NORTHEAST OHIO
Lexington Ohio
ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
1. Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course
RACING EVENTS & DRIVING SCHOOLS | LEXINGTON OH
Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course hosts premier motorsport competitions including IndyCar and NASCAR races. The 2.4-mile track offers driving schools and test days for enthusiasts. Facilities include grandstand seating, camping areas, and corporate event spaces. Seasonal events feature vintage racing series and motorcycle competitions on this historic road course.
2. Ohio State Reformatory
HISTORIC PRISON & FILM LOCATION | MANSFIELD OH
Ohio State Reformatory gained fame as the Shawshank Redemption filming location. This Gothic-style former prison offers guided tours showcasing cell blocks and architectural details. The museum highlights penal history through exhibits and paranormal investigation events. Special programming includes escape rooms and seasonal haunted house attractions in this National Register property.
3. Malabar Farm State Park
HISTORIC FARM & NATURE TRAILS | LUCAS OH
Malabar Farm State Park preserves Pulitzer winner Louis Bromfield's sustainable farming legacy. Visitors can tour the 32-room mansion where Bogart married Bacall. The 900-acre property features guided wagon rides, hiking trails, and working dairy operations. Seasonal festivals highlight maple syrup production and fall foliage across its pastoral landscapes.
4. B&O Bike Trail
SCENIC CYCLING PATH | LEXINGTON OH
B&O Bike Trail offers 18 miles of paved pathway through Richland County. The rail-trail conversion connects Lexington to Mansfield with rest stations and interpretive signage. Cyclists pass agricultural landscapes and historic sites, including access points to Clear Fork Reservoir. The flat terrain suits riders of all skill levels year-round.
5. Y-Not Cycling & Fitness
BIKE RENTALS & REPAIR SHOP | LEXINGTON OH
Y-Not Cycling provides bike rentals and maintenance services near the B&O Trail. The shop offers hybrid and mountain bikes with safety gear. Staff organize group rides and trail condition updates. Retail section features cycling apparel and accessories from major brands for local enthusiasts.
6. Laxton Hollow Brewing Works
CRAFT BEER & TASTING ROOM | LEXINGTON OH
Laxton Hollow Brewing crafts small-batch beers using local ingredients in a renovated barn. The taproom features rotating IPAs, stouts, and seasonal specialties. Patrons enjoy live music and food trucks on weekends. Outdoor seating accommodates groups with views of surrounding farmland near Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.
7. Lex Lanes
BOWLING ALLEY & ARCADE | LEXINGTON OH
Lex Lanes offers 24 bowling lanes with automatic scoring and cosmic bowling nights. The family entertainment center includes arcade games and billiards tables. Snack bar serves pizza and nachos for casual dining. Leagues and birthday party packages available year-round.
8. Richland Carrousel Park
HAND-CARVED MERRY-GO-ROUND | MANSFIELD OH
Richland Carrousel Park features America's first new hand-carved carousel since the 1930s. The indoor attraction showcases 52 wooden figures and Victorian-style rounding boards. Adjacent gift shop sells ride tokens and nostalgic treats. Special events include holiday light displays and summer concert series in downtown Mansfield.
9. The Blueberry Patch
U-PICK BERRY FARM | LEXINGTON OH
The Blueberry Patch offers seasonal U-pick berries with 12 varieties available July-August. Farm store sells homemade jams and baked goods. Family-friendly activities include picnic areas and educational tours. Annual festival features blueberry pancake breakfasts and craft vendors.
10. Snow Trails Ski Resort
WINTER SPORTS DESTINATION | MANSFIELD OH
Snow Trails operates Ohio's first ski area with 21 trails across 40 acres. Facilities include terrain parks and a 500-foot tubing lane. Ski school offers lessons for all ages. Lodge features two restaurants and live entertainment on weekends.
Lexington Attractions
THINGS TO DO IN LEXINGTON
Lexington Ohio is renowned for its motorsports heritage and family-friendly attractions. The Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course stands as a crown jewel, hosting major racing events like IndyCar and NASCAR while offering driving schools for enthusiasts. History buffs appreciate Malabar Farm State Park, the former estate of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Louis Bromfield, featuring historic tours and agricultural exhibits.
Outdoor recreation thrives at Clearfork Reservoir, offering boating, fishing, and camping opportunities. The B&O Bike Trail provides 18 miles of scenic cycling routes connecting Lexington to neighboring communities. Families enjoy Lex Lanes bowling alley and The Infield's go-kart track, while the annual Lexington Blueberry Festival in August celebrates local agriculture with parades and live music.
Cultural attractions include the Ohio State Reformatory, a former prison turned museum famous for its Gothic architecture and Shawshank Redemption filming connections. The Richland County Museum preserves regional history through artifacts and exhibits. Visitors can explore unique local businesses like Y-Not Cycling along the bike trail and sample craft beverages at Laxton Hollow Brewing Works.
Seasonal highlights include summer concerts at Malabar Farm and winter activities at Lexington Community Park's ice skating rink. The village maintains over 60 acres of parkland with facilities for baseball, soccer, tennis, and playgrounds. With its blend of motorsports excitement, historical preservation, and outdoor recreation, Lexington offers diverse experiences for visitors year-round.