Ohio Division of Mineral Resources Management

09/10/2026

Make your plans to stop by this FREE event tonight and check out this beautifully restored historic theater located in Shawnee.

Join us TODAY from 5 to 7 p.m. for Coal & Culture: A Tour of the Historic Tecumseh Theater.

At this FREE event, guests will be able to tour our historic second-floor opera house, learn about the theater’s history and connection to Southern Perry County’s coal-mining past, and hear about our future plans.

Join us tonight at 116 W. Main St., Shawnee, Ohio

09/10/2026

08/20/2026

Proud to see AMLER investments at work here in Ohio. 🌿

The Wilds is a powerful example of how former mine lands can be transformed into places of conservation, education, and outdoor adventure. Through strategic reclamation supported by the AMLER program, this once-mined landscape now hosts thriving habitats for threatened species, miles of scenic trails, and family-friendly recreation opportunities like the Hellbender RV Campground.

At the Ohio Division of Mineral Resources Management, we are committed to ensuring that legacy mine lands are restored in ways that strengthen communities, support conservation, and create lasting public benefits. The Wilds shows what’s possible when innovative reclamation meets long-term vision.

Explore more from this stop on the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement's Reclamation Road Trip and see how reclamation is making a difference across the country.

The Wilds, a 10,000-acre non-profit conservation center and safari experience where restored terrain meets wide open adventure.

Offers an enormous, reclaimed landscape where exploration comes naturally. Threatened and endangered species, including rhinos, giraffes, and cheetahs, live in spacious habitats designed to support natural behaviors.

The property also includes the 75-acre Hellbender RV Campground, which offers a camp store, showers, a swimming pool, and campsites for overnight stays.

The land, once defined by mining, now supports trails, scenic overlooks, and opportunities to experience the outdoors on a grand scale.

Discover more details about this site and follow the entire journey through our interactive StoryMap. https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/ef10c8dc31f244049c31d4c08c39522f

08/17/2026

Sharing this fascinating look back at Big Muskie, one of the largest dragline excavators ever built. The photos really put its massive scale into perspective. It’s incredible to imagine just how huge this machine was when it operated in Ohio. If you’ve ever visited Miner’s Memorial Park, you know how impressive its legacy remains. If you haven't, it's certainly time to add it to your "Bucket List"!

Worth a read if you're into Ohio history, engineering marvels, or just love seeing the sheer size of past industrial giants.

08/10/2026

Thank you to everyone who stopped by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Natural Resources Park and visited the Division of Mineral Resources Management display during this year’s Ohio State Fair!

We hope you enjoyed exploring the Fair and discovering all the fun ways to experience Ohio’s great outdoors. There’s so much to enjoy year‑round. From trails and parks to geology, wildlife, outdoor events, and more, and we’re always excited to help you experience it.

We can’t wait to see you again at next year’s Ohio State Fair!

08/07/2026

🎡 Final Countdown! Only 3 Days Left to Experience the Ohio State Fair! 🎡

There are still a few more chances to enjoy everything the Fair has to offer before it wraps up on Sunday, August 9. You won’t want to miss the fantastic experiences waiting for you at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Natural Resources Park!

🌿 Natural Resources Park:
Explore wildlife exhibits, live demonstrations, hands-on activities, and beautiful outdoor spaces perfect for all ages.

⛏️ Discovery Pavilion – Division of Mineral Resources Management:
Stop by MRM’s tables to dig into Ohio’s mining history, learn how minerals shape our daily lives, and try interactive displays created by experts passionate about Ohio’s natural resources.

Bring your friends and family, enjoy the excitement, and make the most of these last summer days at the Ohio State Fair! 🎠🌞

🎟️ Plan your visit: https://www.ohiostatefair.com

08/04/2026

🎉🌽 The Ohio State Fair is OPEN through Sunday, August 9! 🌽🎉

Stop by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources' Natural Resources Park and visit the Division of Mineral Resources Management (MRM) to explore some hands‑on fun for all ages!
✔️ Try your luck at MRM trivia
✔️ Check out our mineral tables to learn how minerals shape everyday life
✔️ Add your creativity to our coloring wall and discover how minerals connect to restoration, mine safety, and the products we rely on
✔️ Meet our team and hear about the important work happening across Ohio’s mineral lands

The Natural Resources Park is full of activities, shade, learning opportunities, and family‑friendly excitement, and MRM is right in the middle of it!

Make sure to stop by before the fair wraps up on Sunday, August 9.

07/30/2026

What an amazing first day at the Ohio State Fair! 🎡🌞

We had such a great time kicking off the fair, and the fun continues through Sunday, August 9! There’s truly something for everyone, especially in the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Natural Resources Park.

Be sure to swing by the Discovery Pavilion, where the Ohio Division of Mineral Resources Management has an awesome display waiting for you! It’s a perfect stop to learn about Ohio’s mining history, reclamation work, and all the ways we’re restoring and protecting our lands.

From hands‑on activities to outdoor adventure, wildlife encounters, and unique educational exhibits — you won’t want to miss this year’s fair.

Come explore, discover, and celebrate Ohio’s great outdoors with us! 🌳🐟🪨🎯

07/29/2026

🎉 It’s Opening Day at the Ohio State Fair! 🎉

Running today through Sunday, August 9, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Natural Resources Park is the perfect place to explore, learn, and have fun for all ages.

Be sure to stop by the Ohio Division of Mineral Resources Management (MRM) area, featuring:
• A display showcasing Ohio’s rich mineral heritage
• A brand‑new Trivia Game to test your knowledge
• A hands‑on Children’s Sandbox for young explorers
• The colorful and creative “Minerals are ReMarkable” Coloring Wall

Whether you're looking for interactive activities, educational displays, or family‑friendly fun, the Natural Resources Park has something for everyone. Come celebrate Ohio’s natural wonders and make the most of this year’s Fair!

See you there! 🌳⛏️🌞

07/28/2026

🎡🌞 It’s almost Ohio State Fair time! 🌞🎡

The Ohio State Fair kicks off Wednesday, July 29 and runs through August 9 and you don’t want to miss it! Grab your tickets here: https://www.ohiostatefair.com 🎟️

While you're exploring the fairgrounds, be sure to swing by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources' Natural Resources Park and check out the Ohio Division of Mineral Resources Management’s fun and interactive section in the Discovery Pavilion! 🎉

Here’s what you’ll find:
A hands-on mineral display table
Fascinating mining history
Info on today’s mining and reclamation work in Ohio
A brand‑new trivia game 🧠
A giant coloring wall 🎨
A sandpit perfect for little ones under five 🏖️

Plus, there’s so much more happening across Natural Resources Park — from live entertainment to youth fishing and kayaking! 🚣‍♂️🎶

Come out, have fun, learn something new, and celebrate Ohio! 🇺🇸