Just 25 minutes south of downtown Columbus, nestled quietly at the confluence of the Scioto River and Walnut Creek, lies one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever set foot on. And no one knows it’s there.
It’s called the Genevieve Jones Preserve, but if you were a golfer like me, you might remember it by its former name: Cooks Creek Golf Club.
A Hidden Gem With PGA-Level Potential
Let me be very clear — Cooks Creek wasn’t just another local muni. This course was breathtaking. I’m talking perfectly sculpted fairways that rolled through natural wetland corridors, mature trees that framed every tee shot like a painting, and water hazards that somehow managed to challenge your swing without ever feeling forced. Every hole had character. Every round felt like a privilege.
Honestly, it could’ve hosted a PGA Tour event one day. I fully believe that.
The last time I played Cooks Creek was in 2021. It was a perfect spring day, and I remember getting to the first tee and realizing… we were basically alone. The pro shop was selling everything at a steep discount, and we only saw two other groups the entire round. It was eerie. It felt like we were golfing on a course that was already a ghost.
I had this sinking feeling that it was the beginning of the end.
A Sad Farewell, But a Happy Twist
Not long after, Cooks Creek officially closed for good. But here’s where the story takes a surprising (and kind of beautiful) turn.
Instead of being bulldozed for warehouses or farmland, the land was purchased and protected by the Appalachia Ohio Alliance in partnership with the Pickaway County Park District. The former course — all 325 acres of it — has been converted into a permanent nature preserve, now named in honor of 19th-century Circleville ornithologist Genevieve Jones.
That’s right. The same layout that once challenged golfers is now a sanctuary for birds, butterflies, and bat species — plus a peaceful place for people like us to explore, walk, and take it all in.
From Fairways to Flyways
The Genevieve Jones Preserve isn’t just any greenspace. It’s a biodiversity powerhouse, home to over 100 acres of wetland and pond habitat, glacial landforms like the Circleville Esker, and nearly a mile of pristine Scioto River frontage.
And if you’re into birding, this place is heaven. It sits smack in the middle of the Scioto River Flyway Corridor, making it a crucial resting point for migratory birds, neotropical species, and waterfowl. When I would golf here, I’d see a tons of massive Blue Herons just roaming around the ponds.
And speaking of water, the water here has been tested and confirmed as exceptional warmwater habitat. The preserve also helps filter and protect the local watershed, turning what was once a heavily managed golf course into a thriving riparian ecosystem.
Talk about a comeback story!
You Can Still Walk the Paths
One of the coolest things about this transformation? You can still stroll along many of the old cart paths. The Pickaway County Park District purchased 25 acres of the property — including the old clubhouse, parking lot, and roads — to create a passive-use nature park and their headquarters.
The old clubhouse houses a nature center, where you’ll be able to access walking paths that wind through the preserve’s restored landscapes.
So while the sound of drivers and wedges may be gone, the hum of nature is louder than ever.
How to Visit
The Genevieve Jones Preserve is located near South Bloomfield, right off U.S. Route 23 — only about 12 miles south of the I-270 loop.
Whether you’re a former golfer who wants to revisit the land in a new light, or just someone looking for a peaceful spot off the beaten path, this is worth the drive.
Trust me — you’ve probably never been to a place in Ohio quite like it.
📍Genevieve Jones Nature Preserve
16405 US-23, South Bloomfield, OH 43103