Fernald Preserve Visitors Center Visit Photo Gallery

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The entrance sign to the Fernald Preserve.
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The sun rises to the east of the Fernald Preserve Visitors Center.
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Inside the Fernald Preserve Visitors Center, exhibits tell the story of what is seen from the expansive viewing windows.
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Visitors enjoy the interactive video exhibit that tells the story of the site’s history and the industrial Cold War-era production through the voices of former workers.
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Sisters enjoy finding pictures of their dad, a plant manager during the 1950s and 1960s, in the monthly company magazine called "The Atomizer".
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The Fernald Preserve is widely recognized as a birding destination and visitors can expect to see wildlife such as this Dickcissel in the fields and ponds flanking the visitors center.
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The U.S. Department of Energy Office of Legacy Management’s Fernald Preserve, Ohio, Site is a regional destination for birdwatching, wildlife spotting, and hiking. But do you know the site’s history as a uranium metals production site? To learn more about its incredible story, watch the video and take a virtual tour of the Fernald Preserve.

Department of Energy Office of Legacy Management

The Fernald Preserve Visitors Center is free and open to all. Walk-in visitors are welcome during normal open hours with scheduled programs, available daily, evenings, and weekends.

Visitors Center

  • Wednesday through Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • Sunday: 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Closed federal holidays.

Fernald Preserve

  • Monday through Sunday: 7:00 a.m. to dusk

The following activities and items are prohibited:

  • Alcohol and illegal drugs.
  • Firearms.
  • Removing or damaging natural or man-made materials.
  • Removing or damaging plants or plant parts (e.g., seed pods, fruit, leaves, firewood).
  • Mushroom gathering.
  • Soil excavation.
  • Swimming or wading.
  • Pets.
  • Camping.
  • Hunting, trapping, or fishing.
  • Littering.
  • Fires, open flames, or smoking.
  • Traveling off public roadways or trails.
  • Using unmanned aerial systems (drones).
  • Tampering with or damaging structures, fences, signs, or other property.

A strict no pets allowed policy is in effect at all times at the Fernald Preserve. We strive to fulfill the goal of protecting the site’s unique ecosystems, habitats, wildlife, and sensitive vegetation, as well as ensure that all visitors are offered an equally enjoyable experience.

Our no pets allowed policy does not apply to visitors with service animals. 

Fernald Preserve, Ohio, Site map.

Fernald Preserve, Ohio, Site
7400 Willey Road
Hamilton, OH 45013

The Fernald Preserve is located in southwest Ohio, about 18 miles northwest of Cincinnati. 

From Greater Cincinnati International Airport (Located in Northern Kentucky)

  • West on I-275 for approximately 21 miles through Indiana.
  • to I-74 junction in Ohio.
  • East on I-74 and I-275 for 2 miles (toward Cincinnati) to Exit 7, State Route 128 (Hamilton-Cleves Highway).
  • North (left) on State Route 128 through Miamitown for 7 miles to Willey Road.
  • Left on Willey Road ¼ mile to the Fernald Preserve entrance on the right.

From Eastern Cincinnati

  • West on I-275 to Exit 33A, U.S. 27 (Colerain Avenue).
  • North (right) on U.S. 27 for 5 miles to the Hamilton-Ross exit.
  • Left on State Route 128 (Hamilton-Cleves Highway) through Ross for 4 miles to Willey Road.
  • Right on Willey Road ¼ mile to the Fernald Preserve entrance on the right.

From Indiana

  • East on I-74 (toward Cincinnati) to Exit 7, State Route 128 (Hamilton-Cleves Highway).
  • North (left) on State Route 128 through Miamitown for 7 miles to Willey Road.
  • Left on Willey Road ¼ mile to the Fernald Preserve entrance on the right.

From Downtown Cincinnati

  • North on I-75 to west on I-74 (toward Indianapolis) to Exit 7, State Route 128 (Hamilton-Cleves Highway).
  • North (right) on State Route 128 through Miamitown for 7 miles to Willey Road.
  • Left on Willey Road ¼ mile to the Fernald Preserve entrance on the right.

From Dayton/Northern Ohio

  • South on I-75 (toward Cincinnati) to west on I-275 to Exit 33A, U.S. 27 (Colerain Avenue).
  • North (right) on U.S. 27 for 5 miles to the Hamilton-Ross exit.
  • Left on State Route 128 (Hamilton-Cleves Highway) through Ross for 4 miles to Willey Road.
  • Right on Willey Road ¼ mile to the Fernald Preserve entrance on the left.

Fernald Preserve Visitors Center
(513) 648-3330
fernald@LM.doe.gov