Lucas, Ohio · Richland County

Spring at Malabar Farm

A working farm steeped in history, alive with events. Plan your visit to Louis Bromfield's legacy — draft horse plowing, maple syrup, wagon tours, and more.

View Events Calendar Official Park Site ↗
FreePark Entry
6am–10pmDaily Hours
~1,000Acres
1973Nat'l Register
⭐ Featured Event

Spring Plowing Days

Watch the local Draft Horse Club demonstrate their plowing skills and compete in classic farm contests at the Working Farm Area. Free admission — 4-H club offers food by donation.

2025
April 26 & 27
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Past Event
2026
April 25 & 26
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Coming Up
🏇 Clover Leaf Barrel Racing
🥚 Egg & Spoon Race
💪 Horse Pull
🌾 Walking Plow Classes
🚜 Sulky Plow Classes
🪵 Log Skidding
🧱 Obstacle Course
🎀 Best Dressed Teams

Bring a picnic lunch, blanket, or lawn chair — this is a full afternoon of old-fashioned fun.

Events Calendar

Major events at Malabar Farm across 2025–2026. All events are free unless noted.

Spring Weather Forecast

Live 7-day forecast for Lucas, OH (Malabar Farm area) — updated automatically.

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Data from Open-Meteo · Lucas, OH (40.748°N, 82.428°W) · Updated on page load

Getting There

Malabar Farm State Park · 4050 Bromfield Rd, Lucas, OH 44843

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Visitor Guide

Everything you need before you arrive.

Parking

  • Free parking — no entry fee for the park
  • Large main lot near the Visitor Education Center
  • Second lot near the Working Farm Area (closest to Plowing Days)
  • Overflow lots near picnic areas and campground
  • During Spring Plowing Days, arrive early — lots fill by midday
  • Accessible parking available at main lot

Park Hours & Access

  • Park grounds: 6:00 am – 10:00 pm daily
  • Visitor Center: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm year-round
  • Main Barn (animals): 8:00 am – 5:00 pm daily, free
  • Gift Shop: Seasonal hours (Apr–Dec)
  • Park Office: Mon–Fri, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm · (419) 892-2784
  • Spring Plowing Days run 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

Tours & Fees

  • Big House Tour (75–90 min): $6 adult / $5.40 senior / $4 youth / Free under 5
  • Farm Wagon Tour (45–60 min): $3 adult / $2.70 senior / Free under 5
  • Spring Plowing Days: FREE
  • Maple Syrup Festival: FREE
  • Park entry (walking grounds): FREE
  • Camping: $18–$22/night (reservation required)

What to Bring

Picnic Supplies
  • Picnic blanket or lawn chairs
  • Packed lunch & snacks
  • Reusable water bottles (water available on-site)
  • Picnic basket or cooler
  • Sunscreen & lip balm
  • Paper towels & wet wipes
  • Trash bags (pack out what you pack in)
For the Farm & Outdoors
  • Comfortable closed-toe shoes or boots
  • Layers — Ohio spring mornings can be cool
  • Rain jacket (April weather is unpredictable!)
  • Hat or sun protection
  • Insect repellent
  • Camera or phone for photos
For Families & Kids
  • Cash — 4-H food booth is donation-based
  • Stroller or carrier for toddlers (gravel paths)
  • Extra clothes for muddy little boots
  • Snacks & juice boxes
  • Small backpack per child
Leave at Home / Notes
  • Pets are welcome on leash — bring bags
  • No open fires outside designated areas
  • No motorized vehicles on trails

On-Site Amenities

  • Gift Shop with Malabar farm products, fudge & snacks
  • Picnic areas with tables & grills (some with drinking water)
  • Latrines near picnic areas and trails
  • Louis Bromfield Visitor Education Center (free)
  • Pugh Cabin rental for groups up to 50
  • Shelter House rental for groups up to 50
  • Main Barn — meet goats, sheep, cattle & horses

Hiking Trails

  • Butternut Trail — 0.8 mi, Easy
  • Doris Duke Woods Trail — 1.0 mi, Easy
  • Jungle Brook Trail — 0.7 mi, Easy
  • Pleasant Valley Bridle Trail — 7 mi (hiking permitted)
  • Spring wildflowers, rock formations, Butternut Cave
  • Mt. Jeez overlook — panoramic valley views