Gallipolis Ohio
ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Gallipolis is a city located in Gallia County, Ohio. Listed below are the best attractions and things to do in Gallipolis.
1. Gallipolis City Park
HISTORIC RIVERSIDE PARK | GALLIPOLIS OH
Gallipolis City Park is a picturesque riverside park overlooking the Ohio River. The park features swings, benches, picnic tables, and free public WiFi for visitors to enjoy. It hosts popular events like the Gallipolis River Recreation Festival and the Gallipolis in Lights display. The park also contains several historical monuments and memorials, including the Kerr Memorial Fountain and a Civil War-era bandstand.
2. Our House Tavern
HISTORIC MUSEUM & INN | GALLIPOLIS OH
Our House Tavern is a beautifully restored Federal-style brick tavern built in 1819. The museum features a taproom, dining room, summer kitchen, and ballroom, offering visitors a glimpse into early Ohio life. It's known for hosting General Marquis de Lafayette in 1825 and serves as a memorial to the French 500 families who founded Gallipolis. The tavern is a popular venue for weddings and historical reenactments.
3. Gallipolis Railroad Freight Station Museum
RAILROAD HISTORY MUSEUM | GALLIPOLIS OH
The Gallipolis Railroad Freight Station Museum showcases the area's rich railroad history in a restored 1901 freight depot. Visitors can explore model train displays, a reconstructed freight office with a working telegraph, and various rail cars. The museum offers educational programs and interactive exhibits for all ages. It aims to highlight the role railroads played in the development of southeastern Ohio and beyond.
4. French Art Colony
MULTI-ARTS CENTER | GALLIPOLIS OH
The French Art Colony is a regional multi-arts center housed in an 1855 Greek Revival home. It offers youth arts programming, adult art classes, exhibits, and annual events promoting arts education and cultural enrichment. The Riverby Theatre Guild, part of the FAC, presents live performances throughout the year. The center serves as a hub for creative expression and community engagement in southeastern Ohio.
5. Bob Evans Farm
HISTORIC FARM & MUSEUM | RIO GRANDE OH
Bob Evans Farm is the birthplace of the Bob Evans restaurant chain, located in nearby Rio Grande. Visitors can explore the original homestead, now a museum, and learn about the company's history. The farm hosts the annual Bob Evans Farm Festival, featuring food, music, and crafts. Year-round dining is available at the on-site restaurant, offering classic Bob Evans dishes.
6. Bossard Memorial Library
PUBLIC LIBRARY & EXHIBITS | GALLIPOLIS OH
Bossard Memorial Library serves as Gallia County's primary library, founded in 1898. The current building, completed in 1978, offers extensive resources and hosts special exhibits. In 2015, a 5,500 square foot addition was completed to accommodate growing library programs and community needs. The library is a cultural hub, providing educational resources and community events for Gallipolis residents.
7. Cliffside Golf Course
18-HOLE GOLF COURSE | GALLIPOLIS OH
Cliffside Golf Course offers golfers an 18-hole challenging experience designed by Jack Kidwell in 1988. The course features four sets of tees to accommodate various skill levels, spanning 6,577 yards from the longest tees. Set against scenic landscapes, Cliffside provides a picturesque setting for a round of golf in southeastern Ohio. The facility includes a clubhouse with a restaurant and bar for post-game relaxation.
8. Elizabeth L. Evans Waterfowl and Bird Sanctuary
NATURE PRESERVE | GALLIPOLIS OH
The Elizabeth L. Evans Waterfowl and Bird Sanctuary provides a haven for local and migratory birds. This nature preserve offers visitors opportunities for birdwatching and enjoying the natural beauty of southeastern Ohio. The sanctuary contributes to the conservation efforts in the region, protecting vital habitats. It serves as an educational resource for nature enthusiasts and students interested in local wildlife.
9. Merry Family Winery
LOCAL WINERY | BIDWELL OH
Merry Family Winery is Gallia County's first winery and craft brewery, offering a variety of handcrafted Ohio wines. The facility includes vineyards and a craft brewery specializing in small-batch beers and hard cider. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings and scenic views of the rural countryside. The winery also hosts events and provides a relaxing atmosphere for guests to unwind.
10. Gallipolis in Lights
HOLIDAY LIGHT DISPLAY | GALLIPOLIS OH
Gallipolis in Lights is a spectacular holiday light display that transforms Gallipolis City Park from November 27th to January 1st. Thousands of lights create a magical atmosphere, accompanied by holiday music throughout the park. The event features an official park lighting ceremony, live reindeer, and a fireworks display. Named part of Ohio's Holiday Lights Trail, it has also been recognized as the Today Show's Merriest Main Street.
11. Raccoon Creek County Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION | GALLIPOLIS OH
Raccoon Creek County Park is a 700-acre park showcasing both natural areas and recreational facilities. The park is bordered by Raccoon Creek to the north and features hills and upland fields to the south. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, picnic areas, and opportunities for wildlife observation. The park serves as a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families seeking nature-based activities.
12. The Artisan Shoppe & Studio & Retro Bros.
ART GALLERY & SHOP | GALLIPOLIS OH
The Artisan Shoppe & Studio & Retro Bros. is a state-of-the-art facility showcasing local artisans' work. The venue offers high-quality, handmade products, art classes, and an open art studio for visitors to explore their creativity. Monthly galleries feature rotating exhibits of local and regional artists. Retro Bros., located within the facility, adds a unique vintage shopping experience to complement the artistic offerings.