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Irwin Prairie State Nature Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 121 Google reviews · Running trail in Holland, Ohio · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Boardwalk
- Loop distance
- 4 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Irwin Prairie State Nature Preserve's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Quiet nature reserve featuring a boardwalk trail and native wildflowers.
What runners say about Irwin Prairie State Nature Preserve
“Boardwalk is well maintained and VERY useful after a lot of rain, when this meadow gets rather boggy.”
“A scenic nature preserve offering a tranquil boardwalk trail that winds through diverse ecosystems, including open prairies, serene marshlands, and wooded areas.”
“A scenic nature preserve offering a tranquil boardwalk trail that winds through diverse ecosystems, including open prairies, serene marshlands, and wooded areas.”
Nice trails to walk on! We saw many different types of plants and dragonflies. The birds were amazing and this is a great place for bird watching. Wood Thrush, and Rose-breasted Grosbeak are all over. Both Yellow-billed and Black Cuckoos can be heard from the boardwalk, and the Blue-winged Warbler was also around.
Irwin Prairie is a little known gem. With a boardwalk the entire length makes it an easy walk. A great place for birdwatching in the spring and a wonderful place to catch a sunset.
What a great preserve! The boardwalk was nice, such a really intriguing place to enjoy nature and observe all the plants, animals, and insects.
I’ve taken so many beautiful pictures at Irwin but this is one of my favorites! I always see something new and exciting when I walk through. I totally recommend coming here!
Trail conditions & character
“A scenic nature preserve offering a tranquil boardwalk trail that winds through diverse ecosystems, including open prairies, serene marshlands, and wooded areas.”
“A scenic nature preserve offering a tranquil boardwalk trail that winds through diverse ecosystems, including open prairies, serene marshlands, and wooded areas.”
“A scenic nature preserve offering a tranquil boardwalk trail that winds through diverse ecosystems, including open prairies, serene marshlands, and wooded areas.”
“The parking is a small area for a few vehicles and there is no restroom or portable restroom available onsite so plan ahead.”
“The boardwalk is one path out, with a small loop at the end that has a raised viewing platform.”
“The parking is a small area for a few vehicles and there is no restroom or portable restroom available onsite so plan ahead.”
Plan your run at Irwin Prairie State Nature Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceBoardwalk — flat and scenic, and slick when wet, so watch your footing
- Loop distance4 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteohiodnr.gov
- Phone(614) 265-6561
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
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