Lakeside Daisy State Nature Preserve
A small but significant preserve protecting the rare Lakeside Daisy, thriving on unique limestone bedrock. A spring bloom spectacle.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Daisies in full bloom!
Lakeside Daisy State Nature Preserve
Best Time
Daisies in full bloom!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A small but significant preserve protecting the rare Lakeside Daisy, thriving on unique limestone bedrock. A spring bloom spectacle.
"Stumbled upon this place with a friend at the very time these rare and threatened daisies were blooming. A beautiful park!"
🎯 Bloom Season is Key
Visit late April to mid-May for the best chance to see the rare Lakeside Daisies in bloom.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The trails are short but can be uneven. Good walking shoes are recommended.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Blooming Lakeside Daisies
Throughout the preserve
Witness the rare and threatened Lakeside Daisy in its natural habitat. A spectacular wildflower spectacle.
Unique Limestone Bedrock
The preserve grounds
Explore the fascinating geological landscape where these hardy wildflowers thrive.
Birdwatching Opportunities
Various vantage points
A lovely spot for birding, with potential sightings of eagles and other local avian life.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for the Lakeside Daisy
Navigating the Preserve
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Bloom Season is Key
Visit late April to mid-May for the best chance to see the rare Lakeside Daisies in bloom.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The trails are short but can be uneven. Good walking shoes are recommended.
🦟 Bug Spray is Your Friend
Be prepared for insects, especially in late May. They may not be aggressive, but they are present.
🚗 Park Smart
There isn't a dedicated parking lot; roadside parking is common.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Bloom Season is Key
Visit late April to mid-May for the best chance to see the rare Lakeside Daisies in bloom.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The trails are short but can be uneven. Good walking shoes are recommended.
🦟 Bug Spray is Your Friend
Be prepared for insects, especially in late May. They may not be aggressive, but they are present.
🚗 Park Smart
There isn't a dedicated parking lot; roadside parking is common.
📸 Capture the Beauty
Bring your camera to photograph the unique flora and potential wildlife.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often praise the Lakeside Daisy State Nature Preserve for its unique and rare wildflowers, particularly the Lakeside Daisy itself, which draws people from afar during its bloom season. The geological interest and birdwatching opportunities are also appreciated. However, some find the preserve to be very small with limited amenities, and the experience can be impacted by the presence of insects or if the daisies are not in bloom.
"This is one of the smallest nature preserves in all of Ohio. It is actually quite beautiful. It was excessively buggy in late May, but none of the insects tried to get in my face. I do think this preserve is very unique even if it is tiny."
Thirteendays
"I feel so lucky to have stumbled upon this place with a friend at the very time these rare and threatened daisies were blooming. A beautiful park dedicated to the preservation of these flowers. We walked the park, sat and enjoyed the beauty and watched an eagle's nest in the background of the preserve. The geological story of these flowers is fascinating. We met people from all over the country. I loved it here!!"
Cathy Morris
"The trail is very short. I'm guessing half a mile in and out. No parking lot we could find. We parked on the side of the road. The daisies were not in bloom during our visit. I'm sure it would have been far more lovely if they had been. There was no shad, only a few wildflowers, and very few wildlife, including birds."
Samantha Zizzo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The preserve is located on the Marblehead Peninsula in northwest Ohio. While there isn't a large designated parking lot, visitors often park on the side of the road near the preserve entrance.
Public transportation options are limited in this more rural area. Driving is the most common and convenient way to reach the Lakeside Daisy State Nature Preserve.
The preserve is near Lakeside, Ohio, and not far from the shores of Lake Erie. It's a unique spot often visited in conjunction with other attractions in the region.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Lakeside Daisy State Nature Preserve is free. It's a public nature preserve dedicated to conservation.
The preserve is generally open during daylight hours. It's a natural area, so there are no strict gate times, but it's best to visit when there's ample light for exploration.
There is no entrance fee to visit the Lakeside Daisy State Nature Preserve. It's a free public access area.
Yes, the preserve is accessible year-round, but the main attraction, the Lakeside Daisy, blooms only during a specific window in spring.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The primary draw is the rare and threatened Lakeside Daisy (Hymenoxys herbacea), which blooms spectacularly in late April to mid-May. 
The trail is quite short, often described as about half a mile in and out, making it a quick but rewarding visit.
Yes, the short trail makes it manageable for families. However, the terrain can be uneven, so keep an eye on little ones.
Facilities are minimal. It's a natural preserve, so expect basic trails and no extensive amenities like restrooms or picnic tables.
The preserve is also good for birding and spotting other wildflowers, including orchids at certain times. The unique limestone bedrock is also a point of interest.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon often provides the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and enhancing the colors of the wildflowers.
Focus on capturing the delicate Lakeside Daisies in bloom, the unique geological formations, and any birdlife you might spot.
A macro lens can be excellent for capturing the details of the wildflowers, while a standard zoom lens is versatile for landscapes and wildlife.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🌸 Botany and Birding Enthusiasts
+1 The unique limestone habitat also supports other interesting flora, including orchids. Birdwatchers can enjoy opportunities for avian observation, with mentions of eagle nests adding to the appeal. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Rare Lakeside Daisy
+1This unique geological setting is what allows the Lakeside Daisy to flourish where other plants struggle. The preserve protects a significant population of these delicate flowers, making it a vital conservation area. Visitors often express awe at seeing such a rare plant in its natural environment, with some even spotting eagles nesting nearby.
Outside of the bloom season, the preserve remains a valuable site for appreciating the unique flora and fauna adapted to this specific environment. It's a testament to the importance of preserving these specialized habitats for rare species.
Exploring the Preserve's Landscape
While the trails are not extensive, they offer opportunities for birdwatching and observing various wildflowers. Some visitors have noted seeing orchids in addition to the famous daisies. The geological story of the preserve is as fascinating as its flora, with the bedrock playing a crucial role in supporting these specialized plants.
It's important to note that the preserve is not designed for extensive hiking but rather for focused observation of its unique natural features. The lack of extensive facilities adds to its wild, natural feel, making it a peaceful escape for nature enthusiasts.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit