Bend View Metropark
Discover stunning river views, spot majestic bald eagles, and experience rustic treehouse camping at Bend View Metropark.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
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Best Time
Vibrant foliage
Bend View Metropark
Best Time
Vibrant foliage
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover stunning river views, spot majestic bald eagles, and experience rustic treehouse camping at Bend View Metropark.
"The walk around porch is amazing, the views are fantastic!"
Pack for Rustic Stays
Treehouses lack electricity & water. Bring a wagon for gear & be ready for nature! :camping:
Eagle Spotting Hotspot
Try the Waterville area near the old bridge for bald eagle sightings. :eagle:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bald Eagle Nest
Across the river from restrooms
Keep an eye out for the majestic bald eagle nest, a thrilling sight for wildlife enthusiasts.
River Bend Shelter
Near boat launch
Enjoy stunning river views from this picturesque shelter, perfect for a peaceful picnic.
Treehouse Rentals
Various locations
Experience a unique overnight stay in rustic treehouses with amazing porch views.
Autumn Foliage
Throughout the park
Witness the vibrant colors of fall as the park transforms into a breathtaking autumn landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Rustic Charm
Bald Eagle Hotspot
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack for Rustic Stays
Treehouses lack electricity & water. Bring a wagon for gear & be ready for nature! :camping:
Eagle Spotting Hotspot
Try the Waterville area near the old bridge for bald eagle sightings. :eagle:
Beware of Poison Ivy
Trails are abundant with poison ivy. Wear long pants & use bug spray. :herb:
Wagon Recommended
Vehicle access to treehouses is limited; a wagon is essential for hauling supplies. :red_car:
Best hiking trails
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack for Rustic Stays
Treehouses lack electricity & water. Bring a wagon for gear & be ready for nature! :camping:
Eagle Spotting Hotspot
Try the Waterville area near the old bridge for bald eagle sightings. :eagle:
Beware of Poison Ivy
Trails are abundant with poison ivy. Wear long pants & use bug spray. :herb:
Wagon Recommended
Vehicle access to treehouses is limited; a wagon is essential for hauling supplies. :red_car:
Enjoy the Views
The walk-around porches on the treehouses offer fantastic river views. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Bend View Metropark for its stunning river views, opportunities to spot bald eagles, and unique treehouse camping experiences. The rustic nature of the treehouses and the prevalence of poison ivy on trails are noted drawbacks, requiring visitors to come well-prepared for a basic outdoor adventure.
"This review is for the treehouse rentals:
Both treehouses are super cute! There is NO electricity, water, or restrooms. This is rustic! There is a port-a-pot at the entrance/boat launch area. Take a peek around 1st, we had friendly small snakes that liked to hangout inside!
You can not pull your vehicle right up to the units, I recommend bringing a wagon. The Liberty treehouse is a bit of a walk. There are enough parking spots for 2 vehicles, one per unit, possibly 3 but the spots are not marked as reserved for campers. I recommend the park add signage as a hiker was parked in one of our spots.
There are alot of steps to climb, so be prepared.
Each unit have 2 cots, space between the cots for an air mattress, and a loft area that you access by a rope ladder. The treehouses can sleep 4 people comfortably. Caution, these rope ladders are not sturdy! They are tied to the floor, I took it upon my self to tighten them so there was not as much slack to make it easier to get up there. I would recommend they change these ladders to an actual wood one. Fun for kids, not so fun after a few drinks at bed time. The walk around porch is amazing, the views are fantastic! Each treehouse comes stocked with fire wood. Both units have sliding glass doors for entry, I would recommend they added a screen door, as it was only glass and although these units have 3 windows, it would be helpful in the hot summer.
Warning! There is so much poison ivy! Not so much near the units, but along the entire trail! Bring bug spray!
Things to know for each:
Freedom- The loft in this treehouse is smaller than the Liberty, can accommodate 2 children or 1 adult. A full air mattress does fit. This loft has 2 windows, only 1 had a screen. This unit did have solar lights inside with a remote.
Liberty- the loft is big enough for a full size air mattress and 2 adults with room for your bags etc. This one does not have windows in the loft. This unit did not have lights.
Over all, a great experience! Come prepared!"
Amanda Mcdonald
"Park at the boat launch area for a shorter walk to the shelter at the bend in the river, otherwise the walk is just over 1 1/2 miles from the main parking lot."
HV & JC
"Beautiful trails with water access, porta potties, and awesome rentable treehouse campsites!"
Jan Smith
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bend View Metropark is accessible by car. Parking is available at the main lot and near the boat launch area. It's also a pleasant walk from Farnsworth Metropark, offering opportunities to see wildlife along the way.
