Quail Hollow State Park

Copyright: Patty Elton-Interactive Outdoors, Inc. Quail Hollow's manicured herb garden is just a sampling of the beautiful park grounds

Harry Bartlett Stewart began acquisition of the Brumbaugh homestead and other properties, ultimately totaling 720 acres, in 1914. The Stewart's original tract, adjacent to the Brumbaugh homestead, was called the Minnie Taylor Farm after Harry Stewart's wife.

The small farmhouse on the Minnie Taylor Farm was built in 1838. During the first few years the Stewards owned it, the home was used mainly on weekends during the autumn hunting season. By 1929, additions to the farmhouse and construction of its two neighboring structures were completed and the home became the permanent residence of the Stewart family. The main house, the adjacent servant's cottage and the garage appeared as they do today, reflecting strong Greek Revival and Federal architectural influences.

The Stewart's son, Harry Bartlett Stewart, Jr. and his wife Catherine moved into the manor in 1937. Mr. Stewart, like his father, was chairman of the board and chief executive officer of the Akron, Canton and Youngstown Railroad.

The Stewart family resided in their home until 1975 when they offered the acreage and building to the state for one-half the appraised valuation. The U.S. Department of Interior provided funds for the state to acquire Quail Hollow State Park. On May 15, 1975, Quail Hollow came under the administration and management of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Parks and Recreation.

Attractions - If you're anywhere near the Canton / Hartville area of Ohio and you enjoy quiet picnic areas adorned by historic clapboard buildings and showy perennial gardens, this is a must-do park. Our midsummer drive-thru visit turned into a very relaxing daylong experience.

Quail Hollow State Park is devoted to the recreational study and appreciation of Ohio's cultural and natural history. Now called the Natural History Study Center, the former Stewart family home is primarily used for educational, nature-oriented and community activities. The library, kitchen, dining room and basement rathskeller can be rented by incorporated organizations wishing to hold meetings at Quail Hollow. A Visitor Center located within the home is open on weekends 1-5 PM.

Workshops and special events are held at Quail Hollow year-round. Special interpretive programs, nature hikes and outdoor educational experiences may be arranged upon request for classes or groups.

The park's primitive group camp is available on a reservation basis to incorporated organizations. The camp includes a fire ring, picnic table and wastewater barrels. Water must be carried in and trash must be packed out. Parking, water and restrooms are 1/4 mile from the site.

Quail Hollow has over ten miles of trails ideal for hiking, jogging, nature study or cross-country skiing. Eight interpretive nature trails explore the unique natural habitats for which each is named. There is also a four-mile, day use bridle trail complete with staging area.

Shade canopy picnicking is available in several locations. All picnic areas are available to the public year-round during park hours.

Touring the historic Stewart garden is a wonderful and educational pastime. The well-manicured collection of perennials is a horticulturist's delight. Interesting natural materials are incorporated with flowers and shrubbery adding visual texture and depth to the encased setting.

In addition, Quail Hollow State Park is located in the small burg of Hartville, renowned for its fine restaurants. The area surrounding Quail Hollow has a large Mennonite population plus many craft and antique shops, as well as several golf courses. Longaberger baskets and Hartville chocolates are made in Hartville.

Recreation - Activities and features at Quail Hollow State Park include bridle trails, mountain bike trails, picnicking, visitor center and gift shop, nature programs, viewing manicured flower gardens, cross-country skiing, ice-skating, sledding, and group camping.

Climate - This state has four distinct seasons and a brilliant fall foliage display in it southern woods during mid October. Winter lasts from December through February with average temperatures near 25 degrees F. Low temperatures dip to single digits, but do not often drop below zero. Northern regions of the state receive average snowfall amounts of 55 inches, while the central and southern regions of the state receive lesser amounts with averages near 30 inches. This difference is caused by lake-affect moisture patterns.

Spring temperatures begin to warm the landscapes of Ohio by mid March and are in full swing by April. Temperatures range from 40 through 70 degrees F through the spring months. This season often brings the most rainfall, before the drying heat of summer. Summer can be extremely hot and humid in the interior of Ohio. Temperatures reach above 90 degrees F frequently through July and August. Cooler fall temperatures don't reach the region until mid to late September. This is a pleasant time to visit as the air is crisp with low humidity levels. Ohio's annual precipitation usually reaches slightly above 50 inches.

Location - Quail Hollow State Park is nestled in a quiet farming region just north of populous Canton, Ohio. The park is accessible along Congress Lake Avenue, north of State Route 619.