4.5West Side Market(4.433 reviews) - Surprising Experience! Saturday: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • Flea & Street Markets
Built in 1912, this thriving public market offers fresh produce, meat, dairy products and a delicious variety of prepared foods.See more..
4.5Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens(1.658 reviews) - Magical holiday lights Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Art Galleries • Historic Sites • Gardens
A botanical landmark just two miles east of downtown Columbus, Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens features exotic plant collections and displays, seasonal exhibitions, outdoor gardens (including community and culinary gardens) and a variety of educational programming. All set within the 88-acre Franklin Park. Inspired by horticulture, Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens elevates quality of life and connects the community through educational, cultural and social experiences. All ages can partake in a variety of special events and activities throughout the year. A full menu of classes, workshops and camps are offered in gardening, cooking, fine art and wellness. With its natural surroundings, both indoors and out, the Conservatory serves as a premier venue for special events and corporate gatherings.See more..
A highway bridge over Interstate 70 is all that separates the German Village Historic District from downtown Columbus, but as one looks east from the interstate, the difference between old and new is glaring. A 20 story structure sits just north of the interstate bridge, and just south, in German Village, no structure is higher than three stories. Five blocks south, the spire of St. Mary Church stands 197’ off the sidewalk and towers over everything around it. Structures and sidewalks are orange masonry, and many streets (about half) are still brick pavers. German Village does not have a recreated sense of history or kitschy Bavarian feel ~ rather, it is a neighborhood with architecture dating from the 1840s-1890s that has been preserved, and its use as a shared residential and commercial neighborhood has been maintained. People walk to their destinations, park on the street due to the overwhelming absence of driveways, and live life at a very pedestrian level. The neighborhood is extremely dense ~ very often only inches separate neighboring structures, and many structures were built for multi-family use. German Village is notably different because its appearance has changed so little.See more..
5.0Carillon Historical Park(965 reviews) - Old buildings and the Wright Brother's 1905 plane Saturday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites • Children's Museums • History Museums
Carillon Historical Park inspires generations by connecting them with the unique people, places, and events that changed Dayton and the world. With more than 30 museum exhibits onsite, Carillon Historical Park showcases Dayton’s rich heritage of creativity, invention, and milestones in innovation that changed the nation and the world! The park houses the John W. Berry, Sr. Wright Brothers National Museum featuring the original 1905 Wright Flyer III, an impressive collection of NCR cash registers, the Carousel of Dayton Innovation, Gem City Letterpress (NEW!), and so much more!See more..
Rising 352 feet above Lake Erie, this monument commemorates an American victory during the War of 1812.See more..
5.0Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens(833 reviews) - Extraordinary Home and holiday lights Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Gardens
Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens is open for tours Tues.-Sun from April 1 - Dec. 30; it is closed on Mondays. The historic estate includes a 64,500 sq. ft. Manor House, historic gardens and grounds. Hours change the day after Thanksgiving through 12/30 for the holiday event, DECK THE HALL. Visit stanhywet.org for complete info. Completed in 1915, Stan Hywet Hall was built for the family of F.A. Seiberling, co-founder of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. It was named Stan Hywet, Old English for stone quarry, after the property’s most prominent natural feature. The 65-room Manor House is one of the finest examples of Tudor Revival architecture in America, and the sixth largest home open to the public. The Gate Lodge at the entrance to the estate has its own historic significance. In 1935, two admitted alcoholics met there and talked long into the night, when the principles that still serve as the cornerstone of Alcoholics Anonymous were identified.See more..
4.5Heinen's Downtown(708 reviews) - Neat grocery in the middle of Downtown Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Solid small grocery in the middle of downtown. If you are staying at one of the downtown hotels, it is very walkable and have enough small stapes for either a light meal or snacks if you don't want to pay bar prices. Very good wine and beer selection as well as some varied cheeses. The nice thing is that they preserved the old architecture of the bank including the large stained glass that is the roof of the rotunda and the paintings along the walls. Even if you don't really buy anything, it is worth a visit to check out.See more..
4.5USS Cod Submarine Memorial(579 reviews) - Extended Visit Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • History Museums
Self-guided tour the submarine responsible for the sinking of more than 30,000 tons of Japanese shipping during WWII. She also performed history's only international sub to sub rescue when she saved the crew of a grounded Dutch submarine in WWII. Cod is a National Historic Landmark and among the finest submarine restorations in the world. Be advised Cod will be unavailable for tours from mid June to late July 2021 due to a shipyard overhaul program.See more..
The Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums is dedicated to 19th U.S. President Rutherford B. Hayes and First Lady Lucy Hayes. The site houses their 25-acre wooded estate, known as Spiegel Grove; their 31-room Victorian mansion; the presidential library; a museum; the tomb; and a mile of paved walking trails. There are fees to tour the museum and the home. Use of the presidential library, which has a massive genealogy and local history collections, is free. The museum was renovated in early 2016 and includes interactive exhibits that tell the story of Rutherford and Lucy, the issues they faced and what they thought about those issues. Sit at a replica of the Resolute Desk - the original was given to President Hayes and still sits in the Oval Office of the White House - try on a Civil War soldier's haversack and more. The Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums is America's first presidential library and the forerunner for the federal presidential library system.See more..
4.5Historic Roscoe Village(279 reviews) - Living History! Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Experience life during the 1830s in this beautifully restored canal era town called Historic Roscoe Village. "Step back in time" with a living history experience complete with costumed interpreters, hands-on activities, shopping, dining, lodging and a horse-drawn canal boat ride.See more..
Birthplace of America's 27th president, now a museum containing momentos of Taft's personal life and political career.See more..
4.5Frank Lloyd Wright's Westcott House(264 reviews) - Good Restoration of a Prairie Style Home Saturday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
The Westcott House was built in 1908 for Burton J. And Orpha L. Westcott. The Westcott property is the only Prairie style house designed by Wright in the state of Ohio. The grounds include the main house and a garage with pony stable connected by an extensive pergola. In 1946, due to the housing crisis following World War II, the house was divided into multiple apartments. The house no longer reflected the vision of its architect. The original furniture and most of the original light fixtures and other details were removed from the house. Lack of resources led to an extreme deterioration of the structure. The house has recently undergone a multi-million restoration. Each of its features - from art glass to original hardware and hand-decorated encaustic walls to massive urns - has been returned to its 1908 appearance. Furniture has been rebuilt according to Wright's specifications and gardens re-landscaped in keeping with the time. The house is now managed by a non-profit organization.See more..
4.5Serpent Mound(260 reviews) - Worth the Trip Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Nominated as a World Heritage Site, Serpent Mound is a prehistoric effigy mound that was constructed by Native Americans at least 900 years ago, possibly much earlier. The earthwork depicts a serpentine form, 1,348 feet long, and represents the pinnacle of a flourishing ancient culture. Visitors can walk around the Serpent earthwork, and view three other ancient burial mounds. A museum, open seasonally, contains examples of ancient Native American tools, interpretive information, and an orientation video. The gift shop features authentic Native American made items, local artwork, archaeology books, and many fun gifts for children.See more..
This is the location of the Wright brothers Wright Cycle Company building plus other related historical aviation sites.See more..
4.0Clifton Mill(227 reviews) - A must see for the Christmas lights Saturday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Historic Sites
Wow! The lights were amazing! So many! We watched the covered bridge lights show and this was really good. Get there early or you will wait to get in. We arrived early and looked around before the lights were turned on. The Santa shop was unbelievable. Over 3,000 Santa’s. All different kinds. You could spend a long time in here just admiring them. The gift shop was okay (expensive). They had a hot chocolate stand (cash only) and I thought that was pricey. When you go through the covered bridge, right in front of you is models of different houses, businesses and towns. When the lights are lit, it also has a small train that goes through the area. Really something to see. I highly recommend seeing these lights.See more..
4.5Kingwood Center Gardens(220 reviews) - Wanted to stroll the gardens Saturday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Historic Sites • Gardens
A historic estate and garden which features 47 acres of landscaped gardens, greenhouses, hiking trails, and tours of the mansion. We hold many events, including corporate rentals, weddings and parties, Garden Club events, children's events, and community events such as Pumpkin Glow and Christmas at Kingwood.See more..
4.5Warren G. Harding Presidential Sites(181 reviews) - One of the best Presidential sites. Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites
The Warren G. Harding Presidential Sites re-opened in May 2021 following completion of the new Warren G. Harding Presidential Library & Museum and restoration of the Harding Home. Visitors are able to tour the Harding Home and explore the exhibit gallery in the presidential library, as well as the nearby Press House and grounds. The Harding Memorial, the final resting place of President and Mrs. Harding, is 1.5 miles from the library and home.See more..
Built during the War of 1812 by William Henry Harrison, Fort Meigs successfully defended Ohio from a combined force of British and Native Americans during the spring and summer of 1813. It also served as the step-off point for General Harrison's invasion of Canada in the fall of that year. Reconstructed in the 1970s and again in 2000 on its original location, Fort Meigs stands today to tell the story of the thousands of soldiers who lived, fought, and died there over 200 years ago. In addition to the reconstructed fort, a visitor center and museum are also located on the site, housing hundreds of artifacts discovered during archaeological digs of the battlefield.See more..
Huffman Prairie is one of those sites that is significant not because of what is there, but because of what happened there. This large, empty field is the world's first airport! The visitor center was closed on the day of my visit, but the field itself was accessible. There are information plaques placed around a walking loop, which allows for a self-guided tour. The site also has a replica hangar as well as the rail from which the earlier Flyers were launch. The location is adjacent to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, and the base's long runway is visible. This gives a cool compression of the large modern airfield to the small first-every airfield.See more..
4.5Thomas Edison Birthplace Museum(167 reviews) - Felt Like I Stepped Back In Time Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • History Museums
Small brick Greek revival home set in the hill above the old Milan Canal where the inventor Thomas Edison was born.The museum features a collection of rare Edisonia, examples of many of Edison's early inventions, documents, & family mementos. Listen to Edison phonographs. See the rare Edison talking doll.See more..
4.0National First Ladies Library(166 reviews) - Nice house but unimpressive museum Saturday: 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM Historic Sites • Libraries
The First Ladies National Historic Site preserves, promotes and educates the public about the significant role of the First Ladies of the United States and their contributions throughout history. Located right in downtown Canton, the Site includes the Education and Research Center that houses the museum and current exhibit; and the Saxton McKinley House, the ancestral home of Canton’s own First Lady, Ida Saxton McKinley. Admission is: $7/adults $6/seniors (62 and over) $5/youth (3-18) FREE for 2 and under **Discount available for America the Beautiful passholders** Current Hours of Operation are: November 1 - April 30: Open Fridays & Saturdays ONLY 9:00 am to 4:00 pm May 1 - October 31: Open 7 days a week 9:00 am to 4:00 pmSee more..
Adena was the 2000-acre estate of Thomas Worthington (1773-1827), sixth governor of Ohio and one of the state's first United States Senators. The mansion house, completed in 1806-1807, has been restored to look much as it did when the Worthington family lived there, including many original Worthington family furnishings. The house is one of only three houses designed by Benjamin Henry Latrobe still standing in the country. Situated on the 300 remaining acres of the original home place are five outbuildings and formal gardens. The gardens have undergone major renovation. Visitors may stroll through three terraces of flowers and vegetables, as well as the shrubs and trees in the grove. Looking east from the north lawn of the mansion, one can see across the Scioto River Valley to the Logan Range. This view was the inspiration for the Great Seal of the State of Ohio. A Museum and Visitor Center features interactive exhibits.See more..
SunWatch offers exploration and learning, both indoors and out! Visitors will enjoy immersing themselves in the 800-year-old reconstructed Village that features several structures located in their original, exact locations, as well as learning about the history of the Village and its inhabitants in the indoor Interpretive Center.See more..
4.5Sherman House Museum(115 reviews) - Easy tour providing Sherman information not generally taught. You don’t need to be a history buff to appreciate it. Temporarily closed - Closed until Apr 5, 2023 Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • History Museums
The Sherman House Museum in Lancaster, Ohio, is the birthplace of Civil War Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman and his younger brother U.S. Sen. John Sherman (Sherman Antitrust Act). The ground floor of the home is furnished much as it would have been when the Shermans lived there. The front parlor contains many furnishings from the general's home in New York City. The second floor houses a recreation of Sherman's Civil War tent; interactive exhibits and an array of war and GAR artifacts. The gift shop features Civil War and local history books as well as puzzles, games and more. Tours are offered at 12, 1, 2 & 3pm Tickets may be purchased in advance at website or at the door if any tickets remain.See more..
4.5Hale Farm & Village(112 reviews) - Holiday Lantern Tour Temporarily closed - Closed until Jun 17, 2023 Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites
An outdoor living history museum featuring life and crafts from the mid-1800s. It includes farm animals, pastures, gardens, and historic houses with historical interpreters dressed in period costume.See more..
