CENTRAL OHIO
St. Louisville Ohio
ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
1. Velvet Ice Cream Company
HISTORIC ICE CREAM FACTORY | UTICA OH
Velvet Ice Cream Company is a beloved family-owned business operating since 1914. Located in Utica, it features an ice cream museum, restaurant, and picturesque mill pond. Visitors can tour the facility, learn about ice cream production, and enjoy delicious treats in a charming setting.
2. T.J. Evans Panhandle Trail
SCENIC RAIL-TRAIL | NEWARK OH
T.J. Evans Panhandle Trail is a 14.5-mile rail-trail connecting Newark to Johnstown, passing near St. Louisville. This popular trail offers a perfect route for hiking, biking, and nature observation. The scenic path winds through rural landscapes, providing an excellent opportunity for outdoor recreation and wildlife viewing.
3. Newark Earthworks
ANCIENT NATIVE AMERICAN SITE | NEWARK OH
Newark Earthworks is a series of geometric earthen enclosures built by the ancient Hopewell culture. This National Historic Landmark is considered one of the largest and most impressive Native American earthwork complexes in the world. Visitors can explore the site and learn about Ohio's prehistoric past through guided tours and exhibits.
4. Licking County Park District Trails
DIVERSE OUTDOOR RECREATION | NEWARK OH
Licking County Park District Trails offer a network of diverse outdoor recreational opportunities throughout the county. With multiple parks and trails, visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, biking, bird watching, and picnicking. The trails showcase the natural beauty of the region and provide access to various ecosystems and landscapes.
5. Ye Olde Mill
HISTORIC MILL & MUSEUM | UTICA OH
Ye Olde Mill, part of the Velvet Ice Cream Company, is a historic attraction in Utica. This restored 1817 grist mill houses an ice cream museum, restaurant, and gift shop. Visitors can explore the mill's history, watch ice cream being made, and enjoy scenic views of the adjacent mill pond.
6. Mill Street Distillery
CRAFT SPIRITS & TOURS | UTICA OH
Mill Street Distillery is a craft spirits producer located in Utica, Ohio. This local distillery offers tours and tastings of their handcrafted spirits, including moonshine, whiskey, and bourbon. Visitors can learn about the distilling process, sample unique flavors, and purchase bottles of their favorite spirits to take home.
7. Dawes Arboretum
BOTANICAL GARDENS & EDUCATION | NEWARK OH
Dawes Arboretum is a 2,000-acre botanical garden and research facility in Newark, Ohio. The arboretum features diverse plant collections, walking trails, and educational programs. Visitors can explore themed gardens, enjoy scenic drives, and participate in seasonal events while learning about horticulture and conservation.
8. The Works: Ohio Center for History, Art & Technology
INTERACTIVE MUSEUM COMPLEX | NEWARK OH
The Works is an interactive museum complex in Newark, Ohio, focusing on history, art, and technology. This family-friendly attraction features hands-on exhibits, a glass studio, a planetarium, and historical displays. Visitors can engage in various educational activities and explore the region's industrial heritage through interactive experiences.
9. Buckeye Lake State Park
LAKESIDE RECREATION AREA | MILLERSPORT OH
Buckeye Lake State Park offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities on Ohio's oldest state park. The 3,100-acre lake provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, hiking trails, and camping facilities while exploring the park's natural beauty and rich history.
10. Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve
SCENIC HIKING TRAILS | HEATH OH
Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve is a scenic area near Heath, Ohio, featuring a narrow, east-west gorge cut by the Licking River. The preserve offers hiking trails, rock formations, and diverse plant life. Visitors can explore the area's natural beauty, observe wildlife, and learn about the region's geological history.
St. Louisville Attractions
THINGS TO DO IN ST. LOUISVILLE
St. Louisville, Ohio, is a charming village nestled in Licking County, known for its small-town atmosphere and proximity to natural attractions. Located along the North Fork of the Licking River, this quaint community offers visitors a glimpse into rural Ohio life while providing access to various outdoor activities and historical sites.
One of the main attractions near St. Louisville is the Velvet Ice Cream Company, located in nearby Utica. This family-owned business has been operating since 1914 and features an ice cream museum, a restaurant, and a picturesque mill pond. Visitors can tour the facility, learn about the ice cream-making process, and enjoy delicious treats in a scenic setting.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the surrounding area offers numerous opportunities for recreation. The Licking County Park District maintains several parks and trails in the region, including the popular T.J. Evans Panhandle Trail. This 14.5-mile rail-trail connects Newark to Johnstown, passing near St. Louisville and providing a perfect route for hiking, biking, and nature observation.
History buffs will appreciate the nearby Newark Earthworks, a series of geometric earthen enclosures built by the ancient Hopewell culture. This National Historic Landmark is considered one of the largest and most impressive Native American earthwork complexes in the world. While not directly in St. Louisville, it's a short drive away and offers a fascinating glimpse into Ohio's prehistoric past.