Information on public transportation options to Bend View Metropark is limited. It's generally recommended to travel by car for the most convenient access. Check local transit schedules for potential routes serving the Waterville area.
Yes, you can hike to Bend View Metropark. It's connected to Farnsworth Metropark via trails, making it a great destination for longer hikes. The Buckeye Trail also passes through the area.
Vehicle access to the treehouse rentals is restricted. Park at the boat launch area for a shorter walk to the shelter, or be prepared for a longer walk from the main parking lot. Bringing a wagon is highly recommended for transporting gear.
Farnsworth Metropark is adjacent to Bend View Metropark and offers additional trails and amenities. The Waterville area also has local shops and dining options.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Bend View Metropark is a public park and generally does not have an entrance fee for day use. However, specific activities like treehouse rentals will have associated costs.
Park hours typically align with standard metropark operating times, usually from dawn to dusk. It's advisable to check the official Metroparks website for the most current hours of operation.
Treehouse rentals can be booked through the Metroparks reservation system. It's recommended to book well in advance, especially for popular dates, as these unique accommodations are in high demand.
Treehouse rentals are rustic and do not include electricity or water. They typically come with firewood, cots, and a loft area. You'll need to bring your own bedding, air mattresses, and supplies.
There are no specific age restrictions for visiting Bend View Metropark. It's a family-friendly destination, but children should be supervised, especially near the river and on trails with potential hazards like poison ivy.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Bend View Metropark is known for its diverse wildlife, including bald eagles, various bird species, and other small animals. The river setting provides excellent opportunities for birdwatching and nature observation.
Yes, Bend View Metropark features hiking trails that are well-suited for nature walks and connecting with the surrounding environment. Some trails are part of the Buckeye Trail.
Amenities include a shelter house at the river bend, restrooms near the boat launch, and porta-potties. Treehouse rentals offer a unique camping experience.
Absolutely! The park's natural setting along the river makes it a fantastic spot for birdwatching, with opportunities to see a variety of avian species, including the iconic bald eagle.
The terrain varies, with relatively easy walking paths along the river and more natural trails through wooded areas. Be aware of potential hazards like poison ivy and uneven ground on some paths.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the river, the bald eagle nest, the picturesque shelter house, and the vibrant fall foliage. The treehouse exteriors also make for unique photographic subjects.
Yes, the park offers beautiful landscape photography opportunities, especially along the riverbanks and during the autumn season when the colors are at their peak.
Early morning and late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, creating softer shadows and warmer tones. Golden hour can be particularly magical.
Drone usage policies can vary by park system. It's essential to check the official Metroparks regulations regarding drone operation before flying at Bend View Metropark to ensure compliance.
A versatile lens, such as a 24-70mm or a telephoto lens for wildlife, would be beneficial. A wide-angle lens can capture the expansive river views. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🌿 Nature Enthusiasts & Birdwatchers
🚶 Hikers and Trail Explorers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Treehouse Camping
Each treehouse, like the 'Freedom' and 'Liberty' units, can comfortably sleep up to four people, featuring cots and loft areas accessible by rope ladders. While the views from the wrap-around porches are consistently praised, guests should be aware of the rustic nature of the rope ladders and the prevalence of poison ivy on surrounding trails. Bringing a wagon is highly recommended for transporting supplies from the parking areas to the treehouses, as direct vehicle access is limited.
Despite the rustic conditions, the treehouse rentals are a popular choice for families and those seeking a memorable overnight stay. The experience is enhanced by the provided firewood and the stunning natural surroundings. It's crucial for visitors to pack accordingly, bringing essentials like bedding, bug spray, and a flashlight, and to be mindful of the park's natural elements.
Wildlife Watching: Eagles and More
Beyond eagles, the park's diverse ecosystem supports a variety of other wildlife. Birdwatchers can enjoy observing numerous avian species, especially in the riparian zones along the river. The trails offer opportunities to encounter smaller mammals and other creatures that inhabit the woodlands and meadows. Visiting during different seasons can reveal different wildlife activity patterns.
To maximize your chances of wildlife encounters, consider visiting during the quieter hours of the day, such as early morning or late afternoon. Being patient and observant is key. Remember to maintain a respectful distance from all wildlife and avoid disturbing their natural behaviors.
Exploring the Trails and River Access
River access is a significant feature of Bend View Metropark, with a boat launch area available. This provides opportunities for activities like kayaking or canoeing, allowing visitors to explore the waterway from a different perspective. The shelter house located at a bend in the river is a popular spot for picnics and enjoying the tranquil water views.
When exploring the trails, it's important to be aware of the natural environment. Poison ivy is present along many of the paths, so wearing appropriate footwear and long clothing is recommended. Staying on marked trails helps protect the park's delicate ecosystems and ensures a safer experience for visitors.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit