Where To Take History Lovers in Ohio (Honda of Cleveland Heights)

​Whether you live in Ohio or you’re planning to vacation here soon, you’ll find plenty of exciting attractions to explore, including a wide variety of historic sites. From architectural wonders to presidential homes, there are so many interesting places you can visit to learn about the rich history of our great state. Read on to discover five stops to include in your historical tour of Ohio so you can make the most of your trip.

Image by Walter Martin via the Unsplash License

Newark Earthworks

As the biggest set of geometric earthen enclosures in the world, the Newark Earthworks are an ancient architectural wonder that you’re sure to marvel at. Built between 100 B.C. and 500 A.D. by the Hopewell people, the site originally served as a cathedral, cemetery, and astronomical observatory that spanned over 4 square miles. The museum that accompanies this national historic landmark is in Heath, Ohio, although the park expands into Newark as well.
Today, three primary segments of the Newark Earthworks survive. The first is the Great Circle Earthworks, which is almost 1,200 feet in diameter. Eight tall walls surround a moat around the Great Circle Earthworks, leaving only one opening to the space, which historians believe was once a ceremonial center. For a guided tour of the Great Circle, visit the park on the first Friday of the month at 12:30 p.m.
The next surviving portion is called Octagon Earthworks, which encloses 50 acres behind eight walls, creating an octagon shape. Today, this site is home to the Mound Builders Country Club golf course. Finally, the Wright Earthworks enclose approximately 20 acres of land in a nearly perfect geometric square. A set of parallel embankments leads to another oval-shaped enclosure. In 2006, the Newark Earthworks became the official prehistoric monument of Ohio.

Adena Mansion and Gardens

Located in Chillicothe, Ohio, the Adena Mansion and Gardens span a 2000-acre estate that was once home to Thomas Worthington, the sixth governor of Ohio. Worthington was also one of the first United States senators who hailed from this state. Construction of the Adena Mansion began in 1806, with designs crafted by Benjamin Henry Latrobe, the first professional American architect. Today, the mansion has been carefully restored to depict what it would have looked like when the Worthington family lived there.
The estate also houses five outbuildings and beautiful gardens, which guests can stroll through during their visit. Many of the flowers, vegetables, and ornamental plants featured in the garden today are the same varieties the Worthington family would have grown.
As you explore the grounds, make sure to tour the museum and visitor center, which features interactive exhibits and stories of the people who connected to Adena Mansion in the early 1800s. The Adena Mansion and Gardens are open to the public from April through October. You can also schedule a private group tour in advance or reserve the space for an upcoming event.

The Ruther B. Hayes Presidential Library and Museum

Whether you enjoy reading or simply love learning about U.S. presidents, the Ruther B. Hayes Presidential Library and Museum in Fremont, Ohio, is a site you simply must see. As the first presidential library, this landmark sits on a 25-acre wooded estate known as Spiegel Grove. Begin your visit by exploring the library, which preserves all 12,000 volumes that once belonged to President Hayes plus archived materials from his time in politics and the military. All his collections are open to the public, so you can browse them while exploring the building.
Afterward, tour the Rutherford B. Hayes Home, which is a 31-room mansion that has been fully restored to Rutherford’s time period and contains plenty of the original furniture and decor. To learn even more, visit The Hayes Museum, where you can view exhibits that feature documents, artifacts, and images from the Hayes family. Finally, pay your respects by visiting the tomb of President and Mrs. Hayes in Spiegel Grove. Tours of the buildings are available year-round, and admission to Spiegel Grove and the Hayes Presidential Library is free.

Historic Roscoe Village

Step back in time with a visit to Historic Roscoe Village in Coshocton, Ohio. This fully restored town depicts life as it was in 1830 before the flood of 1913 wiped out the canal nearby. Learn how the village operated by participating in a living history tour. Interact with costumed interpreters to discover the story of the people who once lived in Roscoe Village, visit a fully functioning blacksmith shop, explore the Johnson-Humrickhouse Museum, and enjoy a horse-drawn canal boat ride.
Then stroll through the Gardens of Roscoe Village, which features butterfly and fish gardens. Many of the plants are transplants from Mrs. Montgomery, who was a resident in the area until 1989. Before you leave, make sure you visit the famous shops of Roscoe Village, where you’ll find special gifts and fine dining options.

Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens

In 1910, the co-founder of The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, Frank A. Seiberling, purchased land for the estate known today as Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens. In Old English, Stan Hywet means stone quarry, which is one of the site’s stunning natural features. Today, the Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens span 70 acres, including five historic buildings and 10 fully restored historic gardens.
Tour the 65-room Tudor Revival Manor House, Gate Lodge, and the Corbin Conservatory during your visit to learn what life was like when the Seiberlings owned the estate. If you’d rather explore the outdoors, hike the Stan Hywet Interactive Trail, or go geocaching on the property. Then visit Molly’s Shop and Cafe to grab a bite to eat and find a few souvenirs to take home with you.
We hope our team’s list of five stops to include in your historical tour of Ohio makes planning your next adventure a little easier. Did we miss one of your favorite historic landmarks or attractions? Drop us a line to let us know so we can feature it in one of our upcoming blog posts.
If you’re looking for a reliable new or used vehicle for your journey across the state, we’d be happy to help. Browse our online inventory, give us a call at 216-867-6458, or visit our dealership in Cleveland Heights. You can also check out our new vehicle specials to find an amazing deal on your next car, truck, or SUV.
This article was originally published at: https://www.hondaofclevelandheights.com/blog/where-to-take-history-lovers-in-ohio/