Discover Butler County's Historic Roots at Pioneer Life

Sep 16, 2025, 16:11 PM by Katie Ely-Wood

Pioneer Life, MetroParks of Butler County’s annual celebration of local history returns to Governor Bebb MetroPark at the end of September. Because of overwhelming demand, Pioneer Life has been extended to two days in 2025.

When: September 27 - 28, 2025 from 12 – 4 p.m.
Where: Governor Bebb MetroPark- 1979 Bebb Park Ln. Okeana, OH 45053
Cost: $5 per person (NO COST for children ages 2 years and under)

Step back in time to early 1800s Ohio at Governor Bebb MetroParks’ Pioneer Village with historic interpreters in traditional dress, sample pioneer cooking, make candles and learn your lessons in the village’s historic schoolhouse. Visitors can also see live firearm demonstrations, visit a blacksmith and play games from days past.

Governor Bebb MetroPark is named for William Bebb, the 19^th Governor of Ohio. Bebb was born in Okeana in 1802 and his childhood home was relocated to the park in the late 1950s. The Bebb cabin is one of seven historic buildings and a replica forge in Pioneer Village. A tavern, schoolhouse, covered bridge and other family dwellings were all relocated to the park between 1959-1992.

Click here for more information about the event.

Tylersville Trail Closures 9/2-11/26

Aug 29, 2025, 15:18 PM

Voice of America MetroParks' Tylersville Trail will be closed west of Field 20 to Crosley Boulevard September 2nd - November 26th to facilitate USS Cincinnati construction.
Bilstein Blvd. lot closed for construction

Jun 11, 2025, 10:00 AM

The Bilstein Blvd. parking lot of Gilmore Ponds MetroPark is currently closed to facilitate nearby construction.
Mill Race Preserve MetroPark Closure

May 27, 2025, 09:29 AM

Beginning May 27th, restoration work on the Black Covered Bridge will close the entrance to Mill Race Preserve MetroPark. The park can be accessed via the Oxford Area Trail System to the east.
Sebald MetroPark Closures

May 12, 2025, 09:52 AM

The Highlands and Dry Run Trails are closed and portions of the Foothills and Ridge Trails are closed at Sebald MetroPark to facilitate construction of the Sebald Connector Road.
Voice of America MetroPark Cross Country Trail Closures

Nov 12, 2024, 11:08 AM

Portions of the Voice of America MetroPark Cross Country Trails will be closed for trail rerouting work. Trail closures will be marked with signs and barricades.

Metropark Alerts

Tylersville Trail Closures 9/2-11/26

Voice of America MetroParks' Tylersville Trail will be closed west of Field 20 to Crosley Boulevard September 2nd - November 26th to facilitate USS Cincinnati construction.

Bilstein Blvd. lot closed for construction

The Bilstein Blvd. parking lot of Gilmore Ponds MetroPark is currently closed to facilitate nearby construction.

Mill Race Preserve MetroPark Closure

Beginning May 27th, restoration work on the Black Covered Bridge will close the entrance to Mill Race Preserve MetroPark. The park can be accessed via the Oxford Area Trail System to the east.

Sebald MetroPark Closures

The Highlands and Dry Run Trails are closed and portions of the Foothills and Ridge Trails are closed at Sebald MetroPark to facilitate construction of the Sebald Connector Road.

Voice of America MetroPark Cross Country Trail Closures

Portions of the Voice of America MetroPark Cross Country Trails will be closed for trail rerouting work. Trail closures will be marked with signs and barricades.

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