Bellbrook, Ohio, is situated in Greene County, a few miles south of Dayton. Bellbrook is a small community, with a population of 7,009 as of the 2000 census. While small, the area offers many outdoor activities such as canoeing, hiking, camping and horse riding, as there is plenty of green space, wildlife and parkland.
Sugarcreek Metropark has woodland both old and new, including three 550-year-old trees. There are 618 acres of land that was once farmland and is now is home to natural habitats and diverse wildlife. There is a prairie and meadow that you can walk through or even take a horseback ride. The park also offers a variety of other activities that you can get involved in such as birding, camping, cross-country running, equestrian trails, fossil collecting, hiking, nature study and picnicking. Picnic shelters are available so you can enjoy an al fresco meal, and there is a public drinking fountain (accessible to wheelchair users) and restrooms near the prairie. The parking lot also has spaces for those less able and is situated off Conference Road. The park is open from April 1 to October 31, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and from November 1 to March 31, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The park is closed Christmas and New Year's Day. Sugarcreek Metropark offers activities for school groups, and there are campsites, which can be reserved.
Sugarcreek Metropark
4178 Conference Road
Bellbrook, OH 45305
937-275-PARK
metroparks.org
Bellbrook Park and Museum contains the story of the city's history through relics, artifacts, photographs and archives. In 1963 Bellbrook Park was given to the City of Bellbrook by Evelyn Brock. It is home to some of the city's seasonal and community events such as Christmas in the Park and the Sugar Maple Festival. The park also has picnic tables, areas for grilling, a playground and a gazebo.
Bellbrook Park and Museum
2751 Washington Mill Road
Bellbrook, OH 45305
937-848-3535
bellbrooksugarcreekparks.org
Bellbrook Canoe Rental hires out canoes, kayaks and tubes for traversing the Little Miami River. It also provides trips that range from five to nine miles, taking between two to six hours. Bellbrook Canoes will pick you up and return you to Bellbrook Canoe Rental. Bellbrook Canoes also has three shelter houses available free of charge for canoe rental customers. Groups that do not want a canoe rental may rent shelter houses for a rate of $2 to $5 per person (depending on group size). The shelter houses can be used for family reunions, class reunions, church groups, team building and school groups. Bellbrook Canoe Rental also offer a Kayak Camp for fourth through eighth graders over the summer months at the cost of $250 per child (as of September 2010).
Bellbrook Canoe Rental
3234 Washington Mill Road
Bellbrook, OH 45305
937-848-4812
bellbrookcanoerental.com
