EXPLORE

The Barnes Preserve is a nature park that includes nearly a mile of ADA paved trails, a protected wetland pond, and a Meadow. The trails, known as Casey’s Trails,  begins at the Romich Pavilion and meanders through a mature woods and passes by Koehler’s Pond. An accessible observation deck gives a bird’s eye view of the pond that is teeming with turtles and frogs and other aquatic life. There is a good chance visitors will see other wildlife using the pond for hydration. The trail continues to the Meadow where all kinds of native flowering plantings and lush habitat that attracts birds year round plus plenty of varieties of milkweed; making the meadow a monarch mecca! The trails circle back to the Romich Pavilion and main parking lot giving visitors a relaxing and therapeutic visit. The Park District is planning to develop the remainder of the property in the near future; creating a fishing pond, additional trails, and more wetlands.

HISTORY

The Barnes Preserve land was once part of the Wayne County Care Center and is named after Don and Dorothy Barnes family that operated the Care Center for many years.