577 Foundation is a fantastic outdoor education experience. It has a geodesic biodome with a koi pond and amazing plants.There is a cool indoor outdoor bee hive that you can watch the bees up close . Beautiful gardens to walk through.Lots of wonderful kid activities outside. They have a great used book store and offer pottery for a donation from their pottery classes. See more..
5.0Wildwood Manor House(107 reviews) - Manor House at Wildwood Saturday: Historic Sites
Historic estate built in the 1930s reflects the 18th-century Georgian architectural style and includes more than 50 rooms and 16 fireplaces.See more..
4.5Historic Kirtland(93 reviews) - Beautifully Cared For Historical Area Saturday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Historic Walking Areas • History Museums
Historic Site and Visitors Center with historic village from the 1830's featuring a sawmill, ashery, country store and historic home sites.See more..
4.0Port Clinton Lighthouse(86 reviews) - Relax by the lake Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Lighthouses
The Port Clinton lighthouse is on the site of Waterworks Park. There are lots of benches to sit and relax by Lake Erie, or walk the beach, pier, or paved path around a man-made pond. The park loses a point for not having a public restroom.See more..
5.0John Rankin House(85 reviews) - Moving History Come Alive Historic Sites
This site is a truly hidden gem of American history. The guided tour is a wonderful experience that upfolds the history of the patriots who lived here and served not only Ripley, Ohio's spiritual needs, but the physical needs to former slaves fleeing to freedom. The recreated period rooms let one feel like walking back into the era. Here you can see the actual signal that led to freedom and walk the ground where the opening scenes of Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin actually occurred. This is a must-see site.See more..
4.0First Ladies National Historic Site(83 reviews) - McKinley Home AND First Ladies Museum Saturday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites
I didn’t even know McKinley had a house in Canton and only stumbled onto it while looking at the First Ladies Museum. The parking lot for both is located behind the McKinley House. You walk a block to the First Ladies Museum for tickets and to start the tour. Our tour took about 30 minutes and it was interesting and informative. We didn’t spend a lot of time in the museum, but they do have some original articles of clothing of Ida McKinley and replicas of inaugural gowns of First Ladies. Well worth a stop.See more..
4.5Kelton House Museum & Garden(83 reviews) - Great stop Saturday: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Gardens
Experience urban life and the decorative arts, as they existed in the second half of the 19th century, through the collection of the Sophia and Fernando Cortez Kelton family. Learn about the Underground Railroad and the people that bring the history to life.See more..
Founded as a communal group by 19th-century religious dissenters, Zoar has been partially restored as the Zoar Village State Memorial. Other buildings are private residences, shops, restaurants and inns.See more..
4.5May 4th Visitor Center(78 reviews) - Powerful memorial well worth the visit Saturday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites
This small visitor center and memorial is well worth the visit. Kent State has done a great job memorializing the students shot in 1970. The visitor center is small, but does a good job contextualizing what happened, includes a very helpful video that helps to picture exactly what happened, and provides information about the aftermath of the shootings. (I definitely recommend actually reading the letter of apology. It'll make your blood boil.) In addition, the victims are memorialized where they were shoot, as well as a larger memorial and a walking tour is provided to guide visitors around the area. It is very well done and very moving, and is a sadly necessary reminder of what can happen in this country if we're not careful.See more..
4.5Squire's Castle(78 reviews) - Great place to spend an afternoon Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Castles
A very tranquil location to stop and spend a few hours. When you know the history of the building, it makes it even more exciting. Just to imagine those who were there and the original intention that this castle was originally to be just the guard house, one can only imagine what the full estate would of been like had it been built. Be prepared for other visitors, this building is located within a park area. When we were there, there were several people having picnics, taking graduation and engagement photos, and even a group playing frisbee. We did a full review of this location on our blog site and YouTube channel.See more..
