When you hear Ohioans brag about the state’s natural beauty and recreational opportunities, it might sound like hyperbole to hear we are “the best.”

But an award from the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration and the National Recreation and Park Association backs us up. Ohio won the 2025 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management.

Ohio’s 76 state parks are available with no entry fee, but have 9,300 campsites, 1,200 miles of trails, ten lodges and more than 7,100 educational programs each year. All that doesn’t happen without incredible people dedicated to helping Ohioans and other visitors enjoy the wonders within our borders.

We can celebrate by reaping the benefits of all that hard work when we visit local state parks — and those all

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