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Spark in the Dark Lights Up Miami Whitewater Forest This August

Southwest Ohio
Southwest Ohio

Glow Boats and Stargazing Return to Miami Whitewater Forest

Great Parks of Hamilton County is turning the lake at Miami Whitewater Forest Harbor into a nighttime attraction again this August. Spark in the Dark runs 8 to 11 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7, and Saturday, Aug. 8, at the Harbor, 9001 Mt. Hope Road in Harrison. The event pairs glow-lit boat rentals with a night hike and stargazing led by the Cincinnati Astronomical Society, and pre-registration is not required.

For Hamilton County families used to the harbor as a daytime fishing and paddling spot, the appeal here is the after-dark version: the same 85-acre lake, but with illuminated boats on the water and telescopes set up on shore.

202607aug(aug 7)8:00 pm08(aug 8)11:00 pmSpark in the Dark8:00 pm - 11:00 pm (8)(GMT-04:00) Miami Whitewater Forest, 9001 Mt. Hope Road, Harrison, OH 45030CategoryFree,Hike/Walk,Outdoor Fun,Park Event

What’s Happening on the Water and the Trail

Guests can rent glow-lit boats to paddle the lake after sunset, with refreshments available for purchase at the snack bar. Great Parks describes the lineup as glowing boats on the water, a night hike focused on nocturnal wildlife such as moths, bats and bugs, and telescope viewing with the Cincinnati Astronomical Society. Boat rentals at the Harbor normally start around $16 for a rowboat or pedal boat, with kayaks, paddleboards, motorboats and mini-pontoon boats also available.

 

Good to Know

  • A valid Motor Vehicle Permit is required to enter any Great Parks property by car, including Miami Whitewater Forest.
  • Night fishing is not permitted during the event.
  • Outside alcohol is not allowed. Any alcoholic beverages consumed on site must be purchased from the snack bar, under Great Parks’ boat rental guidelines.
  • The Harbor’s posted hours for early August run 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., so the 8 to 11 p.m. event window is an extended, special-event exception to normal boathouse hours.
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Plan Your Visit

What: Spark in the Dark
When: 8 to 11 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7 and Saturday, Aug. 8
Where: Miami Whitewater Forest Harbor, 9001 Mt. Hope Road, Harrison, OH 45030
Cost: Free to attend with a Motor Vehicle Permit; glow boat rentals and snack bar refreshments available for purchase
Registration: Not required
More information: greatparks.org/calendar/special-events/spark-in-the-dark

Southwest Ohio
Southwest Ohio
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