If you find yourself in Central Ohio with nothing to do, you may want to consider making a pit stop in Chillicothe. This town of about 22,000 residents may not be on your radar quite yet, but you'll soon discover why we think it is pretty neat. Let's take a look at a few fun and interesting things to do in Chillicothe, Ohio.
Top Tourist Attractions In Chillicothe
You may not have heard much about Chillicothe yet, but this delightful town has a lot to offer. Did you know it was the very first (and the third) capital of Ohio? Here are a few things that draw visitors from far and wide just to enjoy our special little town.
1. Chillicothe Ghost Walk
Why not start our tour of Chillicothe off with a few spine-tingling, devilishly delightful, creepy places and haunted attractions? Chillicothe may be a charming town but every town it seems has a few things hidden in its closet so to speak. Each year, the Chillicothe Ghost Walk kicks off with a self-guided tour of the town's most haunted places. At each location, you'll meet up with a local storyteller who will enchant you with the landmark's history. There are four locations to stop for a spine-tingling tale - the Masonic Lodge, the Ross County Archives, the Majestic Theatre, and the Porch Swing Days Antique Shop.
2. Tecumseh! Outdoor Drama
One of the biggest draws to Chillicothe is the epic story of Tecumseh, the legendary leader of the Shawnee Indians who led his people against the United States military as it tried to expand across their land in this region of Ohio. The Tecumseh! Outdoor Drama is held in the picturesque Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheatre from mid-June through early September. It is an epic performance of the historical events that happened in the late 1700s. This outdoor performance has drawn millions of visitors to Chillicothe over the years and continues to be one of the premier attractions of this charming historical town. If you are looking for interesting things to do in Chillicothe, Ohio at night, the evening performance begins at 8 p.m.
3. Majestic Theatre
If you aren't a hardcore history buff, a trivia master, or a resident of Chillicothe, you probably aren't aware that the Majestic Theatre in this historic town is the oldest continuously operated theater in America! That is quite the legacy. The Masonic Opera House was built on this spot after a major fire in 1852. But the performing arts were going strong at this location long before. The original structure on the site was a bank built in 1802. Even at that time, the lobby was used as a space for theatrical plays. When the bank relocated in the 1830s the Masonic lodge took over the building and continued to host theatrical performances by the Bank Alley Thespian Society. Many renovations and updates have been made to the building over the years but it has always been a center for the performing arts and a cultural source of pride for Chillicothe.
Best Parks And Recreation In Chillicothe
Chillicothe has lots of fun natural areas to explore, from local parks to popular state parks. Here are a few things to do if you love the outdoors.
4. Buzzard's Roost
The official name of this delightful nature preserve is the Earl H. Barnhart Nature Preserve, but Buzzard's Roost just sounds more intriguing. This little-known overlook in Ohio is a great place to enjoy the wonder of the Paint Creek Gorge. With plenty of hiking trails to explore like the South Point Lookout Trail, you'll discover interesting rock formations, miles of dense forests, and of course, the epic scenic overlooks.
5. Scioto Trail State Park
If you are looking for a wonderful place to spend a day exploring the outdoors or a lovely scenic drive, this state park in Chillicothe is a great place to start. The Scioto Heritage Trail is one of the best scenic drives in Ohio with rolling hills, wide open countryside, and quite a few historical places to learn more about. This beautiful state park in the Shawnee State Forest cuddles up to the Ohio River as it winds through the state. Whether you plan to enjoy the 84-mile scenic drive or have a picnic by the lake, Scioto Trail State Park is the perfect place to spend time with family while enjoying the great outdoors.
6. Great Seal State Park
Our state parks always have an impact on our health and our happiness, because it is so refreshing to get outside and enjoy nature. But this small state park in Chillicothe actually influenced the entire state in a unique way. The beautiful views of the Scioto Valley were the inspiration for the state seal. If you aren't a history buff, there are plenty more reasons to visit the scenic Great Seal State Park. You can enjoy everything from hiking to horseback riding. With 23 miles of trails to explore, including the beautiful 6.3-mile Shawnee Ridge, you'll be able to come back again and again to see something new.
Best Things To Do In Chillicothe For Families
Chillicothe is a wonderful town for families. Even if the kiddos aren't as into all of the historical adventures in the town, they are sure to enjoy these next few ideas.
7. Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop
Everyone needs a Grandpa Joe in their life, but if you don't, you can swing by this epic candy store in Chillicothe. There are several locations in Ohio, but this one is pretty special. All the dentists in town LOVE this place. And you will too. You are never too old to step back in time to enjoy an old-fashioned candy store - especially when you see the walls of bulk candy, soda pop, and ice cream snacks.
