explore, play, unwind

Whether you want to relax in nature, uncover new adventures or get a little competitive, Fayette County’s parks have something for you.

By Kim Schneider

Explore

Lace up those hiking boots or hop on your bike and head to Deer Creek State Park With six hiking trails, ranging from easy to moderate in difficulty, a journey through the park is a great way to see nature in action and get some fresh air. If you want to put on your detective hat, try geocaching. The digital treasure hunt lets you search for caches (hidden containers of various sizes) by following GPS coordinates. Discover all 13 caches on the Fayette County Historical Society’s historical trail passport to earn your very own commemorative Historical Trail Geocoin.

Play

As the temperature heats up, the newly updated splash pad at Washington Park in Washington Court House will cool off both kids and adults alike, thanks to an expansion in 2022. And while in the area, swing by adjoining Eyman Park to spend the afternoon playing on the playground or catching air at the skate park. You can also get into the swing of things with a round of golf at The Greens Golf Course of Fayette County with its pristine lawns, Buckeye Hills Country Club’s rolling hills or Deer Creek State Park, a 350-acre course known for its long fairways.

Unwind

Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and become one with nature when you visit the Deer Creek Wildlife Area, with 4,220 acres dedicated to preserving wildlife such as whitetailed deer, wild turkeys and beavers. You can keep the zen feeling going at Shaw Wetlands near the city of Washington Court House. The former agricultural area is now a wetland habitat where you can see (and hear!) animals such as frogs and toads. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars, as both spots are also great for birdwatchers. Red-tailed hawks are commonly sighted, and rare birds, such as bald eagles and sandhill cranes, have been seen here as well.

Leave that 9-iron at home. When playing a round at the Soldiers’ Row Disc Golf Course in the city of Washington Court House, you don’t need clubs, balls or tees. You just need a frisbeelike disc that you’ll try to throw into a basket in the fewest strokes possible. Since opening in 2022, Fayette County’s first public disc golf course features 18 holes that are both great for beginners and challenging enough for more experienced players.