Lancaster Ohio
ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Lancaster is a city located in Fairfield County, Ohio. Listed below are the best attractions and things to do in Lancaster.
1. Sherman House Museum
CIVIL WAR HISTORY | LANCASTER OH
The Sherman House Museum preserves the birthplace of Civil War General William Tecumseh Sherman. This 19th-century home offers visitors a glimpse into Sherman's life and the Civil War era through period furnishings and artifacts. Informative exhibits provide an immersive historical experience in the heart of Lancaster. Guided tours are available to enhance visitors' understanding of this significant historical site.
2. Rising Park
SCENIC OUTDOOR RECREATION | LANCASTER OH
Rising Park is home to Mount Pleasant, a 250-foot high sandstone bluff offering panoramic views of Lancaster. The park features a challenging hike to the summit, rewarding visitors with breathtaking vistas of the city and surrounding countryside. Amenities include picnic areas, playgrounds, and a small lake for diverse recreational opportunities. Nature lovers and families alike can enjoy the park's beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities.
3. Ohio Glass Museum
GLASSMAKING HERITAGE | LANCASTER OH
The Ohio Glass Museum celebrates Lancaster's rich glassmaking history through engaging exhibits and demonstrations. Visitors can explore displays showcasing the area's glass industry heritage, from ancient techniques to modern innovations. Live glass-blowing demonstrations allow guests to witness the artistry and skill involved in creating beautiful glass pieces firsthand. The museum also offers classes and workshops for those interested in learning the craft.
4. AHA! A Hands-on Adventure Children's Museum
INTERACTIVE LEARNING | LANCASTER OH
AHA! A Hands-on Adventure Children's Museum offers an engaging, interactive learning environment for children. The museum features over 30 exhibits designed to stimulate curiosity and creativity through play. From art stations to science experiments, AHA! provides educational experiences that make learning fun for kids of all ages. The outdoor Raymond B. Martens Nature Playscape offers additional opportunities for exploration and imaginative play.
5. Cherry Street Pub
LOCAL DINING FAVORITE | LANCASTER OH
Cherry Street Pub is a beloved local eatery with the rustic charm of an English-style pub. The restaurant serves a variety of unique dishes and cocktails in a historic setting that has been a Lancaster watering hole for over a century. Patrons can enjoy their meals at the antique bar, which has been in operation for over 100 years. The pub's warm atmosphere and delicious food make it a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors alike.
6. Rockside Winery and Vineyards
WINE TASTING EXPERIENCE | LANCASTER OH
Rockside Winery and Vineyards offers a delightful wine tasting experience in a picturesque setting. Visitors can sample a variety of locally produced wines while enjoying the beautiful vineyard surroundings. The winery features a tasting room, outdoor seating, and hosts events and live music. Food options include brick oven pizzas, cheese plates, and gourmet wine cakes to complement the wine selections.
7. Decorative Arts Center of Ohio
ART & CULTURAL EXHIBITS | LANCASTER OH
The Decorative Arts Center of Ohio showcases rotating exhibits of fine and decorative arts in a historic mansion. This cultural gem offers visitors a chance to explore various artistic styles and periods through its diverse exhibitions. The center provides educational programs and workshops to enhance art appreciation and creativity. Guided tours of the historic Reese-Peters House are available, offering insights into the building's architectural significance.
8. Rockmill Brewery
CRAFT BEER DESTINATION | LANCASTER OH
Rockmill Brewery is a family-owned craft brewery set on a picturesque 23-acre former horse farm. The brewery specializes in farmhouse ales, utilizing the unique minerality of the local water filtered through Black Hand Sandstone. Visitors can enjoy a selection of fresh, flavor-forward beers in the tasting room or on the scenic grounds. The historic property, which once served as a stagecoach stop and tavern, provides a charming backdrop for beer enthusiasts.
9. Sensory Trail Park
INCLUSIVE OUTDOOR EXPERIENCE | LANCASTER OH
Sensory Trail Park offers an inclusive outdoor experience designed for individuals of all abilities. The park features a variety of sensory-stimulating elements, including musical instruments, textured surfaces, and aromatic plants. A highlight of the park is the two-story treehouse, which is partially wheelchair-accessible and includes a fireman's pole. The trail provides a safe and engaging environment for visitors to explore nature through touch, smell, sight, and sound.
10. Picture Perfect Ranch
ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS | LANCASTER OH
Picture Perfect Ranch is a 7-acre hobby farm offering interactive animal encounters and special events. Visitors can meet and interact with a variety of animals, including horses, alpacas, goats, pigs, and more. The ranch hosts unique events such as paint parties and outdoor yoga sessions surrounded by animals and nature. The picturesque setting also serves as an ideal backdrop for photoshoots and private events.
11. Downtown Lancaster
SHOPPING & DINING HUB | LANCASTER OH
Downtown Lancaster serves as the city's vibrant shopping and dining hub, offering a charming small-town experience. Visitors can explore a variety of local boutiques, antique shops, and specialty stores along picturesque streets. The area boasts diverse dining options, from cozy cafes to upscale restaurants, showcasing Lancaster's culinary scene. Public art installations, murals, and historic architecture add to the downtown's visual appeal and cultural atmosphere.
12. Alley Park
NATURE PRESERVE | LANCASTER OH
Alley Park is a 350-acre nature preserve offering diverse outdoor activities for visitors. The park features hiking trails, a nature center, and various ecosystems to explore, including wetlands and forests. Educational programs and guided nature walks provide opportunities for environmental learning and wildlife observation. Alley Park's scenic beauty and tranquil setting make it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and families seeking peaceful outdoor experiences.