What began as simple construction plans in 1807 has now become the thriving city of Dover.
Nestled close to the Tuscarawas River, the city had ties to a canal system that served as a water source across the region.
Those days may be a thing of the past, but the museums in Dover can give you a sneak peek of the city’s intriguing history.
Dover also takes pride in being one of Ohio’s diverse cities.
It’s got historical museums, pleasing nature, unique shops, and exciting events.
No matter your mood, it’s likely that Dover has a suitable attraction for you!
To find out more, read this list of the best things to do in Dover, Ohio!
Check out the masterful works of the legendary woodcarver Ernest Warther.
As its name suggests, Ernest Warther Museum & Gardens is an ode to the origins and success of the world-famous craftsman.
There are four exhibits to explore: Ernest’s family home, workshop, gardens, and a distinct “button house.”
You can see into the life of a family from 1910, admire its crafts of Ernest, and walk along a beautiful arboretum.
With all those attractions, you won’t get bored in Ernest Warther Museum & Gardens.
It’s one of Dover’s top destinations that you can’t miss out on!
Located at Karl Avenue, this place should be on your itinerary.
The Reeves Victorian Home and Carriage Museum carries the legacy of the city’s rich history as a former canal town.
Starting from an old farmhouse in 1989, Mr. Reeves remodeled this home to add Victorian-style features.
Impressively, the Reeves family rarely threw away their items, so volunteers could scavenge many rare pieces for preservation.
Until now, you can see displays of original artifacts, including antique vehicles and vintage furniture.
If you’d like a guide while roaming around, Reeves Victorian Home and Carriage Museum offers tours at affordable prices.
You can also try inclusive meals inside the lavish Carriage House.
The Dover Historical Society helped preserve the historic building.
See the results of their work along Iron Avenue.
In Canal Lands Park, guests have a chance to connect with the quiet natural side of the bustling city.
It features about six miles worth of trail made from limestone materials.
At Dover Zoar Road, Canal Lands Park can serve as a welcome distraction for a bit of peace.
The trail takes you through various sights of the city, including a modern bridge, an old dam, and other incredible attractions.
Likewise, the park allows access to activities like biking, horseback riding, birdwatching, and photography.
You can bring dogs to Canal Lands Park, so long as you keep them on a leash.
If you need a serene place, this park in Dover has got your back.
Located at Old Route, Breitenbach Wine Cellars offers a high-class wine-tasting experience.
You can find the cellars inside a rustic barn with distinct, purple-colored paint.
Inside, the winery is a mix of modern and old-style design, equipped with wooden furnishings, mellow lighting, and modern facilities.
There are also patios under covered umbrellas in case you prefer to wine and dine outdoors.
Another highlight of this place is the broad selection of wines, containing over 40 different flavors and varieties.
You can taste the wines on your own or pair them with items from their on-site cafe menu.
There are burgers, salads, and wood-fired pizzas in the store.
With award-winning wines and a cozy tasting area, the Breitenbach Wine Cellars has everything you need for a wine night.
Built in 1938, the Dover Dam project was essential to prevent severe floods in the vicinity.
At the same time, this dam is a famous tourist attraction.
It’s reported to draw an estimated number of 48,000 guests every year.
The splendid architecture of the dam, paired with scenic views of the water, attracts guests from around the area.
You can also check out the dam’s walkway and drop by the picnic areas to spend a day in the sun.
Another fun activity at Dover Dam is fishing.
Beyond a piece of architecture, the Dover Dam is also a space for recreational ventures during the daytime.
If you’re curious, this impressive structure stands along the banks of the Tuscarawas River.
Toland-Herzig Famous Endings Museum has a strange, peculiar theme connected with famous funerals.
In 1996, founder John Herzig became inspired to collect souvenirs of celebrity funerals when someone mistakenly gave him a pamphlet on Joe Louis’ funeral ceremony.
From there, he began his extensive collection, gathering more than 2,500 items.
This museum is home to documents, photographs, and other artifacts connected to famous people’s deaths.
Whether celebrities, presidents, or royalty, the Toland-Herzig Famous Endings Museum likely has a souvenir.
There are also audio recordings and gravesite monuments from funerals that John Herzig attended.
This museum displays a rare selection that may not appeal to everyone.
But if you’re curious, you can find the venue along Wooster Avenue.
Norma Johnson Center offers a secluded haven to put you right on track with the wonders of nature.
At Conservation Drive, this center is home to three nature trails: Conservation Loop, Johnson Loop, and Preservation Loop.
Each one has its charm, presenting different kinds of environments.
Conservation Loop consists of meadows, wetlands, walking bridges, and designated areas for birdwatching and fishing.
Johnson Loop is the founder’s favorite trail, featuring two ponds, woodland trails, and a plethora of blackberry bushes.