Our family drove from Cleveland this past week to Mansfield to visit and take the Hollywood tour. Our GPS routed us to the active institution next store and the kind officer opened a gate since I was struggling to backup my vehicle to get on the correct path. Yes, I was technically trespassing. On arrival, you need to check in and get a wristband. This tiny room is very historical in appearance but has a horrible echo. Check it over before leaving the window. Ours was wrong and a helpful guide got us the right ones. Organizing our tour was a bit tough but once you have your ear buds and microphone box we were all set. We started 15 min late due to construction on Route 30 backing others up. Thank goodness there was a fantastic museum to spend time in! The box Andy left Red, original “Brooks was Here” sign, info about the reformatory itself decades before Shawshank and Air Force One, which was filmed here too. Tour was substantial and I enjoyed our local guide’s enthusiasm along with guides-in-training. If you can’t afford a guided tour, fear not! The audio tour is quite extensive and at this time only $5. Our tour was 35$ per adult and 2 hrs long. Local guide had info about where the oak tree was, scenes shot at Malabar farms, making this a more comprehensive destination and called this The Shawshank Trail. I would certainly come back, especially now I know how to get there. I applaud the preservation society for saving this from a wrecking ball and bought some goods to support them. Hope is perhaps the best of things and we need to get busy living so as to pass old ways of thinking on, even if they were mistakes so the next gen can learn from them.See more..
This 28 room Victorian mansion is owned by the Holmes County Historical Society in Millersburg Ohio. The home is used for a dual purpose and also house the artifacts of the society. A self guided tour is enhanced by docent information. The house has been featured on HGTV and Victorian Homes Magazine. Museums are closed Jan. and Feb. and reopens in March weekends only - Sat. and Sun. 1:00-4:00 pm and April - Oct. open Tues. - Sunday 1:00-4:00 pm , closed Monday.See more..
A friend and I did a tour of Grant's boyhood home and schoolhouse. The tour guides are very knowledgeable about the house and the artifacts in there. Some of the pieces of furniture are original to the house. This gives a glimpse into the life of Hiram Ulysses Grant, our 18th President, one of eight Presidents from Ohio. Also included in the tour is a trip to the schoolhouse Grant attended, which is a couple blocks from this home. This is something I recommend people to visit.See more..
4.0U.S. Grant Birthplace(60 reviews) - US Grant Birthplace...start your Grant experience here. Saturday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites
The birthplace of Civil War General and 18th President of the United States -- Ulysses S. Grant. Originally a one-room frame cottage that Grant's father Jesse rented while he worked as foreman for the local tannery.See more..
Nice to visit this well maintained home and grounds. Private tour is included with the admission, and the tour guide really knew her stuff. I was unaware of the significance the Reeves family imparted to the local community, but this visit changed all that. Really, if you're in the area, you've got to go see this.See more..
This was one of my favorite parts of our Ohio trip. The tour starts with a short film, then a guide takes you upstairs to review historic items, then another guide tours you through the actual house. We learned a lot about both John and Annie. We loved it. I also recommend Scott's Diner down the road where we had a very breakfast!See more..
What a fun and educational experience! The actors really help the crowd to get into the 1800’s mindset. It’s a great way for kids to enjoy history! The staff here knows how to keep everyone’s attention. It’s important to me that my children understand history and see how things have changed.See more..
Operated by the City of Canal Fulton and the Canal Fulton Heritage Society, the St. Helena III Canal Boat rides offer the public the chance to ride a replica cargo canal boat pulled by two work horses one mile south and back on the original Ohio & Erie Canal. The boat travels past the renovated McLaughlin Dry Dock and Lock 4. During the one hr ride, the crew steer with a rudder and poles while a historian on board provides facts and stories of life during Ohio’s canal era.See more..
Located in the boyhood home of William H. "Boss" Hoover, the HHC preserves and interprets the history and legacy of The Hoover Company and Hoover family. Discover the unique history of the Company that made an international name in floorcare. More than the vacuums they manufactured, experience the legacy that "Hoover" has created for North Canton, Stark County and the world. Hours of Operation: March 1 - October 31 Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays at 12:00, 1:00, 2:00 & 3:00 pm November 1 - February 28 Open by advance appointment ONLY.See more..
4.5Woodlawn Cemetery(38 reviews) - Always a good place to visit Historic Sites • Cemeteries
Since I live near Woodlawn Cemetery, I have visited often. Besides historic gravesites, there is a wonderful collection of mature trees. The trees are identified by numbers, so that one can learn to identify them with a keyed list that can be obtained.See more..
4.5Fort Laurens State Memorial(36 reviews) - Rare Look Into Revolutionary War History in Ohio Saturday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites
Fort Laurens is the site of Ohio's Only Revolutionary War fort. Today, a small museum displays the stories of the soldiers stationed at the fort and their sacrifice. An outline of the fort remains. On-site there is a Tomb of the Unknown Patriot. Fort Laurens Museum is open seasonally May-October.See more..
