NORTHWEST OHIO
Benton Ridge Ohio
10 ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
1. Benton Ridge Community Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION HUB | BENTON RIDGE OH
Benton Ridge Community Park is a versatile outdoor recreation hub featuring baseball and soccer fields, a volleyball court, playground, walking track, and picnic sites. The park also includes an enclosed building with heat and air conditioning available for rent, making it a focal point for community gatherings and activities.
2. Swartz Cemetery Veterans Memorial
HONORING MILITARY SERVICE | BENTON RIDGE OH
The Swartz Cemetery Veterans Memorial in Benton Ridge pays tribute to local veterans who served their country. Located at 5615 Township Highway 132, this memorial serves as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by military personnel from the Benton Ridge community.
3. Benton Ridge Telephone Company Museum
TELECOMMUNICATIONS HISTORY | BENTON RIDGE OH
The Benton Ridge Telephone Company Museum showcases the evolution of telecommunications in the area. With over 100 years of service, the museum likely features vintage telephone equipment and memorabilia, offering visitors a glimpse into the history of rural communication technology.
4. Hancock Historical Museum
LOCAL HISTORY EXPLORATION | FINDLAY OH
The Hancock Historical Museum in Findlay preserves and showcases the rich history of Hancock County. Located at 422 West Sandusky Street, the museum features permanent exhibits on various aspects of local history, rotating displays, and hosts educational events like the Brown Bag Lecture Series.
5. Van Buren State Park
LAKESIDE RECREATION DESTINATION | VAN BUREN MI
Van Buren State Park, located along Lake Michigan's shoreline, offers a diverse range of outdoor activities. The park features high dune formations, a modern campground, a mile of sandy beach, woodland trails, and a day-use area with picnic facilities, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and beachgoers.
6. Motter Metro Park
NATURE PRESERVE & TRAILS | BLUFFTON OH
Motter Metro Park, located near Bluffton, offers 105 acres of natural beauty with 1.5 miles of mowed grass trails along Little Riley Creek. The park features restored prairie areas and is undergoing a wetlands mitigation project to improve wildlife habitat, making it an excellent spot for nature enthusiasts and hikers.
7. Marathon Center for the Performing Arts
CULTURAL ENTERTAINMENT VENUE | FINDLAY OH
The Marathon Center for the Performing Arts in Findlay is a 960-seat performance space hosting musical and theatrical acts. This renovated historic building features an event hall, lounge space, art gallery, and various rental spaces, making it a hub for cultural events and community gatherings.
8. Findlay Village Mall
SHOPPING & ENTERTAINMENT CENTER | FINDLAY OH
Findlay Village Mall, an enclosed shopping center in Findlay, offers a variety of retail options. Anchored by stores like Dunham's Sports, Stock + Field, and Best Buy, the mall is undergoing redevelopment with plans for a new big box retailer, ensuring its continued role as a key shopping destination in the area.
9. Fort Findlay Playhouse
COMMUNITY THEATER | FINDLAY OH
Fort Findlay Playhouse, located at 300 West Sandusky St. in Findlay, is a vibrant community theater. Known for its intimate setting and quality productions, the playhouse stages 5 to 7 shows annually, offering a mix of plays and musicals that showcase local talent and provide entertainment for theater enthusiasts.
10. Riverside Park
SCENIC WATERFRONT RECREATION | FINDLAY OH
Riverside Park in Findlay offers a scenic waterfront setting for outdoor recreation. While specific details about this park are limited, it likely features amenities such as walking trails, picnic areas, and possibly water-related activities, providing a peaceful retreat for local residents and visitors to enjoy nature and leisure activities.
Benton Ridge Attractions
THINGS TO DO IN BENTON RIDGE
Benton Ridge, a quaint village in Hancock County, Ohio, is known for its charming small-town atmosphere and rich agricultural heritage. Despite its small size, Benton Ridge offers visitors a glimpse into rural Midwest life and a variety of local attractions. The village is particularly recognized for its well-preserved historic buildings and community-oriented events that showcase its close-knit community spirit.
One of the most popular attractions in Benton Ridge is the Benton Ridge Community Park. This local gem features baseball and soccer fields, a volleyball court, playground, and a walking track, making it a hub for outdoor recreation and community gatherings. The park also includes picnic sites and an enclosed building, perfect for hosting various events and activities throughout the year.
For history enthusiasts, Benton Ridge offers a window into the past through its historic structures. The village, originally laid out in 1835 and named after Thomas Hart Benton, a U.S. Senator from Missouri, boasts several well-preserved buildings that reflect its 19th-century origins. The Swartz Cemetery, one of the oldest in the area, not only serves as a final resting place for some of the earliest settlers but also features a Veteran's Memorial, honoring those who served the country.
While Benton Ridge itself may be small, its proximity to larger cities like Findlay opens up additional opportunities for visitors. Just a short drive away, one can explore attractions such as the Hancock Historical Museum, offering insights into the region's past, or enjoy outdoor activities at nearby parks and nature preserves. The village's location in the heart of Ohio's agricultural region also makes it an ideal spot for those interested in experiencing rural life and seasonal farm-related activities.