Exploring Ohio's Natural Resources

2026 celebration theme
Image, America250-Ohio seal

America 250-Ohio Signature Program

America 250-Ohio is proud to offer Ohioans the following “Signature Program” to help you explore this theme. These carefully crafted experiences and programs shine a spotlight on Ohio’s many contributions to the American story over the past 250 years and beyond.

Explore Ohio’s rich maritime history with our self-guided “Lake Erie to Ohio River Trail.” This trail has seven themes to help you get better acquainted with the lake, the river, and the canals that connected them!

Natural Resources Events

September 2026

Heritage Tree Planting

Ceremonial planting of a native Ohio white oak tree at the James A. Garfield Memorial in Lake View Cemetery.
17 Sep
1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Lake View Cemetery
12316 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
October 2026

Tree Tour of Spiegel Grove

Walk the arboretum and learn about the different trees with some colonial history sprinkled in for America’s 250th birthday. The tour enhances the experience of walking at Spiegel Grove, an official arboretum and estate of the president and his wife, First Lady Lucy Hayes. Building & Grounds Superintendent John Havens, who leads the tree tours, […]
03 Oct
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Hayes Presidential Library & Museums
1337 Hayes Ave, Fremont, OH 43420

Americana 250 Cycling Classic

The Americana 250 Cycling Classic is a vibrant, community-centered event that utilizes the Miami Valley Trail Network—the epicenter of the nation’s largest paved trail system—to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary through outdoor recreation, local history, and regional pride. Event proceeds directly benefit the United Way of the Greater Dayton Area programs and services. A Route for […]
11 Oct
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Greene County Fairground (start and finish)
120 Fairground Rd, Xenia, OH 45385
No event found

Partner Events

America 250-Ohio is proud to work with organizations around the state to elevate Ohio’s central role in the development of our nation. Below you will find key partner events that help us celebrate Ohio’s contributions within this particular theme.

Get your bike in gear and get ready to ride 250 miles over the course of a week on U.S. Route 250 – visit historic sites, great restaurants and play patriotic games at your stopovers as the Great Ohio Bike Adventure takes to the road – America 250 style!

Celebrate history, culture, and community at the Great Council State Park Heritage Celebration, an America 250-Ohio premiere event, taking place June 6, 2026, at Great Council State Park. Enjoy guided tours of the park’s interpretive center, living history demonstrations, engaging historical presentations and programs, and more. 

Natural Resources Resources

Ohio is celebrated for its rich natural beauty and abundant resources. From conversation efforts to public health initiatives to prehistoric history, there is much to explore.

From parks to paths, from trails to trees, there is something for everyone in the Ohio outdoors.


Go Explore!
Ohio's Outdoor Destinations

The History of the Buckeye Trail (BuckeyeTrail.org)

The Ancient Ohio Trail

Cincinnati Hiking Trails (The Cincinnati Museum Center)

Ohio Adventure Trails (Ohio.org)

Storybook Trails (ODNR)

Road Trippin’ with Truda: Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks (OHC)

Follow the Blue Blazes (book by Connie Pond and Robert J. Pond)

Traveler’s Guide to Ancient Ohio (book by John E. Hancock – preorder)

Ohio’s Buckeye Trail (Book by Norman Fox)

Hiking Ohio (Book by Mary Reed)

50 Hikes in Ohio (Book by Ralph Ramey)

Explore media about Ohio’s waterways and rich canal history.

"Lake Erie to Ohio River Trail" Resources

Explore Lake Erie, the Ohio River, and Ohio’s canals with these resources designed to accompany the Lake Erie to Ohio River Trail. 


Partners