The Living Historical Farm features rare breeds of livestock such as Milking Shorthorn cattle and Lincoln Longwool sheep.
The park restoration includes a substantial re-created wetland area designed to improve local water quality.
Visitors can view 1880s-era building techniques in the structures on the Living Historical Farm, including a reconstructed barn and farmhouse.
The park is home to a population of bluebirds, with many nesting boxes installed throughout the prairies to support their recovery.
It is part of the larger Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system, which manages over 29,000 acres of land.
Slate Run Metro Park spans 1,705 acres and is defined by its integrated Living Historical Farm, which simulates 1880s Ohio agricultural life. The park features a diverse topography including wetlands, prairies, and mature woodlands. Visitors can traverse miles of hiking trails that wind through various ecosystems. The Living Historical Farm operates with period-accurate tools, heirloom seeds, and heritage-breed livestock. The park includes a designated dog park area for off-leash exercise. Naturalists provide educational programming focused on local flora and fauna. A large pond is available for catch-and-release fishing. The terrain encompasses significant portions of the Slate Run stream corridor. It serves as a regional hub for environmental conservation and historical preservation.
The elevated boardwalk overlooking the wetland area provides expansive landscape views.
Bring water and sunscreen as the prairie and farm areas have limited shade.
Check the farm schedule before arriving if you are interested in seeing specific historical demonstrations.
Wear waterproof footwear if visiting after rainfall, as trail sections near the wetlands can hold water.
Do not attempt to pet livestock or enter closed farm buildings without staff supervision.
The Living Historical Farm is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Stay on marked trails to protect sensitive habitat; do not feed the farm animals.
