Located in the U.S. state of Ohio, Fairfield County covers an area of 509 square miles and is part of the Columbus, Ohio, Metropolitan statistical area.
Apart from Lancaster—the county seat—Fairfield has other notable cities, including Carroll, Baltimore, Pleasantville, and Millersport.
With its diverse attractions, Fairfield County offers plenty of activities, regardless of your interests.
It’s home to hiking and biking trails, historical landmarks, museums, and restaurants.
With so many amazing places to see and things to do, you’ll never run out of fun activities to enjoy.
With that said, here are the 15 best things to do in Fairfield County, Ohio:
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The Rock Mill Covered Bridge is a historic landmark in Fairfield County and one of the most popular tourist attractions in the area.
This single-span wooden covered bridge extends to a space gorge of the Hocking River.
It was originally built in 1849 and was rebuilt after a flood destroyed it in 1913.
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The bridge is open to pedestrians only and is a popular spot for people to go for a walk or take pictures.
The Rock Mill Covered Bridge is also a popular spot for fishing, as the Hocking River is well-stocked with trout.
The Rock Mill Covered Bridge is currently listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is worth a visit if you’re in the area.
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The Village of Baltimore is home to Smeck Park, a beautiful nature preserve offering outdoor fun for children and adults.
This park is right in the middle of Baltimore and is directly accessible from the main street.
Spanning 48 acres of land, Smeck Park features an ADA-accessible playground and picnic areas.
The park is well-known for its two trail systems: the Paw Paw Trail and the Walnut Creek Trail.
The Paw Paw trail is 1.5 miles long and is perfect for a stroll or jog.
The Walnut Creek Trail, on the other hand, is 0.5 miles long and, combined with the Paw Paw Trail, creates a two-mile hiking loop.
Both trails have natural, unpaved surfaces that are great for hiking, bird watching, and enjoying the scenery.
These trails go through a creek, a small lake, and a ravine—providing diverse terrain and beautiful views.
If you love spending time outdoors, exploring nature, and getting some exercise, then be sure to add Smeck Park to your list of places to visit in Fairfield County.
Rippling Stream Campground in Reynoldsburg, Baltimore, is the perfect RV camping destination for those who want to enjoy the great outdoors without being too far from civilization.
Sitting on 50 acres of wooded land, this campground is located beside a stream that runs through the property, giving campers a chance to relax and enjoy the tranquility of nature.
Rippling Stream Campground offers a variety of amenities and activities to keep both children and adults entertained.
In addition to RV sites with full hookups, the campground also has a swimming pool, a playground, a covered picnic area, and a camp store.
There are also plenty of activities to enjoy in the surrounding area, such as golfing, fishing, and hiking.
If you want a break from your camping trip, you can take a short drive into the nearby city of Lancaster to do some shopping or grab a bite to eat.
So if you’re looking for a fun and relaxing camping experience, Rippling Stream Campground is the place to be.
Its name may suggest otherwise, but Rising Park in Lancaster, Ohio, is a great place to watch the sunset.
This park is located on a hill in Lancaster and offers stunning city views.
As far as sunsets go, you can’t go wrong with Rising Park.
The park is ideally situated, so the sun sets directly over the city, providing a picturesque skyline view.
Besides being an ideal place to watch the sunset, Rising Park is also best for a stroll, picnic, or relaxing and enjoying the scenery.
The park also has a tennis court, pond, and several walking trails that are no more than a quarter-mile long.
Lancaster’s Rising Park is a great option if you’re looking for the best spot in Fairfield County to watch the sunset and enjoy outdoor time with your friends and family.
Another popular place to visit in Lancaster, Ohio, is the Sherman House Museum.
Also known as the John Sherman Birthplace, this historical museum is the childhood home of politician and statesman John Sherman and his brother, General William Tecumseh Sherman.
Located at 137 East Main Street in Lancaster, Ohio, the Sherman House Museum is primarily devoted to General William T. Sherman.
