Take the Car and Check Out These 3 Birdwatching Destinations Near Dublin, OH

January 06, 2023 · 3 min read

With plenty of sprawling nature reserves and wildlife refuges, central Ohio is a fantastic destination for birdwatching, wildlife photography, and other outdoor activities. Located in the northwestern outskirts of Columbus, the city of Dublin, OH, is a great base to discover the best birding spots in the region. Here are three of our favorite destinations where you can check out some rare species of birds and enjoy some relaxing time in nature.

1. Killdeer Plains Wildlife Area

An excellent area for viewing a plethora of different wildlife species in their natural environment, Killdeer Plains Wildlife Area is a well-known destination among birders from all over central Ohio. Located about 50 miles northwest of the Dublin city center, this nature reserve can be reached in just one hour by car via route OH-257.

Encompassing over 9,000 acres of territory, Killdeer Plains Wildlife Area provides habitat to large populations of red-winged blackbirds, Tennessee warblers, black-throated blue warblers, bald eagles, northern harriers, and short-eared owls. This wildlife refuge is not only an excellent birding destination but also a fantastic spot for other recreational activities including hiking, selective hunting, fishing, and picnicking.

2. Big Island Wildlife Area

Located just 40 miles north of downtown Dublin, Big Island Wildlife Area is another top-rated birding destination that features expansive meadows, wetlands, and hardwood forests. Encompassing an area of nearly 6,000 acres, this nature reserve provides habitat to large populations of blue-winged teals, mourning doves, Canada geese, trumpeter swans, great blue herons, northern harriers, upland sandpipers, and other species of local and migratory birds.

Driving from Dublin to Big Island Wildlife Area takes about 50 minutes via route OH-257. Although there are no designated trails in this nature reserve, a scenic viewing deck located right off route OH-95 offers great views of the surroundings. This wildlife refuge is open year-round between dawn and dusk and is a fantastic place to spend a day in nature.

3. Delaware State Park

Established in 1952 and located just 25 miles north of Dublin, Delaware State Park is another top-rated birding destination that covers an area of nearly 1,700 acres. Open year-round for camping, hiking, boating, selective hunting, picnicking, and other recreational activities, this place is a well-known spot among visitors from all over central Ohio. Some of the bird species that can be found here include white-breasted nuthatch, prothonotary warbler, red-shouldered hawk, and barred owl.

With standard all-wheel drive, a powerful and efficient engine, and premium seating for five occupants, the 2022 Kia Sportage LX is a great vehicle to go on fantastic road trips in Ohio and beyond. Stop by Twins Auto of Dublin today, take your favorite vehicle on a test drive, and ask our team members about the flexible financing options available for you.

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May 24, 2024 in Dublin, Ohio

Why Used GMC Vehicles Are Great for Work and Play

The automobile industry is full of brands that bring substance and style to the world, and GMC is one of them. Buying a used GMC allows you to enjoy the benefits the manufacturer offers while saving money. Here are a few more reasons to consider a pre-owned one. Designed To Last GMC vehicles are engineered to be durable and reliable. Their durability ensures that you'll enjoy uncompromised performance, even if it's a pre-owned model. Versatility Whether you must tackle rough terrains or navigate the city streets, GMC vehicles are built for adventure. The trucks and SUVs are particularly exciting because you can take them off-road whenever you want. more Power and Performance GMC vehicles always pack a punch. It doesn't matter if you're hauling things to the work site, cruising the back roads, or towing a camper for a family vacation. You'll get consistent performance, regardless of what you're doing. Safety Guaranteed GMC is committed to protecting you and your family. Even the older models have solid safety features, providing peace of mind. Many Great Features While your used vehicle might not have the most recent features, you'll be able to appreciate and love what is available. Many of the features on a new vehicle are optional; you must pay more for them. However, it's possible to find a GMC truck or SUV with that year's additional features already included. You pay less and still enjoy the luxury options you want. Depreciation Benefits As new cars roll off the lot, they depreciate in value. Buying a used vehicle bypasses this issue, allowing you to enjoy the performance and luxury a GMC offers at a lower price. Enduring Quality GMC requires high standards during the manufacturing process. Therefore, its vehicles continue offering the best performance, reliability, and value you have come to expect from the brand. Maintenance History Trusted dealerships offer comprehensive vehicle histories. You can feel confident in your purchase because the dealer is transparent about all aspects of the vehicle. Variety Dealerships usually have many GMC vehicles on the lot, so it's easy to find the right fit for your needs. Browse online or visit your local dealer to discover the many options available. Top Pre-owned GMC Vehicles To Consider SUVs and trucks are the most popular GMC vehicles on the market. Here are a few to consider: 2016 GMC Yukon XL Denali 2020 GMC Terrain SLT 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE The best decision you can make when buying a used vehicle is to choose a GMC model. They're versatile, designed to last, and offer many great features for a fraction of what a new one would cost. Visit Twin Auto of Dublin in Dublin, OH to browse our selection of pre-owned GMCs today.

