SOUTHWEST OHIO
Ithaca Ohio
10 ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
1. Ithaca Grocery Store
LOCAL CONVENIENCE STORE | ITHACA OHIO
Ithaca Grocery Store serves as the community's primary local convenience store. This small-town establishment offers essential groceries, snacks, and basic household items to Ithaca residents. It's a convenient stop for quick purchases and serves as a gathering spot for locals to catch up on community news.
2. Independent Order of Odd Fellows Building
HISTORIC FRATERNAL LODGE | ITHACA OH
The Independent Order of Odd Fellows Building in Ithaca is a historic fraternal lodge. This structure stands as a testament to the town's social history and architectural heritage. While no longer actively used by the IOOF, the building remains an important landmark in Ithaca's small downtown area.
3. Bear's Mill
HISTORIC WATER-POWERED MILL | GREENVILLE OH
Bear's Mill is a historic water-powered flour mill dating back to 1849. This beautifully preserved structure offers guided tours, showcasing its original French buhr stones and water turbine system. Visitors can explore the mill's museum, art gallery, and gift shop featuring stone-ground flours and local artisan products.
4. Garst Museum
LOCAL HISTORY & CULTURE | GREENVILLE OH
Garst Museum in Greenville showcases Darke County's rich history and famous residents. The museum houses exhibits on sharpshooter Annie Oakley, broadcaster Lowell Thomas, and the Treaty of Greene Ville. Visitors can explore over 35,000 square feet of displays featuring Native American artifacts, military memorabilia, and pioneer life.
5. Eldora Speedway
WORLD-FAMOUS DIRT TRACK | NEW WESTON OH
Eldora Speedway, known as "The Big E," is a world-famous half-mile dirt racing track. Founded by Earl Baltes in 1954, this iconic venue hosts major events like the World 100 and Kings Royal. Racing enthusiasts flock to Eldora for thrilling dirt late model, sprint car, and modified races.
6. Shawnee Prairie Preserve
NATURE TRAILS & EDUCATION | GREENVILLE OH
Shawnee Prairie Preserve offers 118 acres of diverse habitats and educational opportunities. Visitors can explore hiking trails through prairies, woodlands, and wetlands. The preserve features a nature center with interactive exhibits, a restored log house, and various programs focusing on local flora, fauna, and Native American history.
7. The Winery at Versailles
VINEYARD & TASTING ROOM | VERSAILLES OH
The Winery at Versailles offers a delightful wine-tasting experience in rural Darke County. Visitors can sample a variety of locally produced wines in the charming tasting room or on the outdoor patio. The winery also features a gift shop and hosts special events throughout the year.
8. KitchenAid Experience
BRAND MUSEUM & STORE | GREENVILLE OH
The KitchenAid Experience in Greenville celebrates the iconic American appliance brand. This unique attraction combines a museum showcasing KitchenAid's history with a retail store offering a wide range of products. Visitors can explore interactive displays, watch cooking demonstrations, and purchase KitchenAid appliances at factory-direct prices.
9. Bradford Ohio Railroad Museum
RAILWAY HISTORY EXHIBITS | BRADFORD OH
The Bradford Ohio Railroad Museum preserves the region's rich railway heritage. Housed in a restored Pennsylvania Railroad freight house, the museum features exhibits on railroad history, including vintage equipment, photographs, and memorabilia. Visitors can explore a restored caboose and learn about the impact of railroads on local communities.
10. Darke County Parks
OUTDOOR RECREATION NETWORK | GREENVILLE OH
Darke County Parks manages a network of parks and nature preserves throughout the county. This system offers diverse outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking trails, fishing spots, and picnic areas. Visitors can enjoy birdwatching, nature photography, and educational programs focused on local ecology and conservation efforts.
Ithaca Attractions
THINGS TO DO IN ITHACA
Ithaca, Ohio, nestled in the heart of Darke County, is a small rural community that embodies the charm of Midwestern small-town life. While Ithaca itself may be modest in size, it serves as a gateway to the rich history and diverse attractions of Darke County. The town's centerpiece, the Ithaca Grocery Store, stands as a testament to the close-knit community spirit that defines this quaint locale.
Visitors to Ithaca and its surrounding areas can immerse themselves in a wealth of historical and cultural experiences. The nearby Garst Museum in Greenville offers a fascinating journey through local history, showcasing exhibits on famous residents like sharpshooter Annie Oakley and broadcaster Lowell Thomas. For those interested in industrial heritage, Bear's Mill, a beautifully preserved water-powered flour mill dating back to 1849, provides guided tours and a glimpse into 19th-century technology.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to explore in Darke County's natural landscapes. The Shawnee Prairie Preserve offers 118 acres of diverse habitats, featuring hiking trails and a nature center with interactive exhibits. The county's network of parks and nature preserves, managed by Darke County Parks, provides ample opportunities for activities such as birdwatching, fishing, and picnicking.
For those seeking more high-octane experiences, the world-famous Eldora Speedway, known as "The Big E," hosts thrilling dirt track races that draw motorsports fans from across the country. Wine enthusiasts can indulge in tastings at The Winery at Versailles, while culinary aficionados will appreciate the KitchenAid Experience in Greenville, which combines a brand museum with a retail store offering factory-direct prices on iconic kitchen appliances. These diverse attractions make Ithaca and Darke County a hidden gem for visitors looking to experience the authentic charm of rural Ohio.