The museum is in a two-story brick house built by Sherman’s father in 1811.
The museum’s first floor is devoted to General Sherman and includes several artifacts from his life, such as his military uniforms, medals, and personal effects.
Meanwhile, the second floor is devoted to John Sherman and includes several artifacts from his life as a politician, including a desk used while he was in the U.S. Senate.
If you’re interested in American history, specifically in Ohio, the Sherman House Museum is worth a visit.
The Fairfield County infirmary is another famous historic landmark in Lancaster, Ohio.
It’s a popular spot for ghost hunters and people interested in the paranormal.
The Fairfield County Infirmary was built in 1828 and served as a poorhouse.
It later served as an infirmary in 1840 and then as a nursing home in the 1950s.
The county offices in the mid-1980s then took over the infirmary before it was finally abandoned in 2013.
Today, ghost hunters and paranormal enthusiasts flock to the Fairfield County Infirmary.
It’s said to be haunted by the ghosts of former patients and employees who died while working at the infirmary.
The Fairfield County Infirmary is a large, imposing building and is not for the faint of heart.
It features a red brick exterior, a large central hall, and several long corridors.
If you’re looking for an extraordinary experience during your vacation, the Fairfield County Infirmary is worth a visit.
You can go with friends, or if you’re brave, you can go alone.
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The Ohio Glass Museum in Lancaster is a testament to the saying that anything can be turned into art.
The museum is dedicated to the art of glassmaking and features a large collection of over-glass art pieces.
Established in 2002, the Ohio Glass Museum also pays homage to the state’s rich history in the glassmaking industry.
For nearly 150 years, the glass industry has significantly contributed to Ohio’s economic growth and culture.
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Apart from showcasing different glass art pieces, the Ohio Glass Museum also takes you on tours that feature how glass is made.
In addition, you can also watch live demonstrations of glassmaking.
They even offer glassmaking workshops that both children and adults can participate in.
What makes it even better is you can take home your glass art piece.
The Ohio Glass Museum is great for learning about the state’s history and culture and discovering amazing glass art.
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If you love going to scary or haunted places, then Pleasantville in Fairfield County has something to offer you.
The Haunted Farm is a popular attraction that’s open during the weekends.
It is located on a real farm built in the early 1800s.
It follows the story of the Watson family, the farm’s original owners.
The Haunted Farm features several different attractions, such as a haunted hayride, a corn maze, and a haunted house.
You will meet different characters who will try to scare you along the way.
It might seem scary, but it’s exciting and a lot of fun when you’re with friends and family.
The Haunted Farm is ideal if you’re looking for a good scare.
However, it’s not for the faint of heart, so proceed cautiously.
Rockmill Brewery is one of the most popular craft breweries in Ohio.
What started as a small production brewery in 2010 has grown into a large, family-friendly brewery with a tasting room, beer garden, and live music.
Located along Lithopolis Road in Lancaster, Ohio, Rockmill Brewery is known for its quality beers that are separated into three categories: wheat ale, farmhouse ale, and abbey ale.
The dedication and care that goes into each beer are evident in the taste.
The Rockmill Brewery tasting room is open daily and features a tavern-like atmosphere.
You can enjoy a pint of your favorite beer or tour the brewery to see how the beer is made.
The Rockmill Brewery is family-friendly, with a large beer garden perfect for picnics and outdoor games.
There are tons of antique shops scattered across Fairfield County.
But it’s not every day that you come across an antique mall located in an old shoe factory.
The Olde Shoe Factory Antique Mall on Forest Rose Avenue in Lancaster is great for finding unique and one-of-a-kind items.
This 4,000-square-foot historic building was once a large shoe factory which later closed down and became the county’s largest antique mall, with over 90 shops.
Each vendor has its specialty—you can find everything here, from furniture to glassware to vintage clothes.
