Hoover Mudflats Boardwalk is part of the Columbus Recreation and parks, with special contributors. The mudflats are a great attraction to many different kinds of birds. I've read that bald eagles, peregrine falcons and osprey are lake residents. While we were on the boardwalk overlooking the mudflats and reservoir we saw a turkey vulture, a hawk of some kind, and a great blue heron - which was exciting to the kids. I'm sure if we had stayed a little longer, or come at a different time, we would have seen many more birds. We also spotted some fish skeletons washed up on shore - which shouldn't have surprised me, but did. The boys thought it was cool, gross, and sad - it was a series of emotions. ;) The other thing the boys enjoyed were some of the spider webs on the boardwalk wiring.
As we walked along the boardwalk we passed a few fishermen, who were having some luck, as well as a couple people who were laying on blanket reading. It was a quiet, peaceful and relaxed area - which I found nice after a long crazy week. This could be either a quick trip to the end of the boardwalk and back, or leisurely explore - looking for wildlife - depending on your, or your child's, mood.
There is a parking lot. If you aren't looking for it, you will likely pass right by it, as the entrance to the dirt parking lot is nestled between mature trees. The parking lot is off Front St. Take Old 3C Highway north to Galena, then turn right onto Front St. and look to your right for the parking lot. There is a porta-potty there as well.
One downside to this boardwalk is that between the top rail and the boardwalk there are only four wires (you can see it in the photos). Granted they are heavy duty wires, and they are spaced well, but if you are squimish about your children being out over the water or they are dare devils, you might want to bring extra adults, or not go until they are older. I won't lie, there were a few times my husband and I had a little panicked gasps, but with three boys, one acting fearless, and two slightly high strung parents... that's bound to happen. That said, I am definitely planning to take my children again.
The only other two negatives were that the water was really muddy in color, it would have been nice to see down into it a little, and there was some litter. Not much, but still sad nonetheless.
What to bring: I wish I had brought us all binoculars to see the birds better, and maybe a bird book for them to reference. If you plan on staying a little, maybe a blanket to sit on. Sunscreen is a must being out over the water.
I noticed as we did the very small circle of Galena on our way home, that were are two restaurants on the circle in case you are interested. We did not eat there, so I can't speak for the food, but worth noting.
If you are traveling any distance to visit, we suggest wrapping it around something else. Our recommendations would be to check out Hoover Dam off Sunbury Rd. (if your kids are a little older), or Inniswood Gardens Metro Park where the grounds are beautiful and they have a children's garden area, or possibly to Millstone Creek Park which is a fun playground that also has a water element (little creek) - all three are in Westerville.
Entrance to the Hoover Mudflats Boardwalk. There is a gate at the entrance which I assume they close every night after dark.
Walking on the boardwalk.
Looking out over the reservoir from the boardwalk. Note the four thick wires.
End of the boardwalk, the boys looking for birds, fish and other wildlife. This is where we saw the hawk and great blue heron. We also saw, and heard, a few fish jump.
