Preston Park

Opened to the public in May 2011, Preston Park in Butler Township is an 88-acre English garden, home to gardens, ponds, and wooded areas. It’s a perfect spot for picnics, fishing, hiking, bird watching and more.

Preston Park is the former estate of the late English-born Frank Preston, and his wife, Jane, both of whom created the park on the site which was also home to Preston Laboratories. As conservationists, the Prestons' work helped lead to the creation of Lake Arthur and Moraine State Park, McConnell’s Mill State Park, and Jennings Environmental Education center.

Changes to the park have been few over the years, such as an effort to utilize the original iron gates to form a proper entrance drive for the facility and the addition of some parking and restrooms to make the park more accommodating for visitors.

Multiple species of trees, including 40 different types of North American Spruce are part of the Arboretum. Flowering rhododendrons in the spring, a compass rose with mileage and directional markers to international cities, dog trails, hiking trails, and a connection to Saw Mill Run Township Park are other highlights of Preston Park’s magic.

Preston Park was put on the National Register of Historic Places in 2013.

Photos by Melissa Bulfone