8. Yoctangee Park
This historic park in Chillicothe has been treating residents and guests to a public green space since 1875. It was originally called City Park until the 1890s when it was officially changed to Yoctangee Park. No matter what you call it, the park is a beautiful space where you can enjoy a little nature with your family while also getting a little exercise. The park has a playground, pickleball courts, basketball and tennis courts, as well as a full disc golf course. You can also bring a picnic lunch to enjoy while sitting by the pond and watching ducks do a little dance trying to get your leftovers. Yoctangee Park also hosts a few fun seasonal events, the Feast of the Flowering Moon Native American Festival on Memorial Day weekend, the Fall Halloween Festival, and one of the best fireworks displays in Ohio in July.
9. Highlands Nature Sanctuary
This beautiful area of Ohio is an awe-inspiring reminder of what our earth used to be like millions of years ago - and what we need to work hard to preserve. The Arc of Appalachia is an organization dedicated to doing just that - preserving the wild lands of Appalachian Ohio. Not only can you instill in your family a love of nature by learning all about forest preservation, but you can hike more than 18 miles of trails within the most stunning and soul-lifting natural areas of the Rocky Fork Gorge. There are even cabins and lodges available for you to get a fully immersive experience. It may be a 35-minute jaunt west of Chillicothe, but it deserves to be on our list because it is such an incredible reminder of why we need to take care of and enjoy these wild places.
Free Things To Do In Chillicothe
You don't need to crack open your piggy bank to enjoy a day, weekend, or full week in Chillicothe. Here are some free things to do that will make your trip extra enjoyable.
10. Go on a Mural Walk
If you are looking for free things to do in downtown Chillicothe, Ohio why not go on a nice walk? Throughout town, you'll discover 25 different murals, many of which were painted by one local artist, Kelly Poling. These beautiful depictions celebrate the town's rich cultural history. For a list of all the murals and where to find them, visit the downtown Chillicothe website. You can also download a mural map to take your own self-guided tour of the city.
11. Mound City
The Hopewell Culture National Historical Park near Chillicothe is a fascinating area of the Scioto River valley containing dozens of ceremonial mounds and geometrical earthworks. Some of these earthmounds are up to 30 feet high. Mound City is one of six groups preserved by the Hopewell Culture National Historical Park. In Mound City alone there are 23 ceremonial burial mounds spread out over 13 acres. Other mound groups in the area include the High Bank Works, Hopewell Mound Group, Hopeton Earthworks, Seip Earthworks, and Spruce Hill Earthworks.
12. Ride the Chillicothe Trolley
Riding a trolley in and of itself is a pretty fun thing to do in Chillicothe, but it is also a great way to get around the city for free as you travel to the city's attractions, restaurants, and shopping destinations. There are even special events like the City Parks Tour that take you on a guided tour of the city's parks and playgrounds. The downtown route takes you to some fun locations as well, including the Children's Museum, the firehouse, the city pool, High Five Cakes, Cristy's Pizza, and several more interesting and tasty locations.
Honorable Mentions
There are plenty of more things to do in Chillicothe, so why stop now? Here are a few final things to keep you busy, keep you relaxed, and make your stay in this lovely town a memorial one.
13. Watch a Chillicothe Paints Game
Peanuts, popcorn, Cracker Jacks! Is there any better way to spend a spring or summer day than by cheering on a local baseball team? The Chillicothe Paints play in the Prospect League which is a collegiate summer league. You never know when you'll spot the next Major League up-and-comer. Head to the VA Memorial Stadium to cheer them on. If you enjoy baseball, this is a fun and inexpensive way to enjoy the day. The stadium also hosts other events, so if the Paints aren't playing you might be able to catch another fun experience.
14. Feel like a gangster at Steiner’s Speakeasy
Head to South Paint Street to visit this iconic speakeasy in Chillicothe. The ambiance is just like an old speakeasy from the Prohibition era with live music and Prohibition-style cocktails. They also have a large craft beer selection if a Midnight in Manhattan isn't your cup of tea. The Speakeasy has won several awards including the Best Bourbon Bar and a top five spot on the list of the best Americana and Folk Music venues in the country. If you are looking for things to do in Chillicothe, Ohio this weekend, hop on into Steiner’s for a friendly smile, a good drink, and some soul-lifting music.
15. Spend a day of pampering bliss at Brick Haven Spa
Everyone needs a little (or a lot) of pampering now and then. Whether you take a spa vacation or simply need some soothing after a long hike in the Highlands Nature Sanctuary, the Brick Haven Spa will welcome you with a bright smile and warm hands. With a full range of services to choose from all of your luxury relaxation needs will be met. From couples massages to mani-pedis, or even a prenatal massage if your little one-to-be needs some loving too. A spa day is the best way to round out your trip if you are looking for fun things to do in Chillicothe, Ohio.
If you were under the impression that a smaller-sized town in the "middle of nowhere Ohio" wouldn't be a great place to visit, we hope you have now changed your mind. Oftentimes these hidden gems can really surprise us with their cultural importance and bounty of fascinating and fun experiences you can have when you visit. Have you ever spent any time in Chillicothe? What were your favorite things to do in Chillicothe, Ohio?
Learn more about Chillicothe, Ohio in our featured article about one of our favorite towns in the Buckeye State.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!