Nov 10, 2023 in Dublin, Ohio

3 Outdoor Activities You Can Drive to Near Dublin, OH

Dublin, OH is a gorgeous city that offers plenty of things to do, including outdoor activities. Additionally, it is nearby other outdoor points of interest if you want to enjoy something a little different. Today, we're looking at some of our favorite things to do outdoors that are within driving distance of Dublin. 1. Hiking at Olentangy Indian Caverns One great way to enjoy the great outdoors near Dublin is to visit Olentangy Indian Caverns at 1779 Home Rd. There are several things your whole family can enjoy here, including mini golf, an outdoor treasure hunt maze, and a petting zoo. You can also help your kids mine for gems and tour the caves. You can also find a walking trail here, and your kids can play on the playground. Kids also love the fire truck. more 2. Exploring Hayden Falls Park Hayden Falls Park at 4326 Hayden Run Rd is another great place to visit if you are feeling disconnected from nature. It is part of the Griggs Nature Preserve and features a stunningly beautiful overlook that provides a beautiful view of a 35-foot waterfall. Botany lovers love it here because there are several endangered and rare plants on the western bank of the Scioto River. 3. Playing at Soccer First We also recommend playing at Soccer First at 6490 Dublin Park Drive if you want to get some exercise and enjoy some fresh air. On this massive campus, there are a dozen regulation outdoor fields and 11 fields that can accommodate 8 v 8 games. Whether you played intermural soccer in college or you haven't kicked a ball in years, you can have a lot of fun here. 4. Mountain Biking at Quarry Trails Metro Park Another great way to enjoy nature is to go mountain biking at Quarry Trails Metro Park at 2600 Dublin Road. There are several trails you can explore, and if you're not in the mood for an exciting bike ride, you can take your dog or cat on the paved trails in this park. Just keep in mind that your pets must be leashed, and the leash can't be longer than six feet. Rock climbing is also popular at this park. However, you need to book a guided program to climb. There is a lot of natural beauty in our neck of the woods, and there are plenty of fun things to do outdoors. However, you need a safe, reliable way to get around. If your current vehicle is often in the shop, consider upgrading to a 2023 Nissan Altima. To take it on a test drive, visit us at Twins Auto of Dublin today.

Aug 18, 2023 in Dublin, Ohio

4 Kid-Friendly Activities You Can Drive to Near Dublin, OH

Pile your family in an SUV with plenty of space for everyone and treat them to fun outings packed with exciting kid-friendly activities around Dublin, OH. Search for fairies, play exciting games, find out how chocolate is made, and have a whale of a time at a waterpark. 1. Explore the Magical Irish Fairy Door Trial Embark on an enchanting adventure with your children down the whimsical Irish Fairy Door Trial. This free scavenger hunt takes you on a magical journey through the streets of Historic Dublin and Bridge Park to find the homes of eleven fairies. Begin your quest at the Dublin Visitor and Information Center, where you'll get a map and a passport. Follow the trail, fill out your passport with the names of the fairies you find, and take it back to the center for a free Fairy Door Trail t-shirt. more Address and Hours The Dublin Visitor and Information Center is at 9 South High Street in Dublin. The Fairy Door Trail is open daily during business hours. 2. Have a Blast Playing With Balls The Mechanical Company is an old-school entertainment venue where you and the kids will have a great time playing all sorts of ball games, from classic foosball and pinball to competitive ping pong and bocce ball. The venue also has ten duckpin bowling lanes with smaller balls and pins, and on Shorty Sundays, kids get a complimentary soda and bowl for free until 8 p.m. Address and Hours Pins Mechanical Company is at 6558 Riverside Drive in Dublin and is open Monday to Thursday from 4 p.m. and over weekends from noon until well past midnight. 3. See How Chocolate Is Made The Anthony-Thomas Factory, which has made the world a sweeter place since 1952, offers fascinating guided tours of their factory, where 30,000 pounds of chocolates are made per shift. You and the kids will learn about the history and production of their famous buckeyes and chocolate along the suspended catwalk through the entire candy-making process step-by-step, from the kitchens to the final packaging, and get to taste free samples. Address and Hours The Anthony-Thomas Factory is at 1777 Arlingate Lane in Columbus, nine miles from Dublin. Tours are available every Tuesday and Thursday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. 4. Enjoy Thrills and Spills at the Waterpark Zoombezi Bay is an impressive 22.7-acre water park with the world's largest enclosed reducing-radius tunnel that reaches incredible speeds of 24 miles per hour. Here you can conquer waves up to four feet high in the wave pool, slide down the heart-pounding Python Plunge watercoaster, barrel down the six-lane water racer, and navigate the challenging obstacles on the aquatic-themed course. There is plenty of water fun for toddlers, cabana rentals, and various food choices. Address and Hours Zoombezi Bay is at 4850 West Powell Road in Powell, roughly six miles away, and is open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Plan fun activities the whole family will enjoy and make memories your kids will never forget. Swing by Twins Auto of Dublin today to find an affordable pre-owned vehicle with enough legroom and cargo space for exciting family adventures.