Road Trip From Cleveland To This Historic Farm For An Epic Adventure That Won't Cost You A Dime
By Nikki Rhoades|Published July 09, 2019
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is — she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
The great thing about road trips and staycations is that they afford to us the opportunity to explore our region like a tourist – a feat that often requires little to no spending thanks to an abundance of free local attractions. For road trips, all you have to do is fill the tank and take off… the rest of the way, you can focus on enjoying some of the finest free activities near Cleveland. Here in town, we have incredible parks and museums, but just outside of town, you’ll find that the landscape grows more suburban, and then rural. We’re heading through farm country and into Canfield for a free farm trip you will never forget.
Since 1891, Mill Creek MetroParks has entertained nature lovers by preserving pristine patches of the Ohio landscape.
Of its 4,500 total acres, 402 park district acres can be found within the MetroParks Farm. This incredible working farm is a blast for visitors of all ages, and it gives us city slickers a chance to explore our agricultural roots.
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MetroParks Farm, which is located just across the street from the Canfield Fairgrounds, actually started its life as a private family farm.
County residents voted for the space to transition into an experimental farm under the guidance of The Ohio State University in 1915. In 1990, Mill Creek MetroParks started planning to transform the farm into an educational facility.
Today, it's an incredible and hands-on educational facility.
Visitors adore the opportunity to experience a working farm. The landscape includes fascinating crops, but the livestock is doubtlessly the star of the show.
You'll find that there is much to do throughout the farm.
This farm offers access to the MetroParks Bikeway, an 11-mile pathway connected to several other places of interest, like Sawmill Creek Preserve. The on-site archery range and rain garden both offer unique opportunities for outdoor activities and you'll surely spot some other surprises along the way.
While most of the activities on the farm operate via donations from visitors, wagon rides may cost a small fee depending on the time of year, so bring a little bit of spending money, just in case.
The farm is a spectacular place to watch the landscape change throughout the seasons.
MetroParks Farm operates April through October, with its hours varying by month. Through late summer and into fall, you just might notice the arrival of sunflowers and, eventually, pumpkins.
Can't wait to visit MetroParks Farm? Instead of a guided tour, you might enjoy a more hands-on approach by attending a special event.
