Some towns get more charming with time. Wouldn't you agree?
Ohio's history is best preserved in its small towns. From German villages to restored canal towns, the following are 11 old-fashioned towns that get better with age. You'll want to explore every single one for their history, charm and ambience. Take a look:
1. Zoar
The small town of Zoar, Ohio is a historic German village most people in the state (surprisingly) don’t know about. Beautifully preserved and full of fun places to explore, you’ll fall in love with this little-known town. The village of Zoar has more than 50 of the original historic structures and buildings still standing today. Consequently, the town has preserved much of its old world charm.
2. Roscoe Village
Roscoe Village in Coshocton, Ohio is a charming canal town Ohio history buffs will absolutely love. Complete with horse-drawn canal boat rides, living history tours and old-fashioned shops, this is one town everyone in Ohio needs to explore at least once. (Even if you don’t consider yourself a history buff, you’ll fall in love with the old world charm and beautiful surroundings.)
3. Germantown
This Montgomery County town is home to about 5,500 residents. With strong German roots, it's a charming town that was founded in 1804 by German-speaking settlers from Pennsylvania. Although it covers a little more than four square miles, there's a lot of history to observe in Germantown.
4. Schrock's Heritage Village
Take an buggy ride around the village, tour an Amish home, visit the craft mall and so much more at this unique Ohio Amish Country attraction and village, which is located at 4363 State Route 39 Berlin, OH 44610.
5. Sugarcreek
"The Little Switzerland of Ohio" covers a total area of a little more than three and a half square miles. This village is a popular tourist destination for anyone looking to explore Ohio's Amish Country, and it takes pride in its Swiss and German heritage.
6. Marietta
The historic riverboat town of Marietta is known as the first permanent settlement of the Northwest Territory. The town borders West Virginia and is nestled along the banks of both the Muskingum and Ohio Rivers. It's also known for its Victorian-style houses, European ambience, brick streets and sternwheelers. While you're visiting, be sure to take a trolley tour of the town and check out Lafayette Hotel.
7. Steubenville
With more than 20 downtown murals, this charming Ohio River town was named after the historic Fort Steuben from 1786. While you're in town, you'll want to take time to observe the murals and explore the fort site. (And if you're here during the holidays, be sure to check out the Steubenville Nutcracker Village in Fort Steuben Park, which features the largest display of life size nutcrackers in the U.S.)
8. Grand Rapids
If you try to find a village like the charming village of Grand Rapids, Ohio, you likely won’t be able to. Along the southern bank of the Maumee River, just southwest of Toledo, you’ll find a restored canal town that’s truly one of a kind. With a population of about 986, it’s a quaint place to live and the perfect place to visit for a day trip. (At the town's Providence Metropark, you can even ride on a canal boat pulled by mules down the restored Miami & Erie Canal.)
9. Marblehead
At the tip of the scenic Marblehead Peninsula the charming town of Marblehead features the iconic Marblehead Lighthouse, beautiful views of Lake Erie and Sandusky Bay and boating culture. The lighthouse is the Great Lakes' oldest continuously operating lighthouse and is open for tours during the summer. Although the town comes alive in the summer months, it's a quiet escape during the fall and winter months.
10. Granville
Known for its historic architecture and New England character, this Licking County village is home to the historic Avery Downer House, The Buxton Inn, The Granville Inn and Denison University. Additionally, it is the location of the prehistoric Alligator Effigy Mound, built by people of the Fort Ancient culture.
11. Perrysburg
Along the banks of the Maumee River is Perrysburg, home to Fort Meigs, the largest wooden wall fortification in North America. At Fort Meigs State Memorial, visitors can observe a reconstruction of the original 1813 fort of Ohio's War of 1812 Battlefield in Perrysburg. On Memorial Day, staff and volunteers reenact camp life for soldiers and a special wreath laying ceremony takes place at the Fort Meigs Monument.
Have you been to any of these towns before? Let us know!
For more beautiful towns in Ohio, check out our previous article: These 9 Farm Towns In Ohio Are Perfect When You Want To Get Away From It All.
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