view of Malabar Farm State Park from a hill in the distance

Take a step back in time and discover the rugged beauty of Malabar Farm located in Richland County just 70 miles north of Columbus. This working farm offers guests a close up view of mid twentieth century farm life.

Malabar Farm State Park serves to protect the history and legacy left behind by Louis Bromfield, Pulitzer Prize-winning author and conservationist. Visitors not only get a close up view of farm life amid surrounding hills and woodlands but also opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, fishing, picnicking, and bird watching.

This Ohio state park also features tours of Bromfield’s Big House and the many treasures that he collected over his lifetime.

Activities

Spend a relaxing day on the farm! Malabar Farm State Park provides a serene atmosphere and trails, tours, and overnight accommodations to ensure its guests get the most out of their visit here.

Picnic areas with tables and grills are scattered throughout the park and not far from restrooms and drinking water.

For larger groups or special events, Pugh Cabin, a 1940s log cabin, may be rented. This rustic cabin has a full kitchen, bathroom, fireplace, and an outdoor grill and picnic tables.

And for guests who visit during the winter, you may have an opportunity to sled, snow-shoe, and cross-country ski.

Here are some of the activities that you can do during your visit to Malabar Farm State Park:

The Main Barn at Malabar Farm State Park

The Main Barn at Malabar Farm State Park is home to horses, ponies, goats, sheep, rabbits, and barn cats. This entertaining and close up look at farm life is open daily.

Tours at Malabar Farm State Park

Malabar Farm was created by conservationist and award winning author, Louis Bromfield. His house, surrounded by farmland and rolling wooded hills, is a blend of Western Reserve architectural styles. Bromfield’s “Big House” contains 32 rooms filled with original paintings and antiques that he collected during his travels around the world.

Tours are available seasonally for both the Big House and the Main Farm. Contact the park for more information or check out Malabar Farm State Park’s Facebook page to learn more about Malabar Farm.

Visitor Center & Gift Shop at Malabar Farm State Park

Make sure you leave enough time during your visit to stop into the Louis Bromfield Visitor Education Center and Gift Shop. Here you will find interactive displays and exhibits on wildlife, agriculture, and conservation plus souvenirs, books, memorabilia, and tasty snacks and refreshments.

Hiking at Malabar Farm State Park

Malabar Farm State Park’s nature trails offer spectacular views of wildlife and wildflowers as they wind past creeks, wooded hills, open fields, and picturesque rock formations. And a multi-use trail shared by hikers and horseback riders offers views of the farm and surrounding area.

Here are a couple of the trails at Malabar Farm State Park:

  • The Doris Duke Woods Trail – This easy one mile trail begins near the picnic area and provides spectacular views of the sandstone cliffs as it leads down to the main house.
  • Jungle Brook Trail – Easy 0.7 mile loop across boardwalks through the wetlands and forest. Beautiful views of wildflowers, birds, and fairy gardens.

Horseback Riding at Malabar Farm State Park

Bring your horses and spend a few peaceful days inside Malabar Farm State Park. The park features equestrian camping and a 7 mile bridle trail that winds through the meadow, woodlands, and past many important landmarks and features, including the Ferguson Rock Shelter and Falls.

Fishing at Malabar Farm State Park

Pack your angling gear and plan on spending a peaceful afternoon fishing at Malabar Farm. Malabar Farm State Park’s two fishing ponds provide guests with opportunities to catch catfish and bluegill. Remember to pick up an Ohio fishing license before heading into the park.

Birding at Malabar Farm State Park

Guests who quietly wander along the trails may catch a glimpse of a Brown Thrasher, Great-crested Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird, Wood Thrush, Barred Owl, Red-winged Blackbird, Great Blue Heron, Bald Eagle, Cooper’s Hawk, Canada Goose, Downy Woodpecker, American Robin, Blue Jay, White-breasted Nuthatch, House Sparrow, or Northern Cardinal.

Nature and Wildlife at Malabar Farm State Park

Picturesque woodlands, hills, sandstone ridges, wildflower meadows, streams, lakes, farmlands, and valleys greet visitors to this serene state park. Here guests may see fox squirrels, raccoons, cottontail rabbits, red foxes and more throughout the park’s maple/beech woodlands.

Pets at Malabar Farm State Park

Pets are allowed at Malabar Farm State Park but must be supervised and kept on a hand held leash that is no longer than 6 feet. Pets are not allowed inside any of the park buildings (including the Maple Syrup overnight cabin).

Camping at Malabar Farm State Park

Pack your overnight bags and make the most of your visit to Malabar Farm State Park. This picturesque park features the Maple Syrup Cabin and a primitive campground dedicated to equestrian campers.

The Maple Syrup Cabin is a restored 1940s log cabin with modern conveniences. The cabin sleeps 4 guests and has one bedroom, full bathroom, living room with a sleeper sofa, furnished living and dining areas, and a fully equipped kitchen. Also included are linens, heat/AC, fireplace, WiFi, cable TV, and a covered porch with a picnic table and Adirondack chairs.

Each of the 15 campsites has a picnic table and fire ring and access to restrooms and drinking water.

Park Location

Malabar Farm State Park
4050 Bromfield Road
Lucas, OH 44843
Phone: 419.892.2784

Park Website
Reservations

Map

Video

Here is a short YouTube video offering some history and showcasing several attractions at Malabar Farm State Park: