Polk OhioATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Polk, Ohio.
1. Beyond Measure Market
LOCAL FOOD EXPERIENCE
Beyond Measure Market offers visitors a unique food tour experience in Polk. The market has received excellent reviews, boasting a perfect 5.0 rating from visitors. It provides a taste of local cuisine and culture that represents the authentic flavors of the region.
2. Fin Feather Fur Outfitters
OUTDOOR RECREATION SUPPLIES
Fin Feather Fur Outfitters is a comprehensive outdoor recreation supply store serving Polk and surrounding areas. The store offers everything from hunting and fishing gear to outdoor clothing and camping equipment. Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate the knowledgeable staff and wide selection of quality merchandise.
3. Mohican State Park
NATURAL WILDERNESS RETREAT
Mohican State Park encompasses over 1,000 acres of stunning natural wilderness near Polk. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, camping facilities, and scenic overlooks with breathtaking views of the Clear Fork Gorge. The park offers year-round recreational opportunities including canoeing on the Mohican River and winter activities.
4. Malabar Farm State Park
HISTORIC WORKING FARM
Malabar Farm State Park preserves the former estate of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Louis Bromfield, showcasing sustainable farming practices and rich agricultural history. Visitors can tour the historic Big House where Hollywood celebrities Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall were married in 1945. The working farm demonstrates Bromfield's innovative conservation techniques with beautiful rolling landscapes and educational programs.
5. Ohio Bird Sanctuary
AVIAN CONSERVATION CENTER
The Ohio Bird Sanctuary provides a haven for injured and orphaned birds while offering educational experiences for visitors. The sanctuary features walking trails, display areas with resident birds, and interactive programs for all ages. Visitors can observe native Ohio bird species up close and learn about conservation efforts.
6. Pleasant Hill Lake Park
RECREATIONAL WATER DESTINATION
Pleasant Hill Lake Park offers 850 acres of water recreation opportunities just a short drive from Polk. The park features swimming beaches, boat rentals, fishing spots, and camping facilities for extended stays. Scenic hiking trails surround the lake, providing beautiful views and opportunities to observe local wildlife.
7. Kingwood Center Gardens
HISTORIC ESTATE GARDENS
Kingwood Center Gardens showcases 47 acres of meticulously maintained gardens on the historic estate of Charles Kelley King. The stunning horticultural displays change seasonally, offering something new to discover with each visit throughout the year. The French Provincial mansion and themed garden areas provide both beauty and educational opportunities for garden enthusiasts.
8. Mansfield Reformatory
HISTORIC PRISON MUSEUM
The Mansfield Reformatory, famously featured in the film 'The Shawshank Redemption,' offers visitors a glimpse into the history of this imposing Gothic-style prison. Guided tours take visitors through cell blocks, the central guard room, and other areas while sharing stories of the facility's 96-year history. The reformatory also hosts special events including ghost hunts that explore its reputation for paranormal activity.
9. Fort Laurens
REVOLUTIONARY WAR OUTPOST
Fort Laurens stands as Ohio's only Revolutionary War fort, built in 1778 as a wilderness outpost on the American frontier. The museum tells the compelling story of soldiers who served at this remote location during America's fight for independence. Visitors can explore the archaeological site and memorial to soldiers who perished at this historic military installation.
10. McCook House Museum
CIVIL WAR FAMILY HISTORY
The McCook House Museum preserves the pre-Civil War home of the Daniel McCook family, known as the 'Fighting McCooks.' This historic house honors the remarkable Ohio family that had an unprecedented number of members serve in the Union Army during the Civil War. The museum's exhibits showcase period furnishings and memorabilia related to this patriotic American family's contributions to history.
11. Museum of Ceramics
POTTERY CAPITAL HERITAGE
The Museum of Ceramics celebrates East Liverpool's status as the nation's historic Pottery Capital through extensive collections of local ceramic wares. Visitors can view the largest public display of rare American Lotus Ware porcelain, prized for its delicate beauty and craftsmanship. The museum documents the hundreds of potteries that once operated in the area, preserving this important aspect of Ohio's industrial heritage.
12. Historic Zoar Village
PRESERVED GERMAN SETTLEMENT
Historic Zoar Village preserves a unique 19th-century German separatist settlement founded in 1817 by religious refugees. Visitors can tour more than 10 original structures including the communal bakery, garden, and number houses where residents lived. The village offers guided tours that explain the community's fascinating history of communal living that lasted for over 80 years.
13. Schoenbrunn Village
RECONSTRUCTED MISSION SETTLEMENT
Schoenbrunn Village reconstructs a Delaware Indian mission community from the 1770s, offering a glimpse into early Ohio frontier life. Visitors can explore log buildings, period gardens, and the original mission cemetery established by Moravian missionaries and their Native American converts. The site includes Ohio's first schoolhouse and tells the story of this peaceful settlement that existed before Ohio statehood.
14. Richland Carrousel Park
HISTORIC HAND-CARVED CAROUSEL
Richland Carrousel Park features the first hand-carved wooden carousel built in the United States since the 1930s, operating in downtown Mansfield. The beautifully crafted merry-go-round includes 52 animals and figures, each intricately designed and painted by skilled artisans. Visitors of all ages can enjoy rides on this nostalgic attraction while learning about the history and artistry of traditional carousels.
15. Ashland BalloonFest
COLORFUL AERIAL CELEBRATION
The annual Ashland BalloonFest draws visitors from across the region to witness dozens of colorful hot air balloons fill the sky in a spectacular display. The festival features balloon glows at dusk, competitive balloon races, and opportunities for attendees to book their own balloon rides. This summer highlight offers additional entertainment including live music, food vendors, and family activities throughout the event.