Ohio’s state park system has earned nationwide recognition — and not just from locals who’ve long known the state’s natural spaces are something special. In 2025, Ohio received the National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management, a prestigious honor that recognizes the top park systems in the country. This award is considered the highest achievement possible for state parks, acknowledging outstanding long-term planning, environmental stewardship, innovation, and service to visitors.
With 76 state parks stretched across forests, rivers, lakes, and rolling hills, Ohio offers one of the most accessible and diverse park systems in the United States. One standout feature? Every single park in the system is free to enter. Families can hike, camp, swim, boat, and explore without worrying about gate fees, making outdoor recreation more accessible to millions. The system includes thousands of campsites, miles of trails, numerous lodges, and an impressive lineup of educational programs offered throughout the year.
A major factor in Ohio’s top ranking is its commitment to sustainability and conservation. Many parks have earned sustainability certifications, reflecting efforts to protect wildlife habitats, preserve natural landscapes, and reduce environmental impact. Newer initiatives — such as the development of Great Council State Park in partnership with Shawnee tribes — highlight Ohio’s dedication to honoring historical and cultural heritage alongside nature preservation.
Accessibility and inclusion also set Ohio apart. Many parks now feature adaptive kayak launches, inclusive playgrounds, and accessible trails, allowing visitors of all abilities to fully enjoy outdoor spaces. This focus on inclusivity contributed to the state’s recognition, as the Gold Medal Award evaluates how well parks serve their entire community.
The award also reflects the dedication of park staff, volunteers, naturalists, and rangers who keep the parks clean, safe, and engaging. Their work ensures that Ohio’s parks remain welcoming places for families, hikers, nature lovers, and travelers. From iconic destinations like Hocking Hills to under-the-radar gems like Mohican State Park — which has ranked among the best in the U.S. — the entire system showcases natural beauty paired with thoughtful management.
Being recognized as the top state park system in the nation isn’t just an accolade; it sets the stage for continued investment in Ohio’s natural spaces. It strengthens tourism, supports local economies, and inspires ongoing conservation work. As more visitors discover Ohio’s parks, the challenge will be maintaining this momentum while protecting the landscapes that earned the award in the first place.
Ohio’s recent national recognition simply confirms what residents have long known: the Buckeye State’s parks are something truly special, offering some of the best outdoor experiences in the country.
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Sources
Ohio Governor’s Office — “Ohio’s State Parks Receive National Gold Medal Award for Excellence”: https://governor.ohio.gov/media/news-and-media/ohios-state-parks-receive-national-gold-medal-award-for-excellence Ohio Governor's Office
Ohio Department of Natural Resources — “Ohio State Parks Win National Award for Excellence”: https://ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/site/home/news-and-events/all-news/odnr-state-parks-named-best-sept25 Ohio.gov
WTAP News — “‘Best in the nation’: Ohio State Parks wins national award”: https://www.wtap.com/2025/09/17/best-nation-ohio-state-parks-wins-national-award/ https://www.wtap.com
Ohio Department of Natural Resources — “Ohio State Parks Named as Finalist for Prestigious …”: https://ohiodnr.gov/wps/portal/gov/odnr/discover-and-learn/safety-conservation/about-ODNR/news/ohio-state-parks-gold-medal-finalist Ohio Department of Natural Resources
The City of New Franklin (local news) — “OHIO STATE PARKS – BEST IN NATION!”: https://www.newfranklin.org/CivicAlerts.asp?AID=924&ARC=1244 newfranklin.org
