“The last two years we have had balmy winter weather but that has not always been the case. If it snows, we invite you to bring your sled or make snowmen along the trails. We are also overjoyed that the United Way of Tuscarawas County finds value in this event and has sponsored the event for several years in a row.” says Marsha Freeland.

Winter Hike 2.14.26

TuscParks will be hosting a Winter Hike at the Norma Johnson Center on Saturday, February 14, 2026 from 10:00am to 12:00pm. The event is free and open to the public. Parking and marked hiking trails will start at the Conservation Drive parking lot near the red barn (off Old State Route 39 between Dover and Sugarcreek – 3645 Conservation Drive Dover, OH). There will be three marked trails with different levels of difficulty, with hot chocolate and soup available to warm you up after your hike. Pets are permitted, but must be on a leash.
All participants are encouraged to dress for the weather. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Please check with the TuscParks or the Norma Johnson Center Facebook page for updates or call TuscParks at 330-365-1221 for more information. This event is free of charge, but donations will be accepted. 

Marsha Freeland, TuscParks Event Manager said, “This is a magical trail experience for the whole family. This is one of the few opportunities to experience the Center at night and take in the outdoors on a brisk wintery evening.”

Luminary Walk 12.6.25

TuscParks will be hosting the “Luminary Trail Walk” at the Norma Johnson Center, located off of State Route 39 between Dover and Sugarcreek on Saturday, December 6, 2025 from 5:00-7:00pm. The luminary trail walk will begin at the Preservation Loop Kiosk next to the yellow pole barn located at 4033 SR 39 Dover, OH 44622. This is a free event but donations are greatly appreciated.
The lit trail will be a quarter mile in length. Visitors can walk along the accessible trail through the forest and out to the Preservation Pond guided by luminaries. Paper lanterns will be strewn amongst the pine forest for the return walk to the parking area. Starting at 5:00pm, hot chocolate and cookies will be served to welcome guests before and after their walk. There is no charge for the event but donations will be accepted.
This event will be held weather permitting. Please check with either the Norma Johnson Center or the TuscParks Facebook page for updates. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Questions about the event can be directed to the TuscParks Department office at 330.365.1221 Monday through Friday from 8am-4:30pm.

 

Join Us October 4, 2025

TuscParks Fall Fest

October 4, 2025

12 to 5

Norma Johnson Center

Mark your calendars and get ready for our annual TuscParks Fall Fest at the Norma Johnson Center this Saturday, October 4, 2025 from 12 to 5. We know there is a lot to do this weekend but our event will not disappoint.

A $5/car donation will be taken at the entrance at 3645 Conservation Drive Dover, OH. Activities will include: Pumpkin Painting sponsored by First National Bank of Dennison, Face Painting, Balloon Twisting, Stuff a Scarecrow (you bring the clothes Josh Lautzenheiser family provides the straw), Magic Show, Bubble Mania by Hope Hill Missions, Craft tables offered by Dover Public Library and Katie Lane Art Explorers, Tuscarawas County Public Library System Book Mobile, Tastee Apple Caramel Apples, Troyers Caramel Popcorn, Tusky Deli hotdogs and a Smore snack table will be available until supplies runs out.
A $5/butterfly release fundraiser will be offered by Fran LeMasters with All A Flutter Butterflies to “Release a Monarch to Mexico”.
Other sponsors for our event include the Norma Johnson Center Foundation Board, Kimble Foundation and TuscParks. Donations will always be accepted for any of our community events.
Don’t miss out on this annual event.

 

TuscParks Fall 2025 -Walkabouts on the Trail-

The TuscParks Walkabouts will meet each month at different trailheads around Tuscarawas County. If you would like to hike with others and familiarize yourself with our local trail systems this is the event for you.

September 10

Norma Johnson Center Meet at the Conservation Drive Kiosk
3645 Conservation Drive Dover OH

October 7

Canal Lands Park Meet at Picnic Shelter at trailhead
8645 Dover Zoar Road Dover OH

November 6

Fort Laurens Trailhead
11067 Fort Laurens Road, NW Bolivar OH

Call the TuscParks office for more info          330.365.1221

 

What you need to know

  • This is a FREE 10 day exhibit
  • Donations are greatly appreciated
  • Kid Friendly crafts available Free and For Sale
  • Educational Pollinator Hike located along trails

2025 Butterfly Exhibit July 10-20th


join us…

The Butterfly Exhibit starts this week we will be under the picnic shelter on Conservation Drive from July 10th through July 20th. This educational exhibit is operated by All A Flutter Butterflies. There is a detour on SR 39 that will last for a few days at the beginning of the exhibit. This does not effect getting to the Norma Johnson Center when coming from Dover.

We will have the interactive display with Native Ohio Butterflies, free crafts for the children along with items for sale. Face painting will also be available at certain times. The Pollinator trail will be marked along the NJC trails if you would like to explore these wonderful creatures in their natural habitat.

We would like to thank the O’Donnell Family Charitable Foundation for once again sponsoring this event. Over 32,500 people have attended our event since 2010. We are truly blessed.
The exhibit will be open Monday through Saturday for 10-4 and Sunday 12-4. If you have questions or would like to volunteer at our event, please send an email to: info@normajohnsoncenter.com

 

TuscParks Presents:

The annual Fall Fest event at the Norma Johnson Center.  We ask for a $5/car donation at the gate.  Once entering activities are free.  Monarch Release Fundraiser $5/release.

activities

Paint a pumpkin, scarecrow making (you bring the clothes), face painting, music, balloon twisting, magic show, scavenger hunt, children’s make and take crafts and so much more.

Event location

3645 Conservation Drive, NW  Dover OH

Questions:  330.365.1221