Fairfield County
Visitors & Convention Bureau
One North Broad, P.O. Box 2450
Lancaster, Ohio 43130-5450
1-800-626-1296
FAX: (740) 653-7074
Contact: Greg Eyerman
Website: www.visitfairfieldcountyoh.org
E-mail: fcvcb@greenapple.com

800-297-LOOP

Start Your Journey in Fairfield County

Known for its covered bridges, century homes and more than a dozen museums, it’s no secret that Fairfield County is the place to go for a piece of Ohio history and charm wrapped in a modern, convenient package.History is alive and well in this thriving part of the Heritage Circle.

Begin in the town of Lancaster, where there are not one, but four National Register Historic Districts. Be sure to pay a visit to Historic Square 13 within the confines of Wheeling, Main, Broad and High streets. Within the square, you’ll find one of the finest collections of 19th century homes to stand in such a concentrated area.

Located in the heart of downtown Lancaster is the newest addition to the long list of the county’s museums. The Ohio Glass Museum, slated to open in 2005, will celebrate the city’s history as one of the most prominent glass producers in the country.

William Tecumseh Sherman was born
in this house in 1820. The Sherman
House is now a State Memorial
administered by The Ohio Historical
Society.

The Sherman House is a must-see in Lancaster for Civil War aficionados. The house is the birthplace of General William Tecumseh Sherman and Senator John Sherman. The early frame house is preserved as a Registered National Landmark, and it honors the eventful lives of the two Sherman brothers. An original section of the house, built in 1811, is known as the Little Brown House on the Hill. The house formerly accommodated local dignitaries and national figures, including Henry Clay and Daniel Webster. Today, it features restored rooms, a Civil War exhibit and Sherman family artifacts.

The Decorative Arts Center of Ohio, located in the historic Greek Revival period Reese-Peters Mansion, is another popular stop in Lancaster, located just steps away from the Sherman House. The center features exhibitions, public programs, art classes and workshops year ’round, as well as a gift shop full of artistic gifts and collectibles.

Outside Lancaster, several other communities host fantastic museums and daytrip opportunities. In the quaint village of Lithopolis is the Wagnalls Memorial Library, an exemplary public library given to Lithopolis and Bloom Township by Mabel Wagnalls Jones in memory of her parents, Adam and Anna Willis Wagnalls. If the Wagnalls name sounds familiar, it’s because Adam Wagnalls was co-founder of the Funk and Wagnalls Publishing Company. The library features historical photographs, rare volumes, local genealogy information, Funk and Wagnalls publications and more fascinating artifacts. The building itself is a Tudor Gothic structure with several distinctive architectural features, all of which are showcased in tours of the library. The Wagnalls Memorial serves as a library and community center.

The Wagnalls Memorial serves as a
library and community center.

In Canal Winchester, the Mid-Ohio Toy and Doll Museum courts toy lovers, both young and old. The museum features thousands of antique and rare dolls and toys, and includes Lionel train displays, Barbie displays and a GI Joe collection.

For a truly unique museum experience, don’t miss the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum in Pickerington. Current exhibits include a tribute to the “Heroes of Harley-Davidson,” covering the more than 100-year history of the world’s longest-surviving motorcycle company. A gift shop features books, clothing, toys and more.

You’ll find family-friendly events in abundance in Fairfield County throughout the year. The Lancaster Festival is a 12- day annual extravaganza of musical performances from classical to jazz and gospel, featuring performances from the Lancaster Festival Orchestra, with special appearances by nationally known artists each year.

Lancaster’s many historical churches are the focus of Candlelight Church Tours during the Christmas season, sponsored by the Fairfield Heritage Association. The walking tour highlights eight to ten area churches and presents over a dozen choral presentations.

The George Hutchins Bridge is
surrounded by autumn’s splendor at
Alley Park in Lancaster.

Each year, the Frontier Player’s Association offers up all-day living history performances, in a production called Frontier Spirit 1799. The event includes a circa-1799 church service, artillery firing, militia drill, a “timeline trail” of Ohio’s and Fairfield County’s history and 18th century-style music.

The Pickerington Violet Festival takes place every summer in the Olde Pickerington business district and features entertainment, parades games, rides and food. All year-round, Olde Pickerington features fine shops, antiquing, specialty stores and more. In September, Millersport is host to the Sweet Corn Festival. Hot-buttered sweet corn is the perfect way to usher in the fall at this delicious annual event.

Last, but certainly not least, are the covered bridges of Fairfield County, the most you’ll find in the state. Most were built between 1871 and 1906. Taking a tour of the 16 that are available for viewing is a great way to take in the natural beauty of the county.

For more information on any of the great events or attractions in Fairfield County, call the Fairfield County VCB at (740) 654-5929 or at 1-800-626-1296. Additional information is available at www.visitfairfieldcounty.org.

Hotels/Bed & Breakfasts

AmeriHost Inn
1721 River Valley Circle N.
Lancaster, Ohio 43130
1-800-434-5800

Best Western Inn & Suites
1899 Winderly Ln.
Pickerington, Ohio 43147
(614) 860-9604

Casa Grande Motel
2479 W. Main St.
Lancaster, Ohio 43130
(740) 687-0611

Hampton Inn–Lancaster
2041 Schorrway Dr.
Lancaster, Ohio 43130
(740) 654-2999

Hampton Inn - Pickerington
1890 Winderly Ln.
Pickerington, Ohio 43147
(614) 864-8383

Holiday Inn Express & Suites–Lancaster
1861 Riverway Dr.
Lancaster, Ohio 43130
(740) 654-4445

Holiday Inn Express & Suites–Pickerington
13300 Reynoldsburg-Baltimore Rd.
Pickerington, Ohio 43147
(614) 575-9900

Knights Inn
1327 River Valley Blvd.
Lancaster, Ohio 43130
1-800-843-5644

Lancaster Motel
533 S. Columbus St.
Lancaster, Ohio 43130
(740) 653-5706

Rodeway Inn & Rockmill Conference Center
1858 N. Memorial Dr.
Lancaster, Ohio, 43130
(740) 653-3040

Shaw’s Restaurant and Inn
123 N. Broad St.
Lancaster, Ohio 43130
1-800-654-2477