This is to purchase a Daily Fishing Permit only. The Voice of America Lake is stocked annually in the spring. MetroParks fishing permits are only required to fish at VOA Lake. A State of Ohio fishing license is required to fish at all other park locations. If you are interested in purchasing an annual fishing permit, please visit the Voice of America Welcome Center during business hours. Children 5 years and younger can fish for free.
Ice Fishing is NOT Permitted.

Celebrate MetroParks' 70th Anniversary as we reveal our 70 favorite elements of the park experience. From the fossil-filled creeks to the tops of the towering trees and constellations beyond, get an inside view of what makes the history and nature of your MetroParks so unique. Every ID70 program in 2025 spotlights seven interesting subjects in each category; attend all ten to add 70 new pieces of park and nature knowledge to your collection.

What's that scat? Whose print is that? If you've ever asked yourself, we've got the program for you! MetroParks educators will help you identify 7 different tracks and scat made by local animals.

Registration required.
Free for all participants.

Migrating back to their winter homes in Central and South America, many birds make their way through Ohio on their journey. Let's see who's passing through Harbin Park and check in on our resident birds who will be staying through the winter! Binoculars will be available for use during this hike.

The Chrisholm farm team will be available for you to ask questions and meet the animals who call Chrisholm MetroPark home.

Join Friends of Chrisholm to explore the historic Augspurger House at Chrisholm MetroPark. Learn about the family who once called it home.

Come get your hands dirty and experience the satisfaction of farm work firsthand! We will provide hands-on training while you spend the morning helping us care for Chrisholm's farm animals. You will spend some quality time with donkeys, goats, chickens, ducks, and rabbits.

Registration required.

o The Controlled Bowhunting program is a tool used to manage deer populations within the MetroParks. When deer overpopulate, they cause ecological damage by extensive grazing, significantly harming forests. High deer populations also increase susceptibility to disease and starvation among deer themselves. A humane and effective method to manage the white-tailed deer population is with a controlled bowhunting program. This program targets specific areas in the MetroParks where damage to ecology or crops has been observed due to deer overpopulation. Additionally, it helps protect human health by addressing risks associated with dense deer populations, such as the spread of infectious diseases through tics or potential vehicle accidents for park visitors and the surrounding community.

o To participate in the program an application must be completed online via MetroParks's website before the deadline listed on the website. All communication regarding the program will be through email. All applicants must have an submit a valid email address with their application. Applicants are also required to complete a qualification test to ensure safety and accuracy while hunting with the MetroParks. Applicants who submit an accepted application and the associated application fee will be notified of the date, time, and location of the qualification. Any applicant who fails to arrive at the qualification at the specified time, or fails to satisfactorily complete the qualification course, will be disqualified from the program. After the qualifications, a lottery will be held to select those individuals who will participate in the controlled bowhunting program. The lottery will occur at the completion of the qualifications and applicants are encouraged to stay but attendance is not required.

o The Parks included in the Controlled Bowhunting season this year are Davidson Woods, Day Farm, Governor Bebb, Salamander Run, and Thomas Property. Youth hunters will be permitted in zone 2 at Davidson Woods. There are approximately 36 openings for adult hunters and 4 openings for youth hunters.

o Bowhunting serves as a crucial wildlife management tool, particularly in areas with deer overpopulation and where modern firearms are restricted, promoting healthier animal populations and enhancing habitats.

Travel back in time to early 1800s Ohio at Governor Bebb MetroParks' historic Pioneer Village. Immerse yourself in the daily life of Midwest pioneers as you taste traditional foods, learn skills that time forgot, meet historic interpreters, play games, and make candles.

Travel back in time to early 1800s Ohio at Governor Bebb MetroParks' historic Pioneer Village. Immerse yourself in the daily life of Midwest pioneers as you taste traditional foods, learn skills that time forgot, meet historic interpreters, play games, and make candles.

Celebrate MetroParks' 70th Anniversary as we reveal our 70 favorite elements of the park experience. From the fossil-filled creeks to the tops of the towering trees and constellations beyond, get an inside view of what makes the history and nature of your MetroParks so unique. Every ID70 program in 2025 spotlights seven interesting subjects in each category; attend all ten to add 70 new pieces of park and nature knowledge to your collection.

Fascinated by the night sky? You're not alone. The stars have occupied the minds of humans as far back as history exists. Whatever meaning you find in the stars, join MetroParks educators to learn to identify 7 of our favorite autumn constellations.

Registration required.
Free for all participants.