There’s also a cafe in the antique mall where you can grab a bite to eat or enjoy a cup of coffee.
The Olde Shoe Factory Antique Mall is a great place to find souvenir items or gifts you won’t find anywhere else.
Gypsy Joe’s Ice Cream & Donut Co. is a local ice cream shop in Lancaster that has been serving delicious ice cream for over 30 years.
The shop is known for its wide and unique selection of flavors.
Gypsy Joe’s Ice Cream & Donut Co. also has a large selection of toppings and mix-ins for your ice cream.
It’s more than an ice cream shop; it also serves fresh-made donuts, coffee, and other baked goods.
The shop has a cozy and inviting atmosphere, making it the perfect place to enjoy a sweet treat with friends or family.
So, if you want to cool down, Gypsy Joe’s Ice Cream & Donut Co. is the perfect place to go.
If you’re traveling with kids on your trip to Fairfield County, you must take them to AHA! A Hands-On Adventure, A Children’s Museum in Lancaster.
This kids’ museum is located inside an 8,000-square-foot facility.
It’s designed for children aged 1 to 8 and features a variety of interactive and hands-on exhibits.
The museum also offers educational programs and classes throughout the year.
Some of the popular exhibits at AHA! A Hands-On Adventure, A Children’s Museum are the construction zone, an art studio, a grocery store, and a doctor’s office.
It also offers different workshops and activities in which children can participate.
These activities include cooking classes, science experiments, and arts and crafts.
Your kids will have a blast exploring all the different exhibits at the museum.
They might even learn something new too!
Fishing is a popular outdoor activity in Fairfield County; many stores and markets sell fresh fish, aquarium accessories, and other fishing-related items.
But if you’re looking for the best place to buy fresh fish, look no further than J P Success, Inc. in Lancaster.
This family-owned business has been operating for over 35 years.
They sell a variety of tropical and saltwater fish, as well as live bait and tackle.
J P Success, Inc. is known for its competitive prices on fresh fish in the area.
In addition, they sell exotic fish such as clownfish, hippo tang, sailfin tang, pink tail trigger, black ocellaris, and more.
The staff is knowledgeable on a wide range of fishing information.
They can help you choose the right fish for your aquarium and give you tips on how to care for them.
If you’re looking for fresh fish, J P Success, Inc. is the place to go—the fish they sell is always of the highest quality and at a great price.
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Constructed as a canal feeder lake in 1826, Buckeye Lake State Park is the oldest state park in Ohio.
Despite its age, this state park in Millersport remains a popular vacation destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
The park features large acres of land with various water-related recreational activities.
You can go swimming, skiing, fishing, and boating on the 3,330-acre lake.
If you’re not a fan of the water, there’s still plenty for you to do at the park.
You can go hiking, birdwatching, and picnicking.
The park also has a playground for children and a theater that hosts various events and concerts throughout the year.
During the winter, the park becomes a popular destination for ice fishing and cross-country skiing.
No matter what time of year you visit, Buckeye Lake State Park is a great place to enjoy the outdoors and explore all that nature has to offer.
Fairfield County is large enough to keep you busy for days.
But if you’re looking for even more things to do in the area, then check out some of these other nearby attractions:
The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum is located in Pickerington.
It’s a great place to visit if you or someone in your family is a motorcycle enthusiast.
The museum features over 350 motorcycles from different eras.
You can also see memorabilia, photos, and films that chronicle motorcycling history.
They also showcase some of history’s most famous and significant motorcycles—from vintage bikes to modern ones.
You’ll enjoy visiting the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum if you love motorcycles.
Fairfield County has a large collection of historic landmarks, attractions, outdoor activities, and more.
So no matter what you’re interested in, you’re sure to find something to do in Fairfield County, Ohio.
So what are you waiting for?
Start planning your trip today with our guide on the best things to do in Fairfield County, Ohio.
The sooner you start, the sooner you can begin exploring all this county offers.
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