5531 Cincinnati-Zanesville Rd NE (US-22)
Lancaster, OH  43130

TRAILS OPEN but park is still Under Development

Trails, signage, and  parking lots have been completed.  Picnic shelter construction will be completed in 2023.  Nature center renovation is complete but will not be open to the public until the nature exhibits are designed and installed.  Operation plan details are being developed.

Forest Habitat at Mambourg Park

116+ acres in Pleasant Township in the east-central part of the county.

The site was acquired 2003 by donation from Board of County Commissioners of Fairfield County.

Some of the activities you will be able to enjoy at this park are visiting the Mambourg Nature Center, birding and nature observation, photography, hiking or walking, dog walking, and educational programs.

Mambourg Lodge – Photo by Larry Berens

Photo at right was taken by Larry Berens during the Sneak Peek of Mambourg hike, March 2018.

The main feature of this park is Mambourg Nature Center.  It was constructed in the early 1940s by Robert Mambourg. It is a wonderful example of mortise-and-tenon construction. It came to be his family’s country retreat and a place many visited for ice skating in winter and holiday parties.

Today, the lodge has been renovated to be used for nature education.  Wildlife attracted to the pond and feeding areas can be watched comfortably from the observation area.  Although there have been many updates including ADA-compatible access and energy-conserving update, the original character of the building has been preserved.

The small stream that runs through the park is a tributary of Raccoon Run.  It feeds the pond next to the nature center.

Hickory Trail (West Loop)

Printable Mambourg Park Trail Map

Hickory Trail (West Loop)

This trail is approximately 1.5 miles long. It is a natural, unpaved trail that may be considered easy-to-moderate. Hikers can expect to see ephemeral spring flowers, hickory trees, birding opportunities, gently rolling Fairfield County hillsides, a stream, meadow, and forested areas. Pets on leash are welcome (clean up pets’ waste required).

Oak Trail (East Loop)

This trail is approximately one-mile long. It is a natural, unpaved trail that may be considered easy-to-moderate. Hikers can expect to see ephemeral spring flowers including large-flowered trillium and bloodroot, mature oak trees, birding opportunities, footbridges, forested areas, meadow, plus other park features. Pets are not permitted on this trail.

Mambourg Nature Center is used for nature education and observation.  It is not available to reserve for private events.

A shelter fashioned after Rock Mill Covered Bridge, like those at Smeck Park and Zeller Park, but larger, will be built on the property between the road and Mambourg Nature Center. It is sure to be a popular location for family reunions and other gatherings.

(info to be added)