Hiestand Woods Park and Preserve

While you frequently view color palettes in larger parks, you seldom see the small gems such as Hiestand Woods Park and Preserve which is just off Hospital Drive in Van Wert, Ohio.

A few years back this Preserve went through a renovation where new paths, boardwalks, and bridges were installed to improve accessibility for all who appreciate nature. We found this Preserve is home to a vast amount of deciduous trees and the trails are well marked and offer a great display of interpretive signage.

My husband likes to stop and view the Maples. The creek that runs along the east side of the park makes for some soothing sounds and there are interesting branch formations as you are nearing the southwest corner. One of my favorite things about this Preserve is the way the sunlight filters through the trees.

Here is a compilation of images I took at Hiestand Woods Park and Preserve while there in October 2023. You can see why we've often seen couples here getting their engagement photos taken.