Sherwood Forest Paintball

A Kingdom Built for Battle

The heart of Sherwood Forest is the City of Nottingham field — a five-acre medieval battlefield anchored by a massive castle built from over 3,000 railroad ties. The castle measures 64 feet by 78 feet and features twelve two-story towers and one three-story tower, with six stairways leading to the upper levels and one reaching the third floor. Around the castle, more than 60 one- and two-story buildings create a full medieval village layout. Players who have experienced night games here often remark that the castle feels genuinely real, with torches lighting the field and stairways leading to actual fortifications. It is the largest castle of its kind in the Midwest, and it was built largely by hand over decades by the family that owns the park. Beyond Nottingham, the property spans over 80 acres and includes 13 distinct playing fields. Dreckmore is a four-acre U-shaped valley with a keep at its center that serves as a command post during 24-hour scenario games. Dread Valley is a three-acre former tournament field with natural terrain and large log bunkers. Black Tower features a two-story octagon tower surrounded by log bunkers. Black Oak Keep is a three-acre field with a two-story command structure, and Battledale plays along the side of a 60-foot hill, creating battles that move up and down steep elevation. There is also a speedball field built entirely from railroad ties with over 30 bunkers, and a tournament-size airball field on turf for team practices.

Scenarios That Feel Like Stories

Open play happens every weekend, but the real draw for many is the lineup of large-scale scenario events. Games like the Sherwood Classic, Mutant Warfare, and Big Bang Paintball draw players from across the Midwest and beyond. These are full-weekend affairs with storylines, team objectives, and command structures that unfold across multiple fields simultaneously. Players coordinate strategies in advance, fight for territory, and experience battles that feel genuinely cinematic. Storm the Castle and Capture the Flag are regular formats, but the scale of the terrain transforms even simple game types into something memorable. The park also hosts airsoft MILSIM events, which use the same medieval structures and woodland terrain for military simulation scenarios. Events like Heists by Guru Games and Shadow Regime's Empty Quiver are scheduled throughout the year, giving airsoft players a chance to experience the same immersive environment.

Built for Groups of All Kinds

Sherwood Forest is a natural fit for birthday parties, corporate team building, school events, church and youth groups, and bachelor parties. Private parties are available with a minimum of 10 players and include three hours of play, rental equipment, paintballs, and use of picnic tables. The staff is known for being patient and thorough with newcomers, and the referees work hard to keep games fair and fun across all skill levels. Teams are divided thoughtfully so that experienced players do not overwhelm beginners, and the minimum age of 10 makes it accessible for families with older children and teens. The park has been family-owned since 1990, and that sense of care carries through in how the place is run. Parents can play alongside their kids or simply relax while the children play. The owners and staff treat regulars like family, and many visitors describe the community as one of the main reasons they keep coming back.

Comforts and Amenities On-Site

A pro shop keeps players supplied with gear, and on-site air fills are available throughout the day. Hot showers and flush toilets are available, which makes a real difference during full weekend events when players are out on the fields for hours at a time. Picnic tables are available for groups who want to turn a day of paintball into a full celebration with lunch, cake, or a cookout. For those traveling from out of town, a Comfort Inn is located just one mile from the field. The park is open Saturdays and Sundays, and private groups can be accommodated seven days a week with advance reservation.

A Legacy That Keeps Growing

What makes Sherwood Forest special is not just the size of the castle or the number of fields — it is the fact that this place has been built and maintained by the same family for over 36 years. New structures are constantly being added, fields are expanded, and the owners continue to invest in the experience. It is a place where first-time players and seasoned veterans alike find something to love, and where the community treats newcomers like old friends. For anyone looking for an outdoor paintball experience that feels genuinely crafted rather than assembled, this is the kind of place that delivers.