The James H. McBride Arboretum

Named after the first dean of the BGSU Firelands college, the James H. McBride Arboretum, which was created in 1984, covers 50 acres at the Bowling Green State University Firelands Campus. Famous for it's 40 varieties of crabapple trees which bloom each May and the William J. Parker two acre lake in the center of the park this is, as you can see from our photos below,  one of the most beautiful arboretums in the state of Ohio.  A paved walking path around the lake makes the James H. McBride Arboretum elderly friendly and the woodland trail through the woods is ideal for those looking for more adventure in their hike.

Parker Lake Review: We'll begin with the walk around the main lake area. The lake is divided into two areas separated by a arched wooden walking bridge. The front north side of the lake area winds around the water and over the bridge and also past the entrance of the Woodland trail. The back side of the lake also shares the walkway over the bridge but circles around the south side of the lake. At the rear of the lake is the Deering Family Terrace (showed in photos below) which is a beautiful sitting area which extends over the lake. There are numerous wood benches throughout the park beside the walkway to stop and sit and relax at any time. I can't say enough good things about this park area. It's a smaller park area but it's visually stunning and ideal for seniors and most people with handicaps will find this park friendly.   

Woodland Trail Review: The McBride Arboretum also has a wooded walking trail which is located off to the right of the front lake area. The opening to the trail is well marked and passes through a trellised garden area on the way to the trail itself. The trail is one mile in length over mostly compacted earth trail with a few minor inclines and a steeper set of stairs at the end of the trail in the woods. If you don't want to climb the steps, it's just as easy to turn around and walk back to the entrance of the trail. Either way it's about a 20 minute walk and it's scenic through the woods and beside the creek. I also recommend this trail for seniors but not for the handicapped.