Chilo Lock #34 Park Crooked Run Nature Preserve and Visitor Center

(Scroll down for Jennie Wade Media Center)

The Crooked Run Nature Preserve and nature trail is open 7 days a week, year round from dawn to dusk.
We must rely on the Clermont County Parks District to keep the hours that the Visitor Center is open current, so
rather than posting the hours on our website, we refer you to the Clermont County Parks District
website for Visitor Center hours. If you'd like to double-check their hours, please contact:
Clermont County Park District
2228 Hwy. 50, Batavia, OH 45103
Phone: 513-732-2977 or 513-876-9013
For Visitor Center Hours of Operation as shown on Clermont County website, click here

For information on programs and special events at the Chilo Lock #34 Park
and other Clermont County Parks, CLICK HERE.

Groups of 15 or more may schedule an interpretive program by a park naturalist to provide the complete experience of Living and Working on the Ohio River. To schedule a program for your group call 513-876-9013.

Locks Powerhouse and Observation Deck.

View from River Walk

Picnic area

Views of Chilo Lock #34 park grounds above. Below views of the Powerhouse and nearby Meldahl Locks & Dam.

Chilo Lock #34 powerhouse in the 1930's

The Captain Anthony Meldahl Locks & Dam constructed in 1950's to replace the old locks is just 1 mile west of the Chilo Lock #34 park & Visitor Center The Meldahl Locks & Dam raised the average river level more than 20 feet.

Chilo Lock #34 powerhouse today - Note the difference in the riverbank versus the 1930's photo at left.

The powerhouse pictured above at the right, plus one of the several homes originally built to house dam workers is all that remains of the old locks at Chilo. The Lock #34 powerhouse was recently renovated and opened to the public in summer of 2005 as a Visitor's Center. Inside you can view memorabilia, photos and videos about the history of the powerhouse and the river traffic the lock and dam system facilitated. Also inside are hands-on displays and activities demonstrating how wicked tams and locks work, operating the one-third scale interactive models.

Prior to the 1920's when the Wicket Dam system was put in place, the river level of the Ohio River frequently dropped to 1 - 2 feet during the summer months. The low river level made year-round navigation virtually impossible. When the series of wicket dams was built in the 1920's, the average river depth was increased to 9 feet. Chilo Lock #34 was in service from 1925 until the 1950's when the Meldahl Locks & Dam was completed. Now the average river depth is 32 feet up-river of the Meldahl Lock & Dam (the Maysville pool), and 26 feet downriver of the Meldahl Lock & Dam (Cincinnati pool).

This vintage postcard shows some of the homes that had been built to house workers for the old wicket dam. Today, the house nearest the powerhouse is the only one still standing. This photo also provides a better perspective of the extent of the riverbank area prior to the completion of the Meldahl Locks & Dam. Today, as seen in the color photo above, the extensive river frontage that once existed has been submerged, and at normal pool level little remains of the bank area.

Crooked Run Nature Preserve
The preserve is a unique 77 acre natural area fronting a large backwater estuary off the Ohio River.
The preserve has 1.5 miles hiking trails, bird observation blinds, interpretive signage, scenic river
and backwater overlooks, and an observation deck.

Observation Deck in meadow area along nature trail	Sign at entrance to nature preserve	Frog pond along nature/hiking trail in the Crooked Run Nature Preserve
View of tip of estuary from drive leading to nature preserve. A large heron can occasionally be seen here .	Seating area along nature trail with outstanding view of Ohio River.	Wetland area viewed from drive at entrance to Chilo Lock #34 Park & Nature Preserve
Estuary viewed from one of the bird-blind observation areas along nature trail.	Several bird blinds overlook the estuary, providing outstanding views and an opportunity to observe area wildlife.	One of two yurts at the edge of the preserve that can be reserved for group overnights.

Jennie Wade Media Center

Chilo Lock #34 park is also the new home of the Jennie Wade Media Center. The Jennie Wade is a restored paddle wheel boat. For more information, click on the link below. for Jennie Wade information, Click here.