Oakwoods Nature Preserve

1400 Oakwoods Lane, Findlay (off County Road 144)

History: Originally, a privately owned picnic and fishing area, Oakwoods is a successful community preservation effort. Grants and private donations helped the HPD purchase the original woods and lake in 1984, opening to the public in 1985. Railroad tracks and buildings were located in the area of the Richard S. “Doc” Phillips Discovery Center, but were destroyed by fire in 1916. The Discovery Center was dedicated and opened to the public in 1994.

 

 

 

 

Features:

  • 75 acres of wooded forest 
  • 79 acres of farm land
  • “Doc” Phillips Discovery Center (recently renovated)
  • picnic site available on porch of Discovery Center with outdoor fireplace
  • Wetland Window on Wildlife (wildlife viewing area)
  • Shank Lake (public fishing, 9 acres, non-motorized boats)
  • kiosk with interpretive panels
  • fishing deck (handicapped access)
  • overlook deck with rest area
  • fishing access areas around the lake
  • drinking water well (open seasonally)
  • trail system  (TRAILS CHART)
  • restrooms (composting)
  • prairie (PRAIRIE BROCHURE)

OAKWOODS NATURE PRESERVE MAP

 

 

 

 

 

 

HPD VISITOR GUIDE 

 

 

 

 

HANCOCK PARK DISTRICT HEADQUARTERS
1424 East Main Cross Street
Findlay, OH 45840
419-425-PARK/7275
hpdparks@hancockparks.com

Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am - 4:30pm