Naturalists have been feeding hummingbirds at Lake Hope State Park since 1995. A combination of commercial feeders and natural tube flowers are used. Visitors can learn about Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds and share the unique experience of hand feeding the hummingbirds. No reservations required.

Stop by anytime during that period to give it a shot. No reservations are required and our hummingbird program is free of charge but we strongly encourage donations to the Friends of Lake Hope.

Parking is located near the nature center. Hand-feeding of Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds at Lake Hope began when Naturalist Dave Sapienza was replacing a filled feeder and a hummingbird zoomed in for a drink. A few visitors began attempting to feed hummingbirds by hand in 2001 and in 2002 the program became official. For the next couple of years, the program drew a lot of attention from park visitors and from Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds! As many as 10 feeders were maintained by the nature center's staff, being cleaned and refilled daily. As much as 80 pounds of sugar were used each summer. By 2006, the program had grown to out of control proportions as the media caught on to the event and featured it in The Cleveland Plain Dealer, Cincinnati Enquirer, Columbus Dispatch, Ohio Magazine, Birds and Blooms, Better Homes and Gardens and Midwest Living. The program was also featured on television's WSAZ in Huntington, WV and the Ohio Division of Wildlife's PBS show, Wild Ohio.