Rolling with the Curves

Life’s an adventure. Roll with it.

Exploring the Eco-Discovery Center at Salt Fork State Park

By Matt & Debi — Rolling with the Curves

We just dropped a new episode on our YouTube channel
Rolling with the Curves!
Watch it here, then scroll for highlights, photos (300 px wide), and behind-the-scenes details from our visit to the brand-new Eco-Discovery Center at Salt Fork State Park in Cambridge, Ohio.

Episode Overview

In our last episode, we toured Salt Fork State Park, highlighting the lodge, cabins, campground, marina, kayak launch, main beach, caves, and the Orange Trail. We left off just before stepping into the brand-new Eco-Discovery Center — and that’s where today’s adventure begins.

Join us as we meet Park Naturalist John Hickenbottom, who shares fascinating details about the building process, the exhibits, and what makes this space unique. We start outside in the butterfly garden and pollinator meadow, where the butterflies are as big as small birds, bursting with colors. Even Grizzly seemed impressed (though he mostly wanted the air conditioning inside!).

Inside, the Eco-Discovery Center is stunning. From lake dioramas and local artwork to interactive displays, everything is designed to educate and inspire. John walks us through the building’s sustainable features: a living roof, solar panels, low-flush toilets, permeable sidewalks, a rain garden, and water collection systems. It’s a space built for the future, blending eco-friendly design with hands-on learning.

The center houses live education animals like turtles and snakes, plus impressive taxidermy from regional wildlife. The dioramas and models were crafted by experts, while the special Bigfoot display was created by Columbus-based artist Bo Brun. Kids even have their own dedicated learning area.

Programs here run year-round, from history talks with guest historians and archaeologists, to art nights, community events, and school field trips. Since opening in April 2024, the Eco-Discovery Center has welcomed an average of 100–130 visitors daily, with weekends often doubling that number. Future plans include upgrades to the beach house and pavilions, making Salt Fork even more inviting.

Our tour with John wrapped up under the night sky, where we spotted stars, a comet, and even a rare gray fox — a reminder of the incredible wildlife this park protects. Salt Fork State Park truly is Ohio’s gem, offering nature, history, and now a state-of-the-art Eco-Discovery Center.

Life’s an adventure — roll with it!

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Tags: #RollingWithTheCurves #RVLife #ExploreOhio #TravelVlog #SaltForkStatePark #EcoDiscoveryCenter