Granville Sand Barrens at Sunrise

A patch of glacial sand, rare prairie flowers and a vanished town, before the sand heats up.

Play this quest in Shenanigo

Granville Sand Barrens is a small, open preserve on sand that the wind blew here after the glacial Maumee flood. It is sandy barrens and prairie, home to golden-aster, puccoons, leadplant and royal catchfly, lark sparrows, six-lined racerunner lizards and, rarely, the state-endangered ornate box turtle. It is owned by NICHES Land Trust and was dedicated as a state nature preserve in 2003. Nearby markers tell the story of Granville, a town founded in 1834 that had all but disappeared by 1878.

Best at sunrise: the open barrens catch the first light, dew shows up every spider web, and it is cool before the sand heats up. There is a small lot and a short trail.

Free. Open dawn to dusk, December through October; NICHES closes its preserves for all of November for a deer-control hunt. Leashed dogs are welcome. It is a state-dedicated nature preserve: no picnicking, fires or climbing, and it is illegal to pick, dig or take anything (plants, rocks, even mushrooms). If you meet a box turtle, just admire it and leave it where it is. Wear long pants for ticks. For a picnic breakfast, Ross Hills Park is about 2 miles east.

Play safe: stay on public sidewalks and grounds, respect private property, and never read your phone while driving.

Quest details

Play it free on your phone. Go in daylight, stay on public ground and follow local rules.