek and discover how to identify Ohio's trees by their bark, buds, twigs, and other clues. We'll explore the landscape together and see how much we can uncover even after the leaves are gone.
- Meet at the Nature Center.
- Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp
Archery: Bullseye Basics
- 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
- Join us in learning the fundamentals of archery! Equipment and instruction provided.
- Must be present at the beginning of the program to be able to participate.
- Meet at the Nature Center.
- Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp
- Sunday, November 22
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Birds of Winter
- 10:00 am - 11:00 am
- Discover which birds call Ohio home during the colder months and learn how they survive when temperatures drop and food becomes scarce.
- Optional: make a pinecone bird feeder to take home!
- Meet at the Nature Center.
- Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp
Rocks and Relics
- 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
- Stop by the Nature Center to explore cool rocks and fossils, learning how they formed and what they reveal about Earth's history.
- Sessions will last roughly half an hour and start at 1:00 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:00 pm, and 2:30 pm.
- Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp
Friday, November 27
- Tree Trek: Winter ID
- 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
- Join us for a winter tree trek and discover how to identify Ohio's trees by their bark, buds, twigs, and other clues. We'll explore the landscape together and see how much we can uncover even after the leaves are gone.
- Meet at the Nature Center.
- Park Naturalist: Kaia Heitkamp
Twilight on the Trail
- 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
- Explore Lakeview Trail as the sun goes down. Look and listen to wildlife while enjoying the peaceful sights and sounds of the lake at dusk.
Information
BeachGuard Water Reports and Advisories
Beachguard is a service provided by the Ohio Department of Health.
The primary health concerns at a swimming beach are the presence of coliform bacteria (E. coli) and toxins released by certain species of algae, or Harmful Algae Blooms (HABs). The Ohio Department fo Health regularly tests the water at public beaches for both fo thse contaiminants regularly and publishes in the internet.
Note: The Report uses an extremely dark shade of green to denote safe water.
Maps
- Cowan Lake State Park
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Very details list of amenities
Also shows Culberson Woods Nature Preserve - Cowna Lake State Park
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Dirving directios
Contact information may not be current - Cowan Lake State Park Campground
- General layout and locations of amenities
- Cottage Map
- Cottage Map
- Lakeview Tril
- 0.8 miles
- Beechnut Trail
- 0.5 miles
- Dogwood Trail
- 0.7 miles
- Lotus Cove and Old Field Trails
- 0.8 and 0.6 miles
- Spillway Trail
- 2.5 miles; trailheads at spilllway parking lot and ramp at Lotus Cove
- Highly Experimental Interactive Map
- Use with scepticism.
Contact
Emergency telephone: 911-
- For other assistance and information: #ODNR
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- Cowan Lake State Park and Campground
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Office: 1750 Owsorne Road
Wilmington, OH 45177
Park webpage
Campground webpage
Park Office: (937) 382-1096
Naturalist Programming: (740) 816-4405 Reservations: (866) 644-6727 Marina: (937) 289-2656 - Friends Caring for Cowan Lake State Park
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link to website
- Found an injured animaal?
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Have you found an animal that might be injured or an
orphan? Follow this link for help from ODNR Division of
Wildlife: Found
an animal or call 1-800-945-3543 (1-800-WILDLIFE)
- Questions and comments about this website:
- mailto:admin@cowanlake.net