Finally, Preservation Loop brings you to the rolling hills, leading to a bright yellow barn.
Established in 2001, the center honors Norma Johnson, who had donated the lands to Tuscarawas County Commissioners.
Immerse in the beauty of nature at the Norma Johnson Center.
As a local business, Eiler Candy Shop has operated for more than 50 years!
Since the shop first opened, they’ve created candies, chocolates, and sweets of all kinds with their unique recipe.
Eiler Candy Shop has plenty of options for your sweet tooth, from candy apples and chocolate bunnies to marshmallows and truffles.
They can even wrap and package your treats in delicate, beautiful designs for special occasions like Valentine’s Day or Christmas.
Don’t miss the locally made sweets at Eiler Candy Shop, west of 3rd Street.
Established in 2004, Silver Moon Winery first focused on teaching others about the entire wine-making process.
In 2007, founders Ken and Judy Eschbacher decided to sell their homemade Amish wines instead.
They’ve successfully widened their range to over 40 kinds of wines!
These wines are in stores at their winery and other retail shops across the Ohio region.
Their wine collection includes an array of whites and reds, each having a distinct flavor.
No matter your preferences, the perfect wine for you might be in Silver Moon Winery.
You can enjoy them inside the winery at Old Route, embraced in a warm and comfortable atmosphere.
Their store also has a variety of other food products like biscuits, potato chips, candies, and meat snacks.
In 1975, Zoar Village Golf Course opened to golf enthusiasts and players.
The architects designed a championship caliber course, even if it caters to the general public.
They succeeded because it’s now hailed one of the best golf destinations in Ohio!
With pristine greens, wide fairways, and challenging sand traps, Zoar Village Golf Course offers the elements for an enjoyable game.
It also stands amid lush trees that change their colors beautifully during the fall season.
This course has operated for decades but remains in top condition due to proper maintenance.
The Frank family, founders of the golf course, take pride in their legacy of building a high quality public golf course.
Drop by the course and unwind at Dover Zoar Road!
If you want to try something new, why not sample the city’s locally grown produce?
Gooding’s Farm Market sells fresh and local goods at affordable prices.
Typically, the items they sell depend on the season, but there’s always something to taste in Gooding’s Farm Market.
This place has become a store favorite of many people across the city and Ohio.
Situated along Circleview, this market is a great place to stop by and taste the local offerings.
From pumpkins and peaches to apples and watermelons, you can find all kinds of fruits and vegetables in this lovely market.
Make sure to see what they have to offer!
Tuscarawas County Fairgrounds has become the city’s leading venue for small and substantial community events.
One of the most awaited events is the Tuscarawas County Fair, often held in September.
This festival provides family-friendly entertainment every year.
With band performances, cowboy rodeos, and car demonstrations, the fairgrounds wil give you lots to see and experience!
They also have carnival rides, animal shows, and festival games.
Besides the annual event, Tuscarawas County Fairgrounds also hosts flea market events and farmer’s markets.
If you ever visit Dover in September, visit the fairgrounds!
You can find it along Tuscarawas Avenue.
Located at Emerson Avenue, Boulevard Lanes is an easy place to get your fix of fun and entertainment.
A friendly game of bowling, paired with good food and drinks, is a traditional way to use your time.
They also have disco bowling!
In Boulevard Lanes, you get both with the bonus of getting cold drinks from the alley’s on-site bar.
You can also join a casual tournament league and meet new people.
Aside from bowling, this place is also home to pool tables, in case you’d like to switch things up.
Give Boulevard Lanes a chance!
At Boulevard Street, Dough Co. Doughnuts & Coffee is a well-known bakery in the city.
The family-owned coffee shop takes pride in handcrafting pastries from its unique recipe.
This bakery has a wide range of flavors.
From sweet coconut and ube to savory maple bacon, this bakery has an array of common and uncommon flavors.
Their specialty is donuts, but they’ve also got a selection of other pastries like apple fritters and cream sticks.
You can always expect nice freshly baked treats in Dough Co. Doughnuts & Coffee!
They also have an assortment of brewed coffees to compliment the taste of their sweets.
See what the locals have to offer in this quaint shop!
For more than 50 seasons, Trumpet in the Land has hosted performances based on the history of Ohio.
Award-winning playwright Paul Green wrote the show.
It portrays the exciting events at the frontier during the Revolutionary War.
Notably, Trumpet in the Land occurs on the same hills where the actual story took place.
It’s in an outdoor venue with talented artists wearing realistic-looking costumes, like the ones in the past.
If you’d like to see this play, the performance is in New Philadelphia, Ohio, 15 minutes away from Dover.
Don’t sleep out in the diverse city of Dover.
Whether you’re traveling for leisure, recreation, or new sights, Dover has everything you need within the vicinity.
Plan your trip today and discover the best things to do in Dover, Ohio!
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