Media release from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is inviting outdoor enthusiasts to explore every corner of the Buckeye State with the launch of the new Ohio State Parks Passport Challenge on Ohio Trails+, powered by the OuterSpatial app. By using the free OuterSpatial app, visitors can check in at each park to unlock a unique digital badge that records their visit.
This digital passport gives adventurers the chance to check in at all 76 Ohio state parks, plus the Natural Resources Park at the Ohio State Fairgrounds. Every check-in is saved to the user’s profile, making it easy to track when and where they’ve explored. Visitors can also upload photos to share their experiences and inspire others. A live leaderboard will show how explorers stack up against one another as they journey across Ohio.
Park visitors who check in at all of Ohio's state parks on the OuterSpatial app will unlock a unique digital badge at each park.
“Ohio’s 76 state parks are the best in the nation,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “Now Ohioans have a new way to visit and explore our many beautiful state parks and track their adventures.”
Ohio’s State Parks was recently awarded the 2025 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation, recognizing it as the very best park system in the nation. The prestigious award honors Ohio’s state parks for excellent recreation programs and services.
“Ohio’s state parks are some of the most beautiful and accessible in the country,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “This new digital passport makes exploring them even more fun, while encouraging families, friends, and outdoor lovers to see everything our parks have to offer.”
The program was made possible through a partnership with OuterSpatial, a platform designed to connect people with the outdoors and the official trails app of ODNR and Ohio state parks. To explore ODNR on OuterSpatial, users can access Ohio Trails+ by joining the ‘Ohio Community’ tab on the app. Ohio Trails+ offers users a comprehensive library of trails, interactive maps and points of interest.
“We're thrilled to expand our partnership with Ohio state parks through this exciting new digital passport program,” said Ryan Branciforte, CEO of OuterSpatial. “Visitors can now use the OuterSpatial app to check in and collect unique, park-specific badges that can’t be earned anywhere else. Along the way, they’ll discover curated outings, featured trails, and hidden gems across all 76 state parks — helping visitors explore even more of Ohio's incredible outdoors.”
The OuterSpatial app is free to download on both iOS and Android devices. Once downloaded, users can join the Ohio State Parks Passport Challenge and start checking in at parks right away. For more information about using OuterSpatial at Ohio state parks, visit ohiodnr.gov/ohiotrails.
The ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft provides exceptional outdoor recreation and boating opportunities by balancing outstanding customer service, education, and conservation of Ohio’s 76 state parks and waterways.
ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.
