NORTHWEST OHIO
Helena Ohio
10 ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
1. Chateau Winery & Vineyard
WINE TASTING & EVENTS | HELENA OH
Chateau Winery & Vineyard offers a delightful wine-tasting experience in Helena. This family-owned winery produces a variety of wines from locally grown grapes. Visitors can enjoy tastings, tours of the vineyard, and special events throughout the year, all while taking in the picturesque rural setting.
2. White Star Quarry
SCUBA DIVING & RECREATION | GIBSONBURG OH
White Star Quarry is a popular destination for scuba diving enthusiasts near Helena. The clear waters of this former limestone quarry offer excellent visibility for divers of all skill levels. The site features underwater attractions, including a submerged helicopter and boat, making it an exciting spot for underwater exploration.
3. Sandusky County Fairgrounds
EVENTS & EXHIBITIONS | FREMONT OH
Sandusky County Fairgrounds hosts the annual Sandusky County Fair and various events throughout the year. The fairgrounds feature exhibition halls, a grandstand, and ample space for agricultural displays, carnival rides, and live entertainment. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, from livestock shows to concerts and demolition derbies.
4. Fremont Speedway
AUTO RACING EXCITEMENT | FREMONT OH
Fremont Speedway, known as "The Track That Action Built," is a popular dirt track racing venue near Helena. The speedway hosts thrilling sprint car and stock car races from spring through fall. Fans can enjoy high-speed action, concessions, and a family-friendly atmosphere at this historic racing facility.
5. Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums
PRESIDENTIAL HISTORY | FREMONT OH
The Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums offers a fascinating look into the life of the 19th U.S. President. Visitors can tour the restored 31-room Victorian mansion, explore exhibits on Hayes' presidency, and research in the library. The site also features beautiful grounds and the tombs of President Hayes and his wife Lucy.
6. Historic Lyme Village
LIVING HISTORY MUSEUM | BELLEVUE OH
Historic Lyme Village is a living history museum showcasing 19th-century rural life. The village features restored buildings, including a one-room schoolhouse, log homes, and a general store. Visitors can experience hands-on demonstrations of pioneer crafts and trades, making it an educational and entertaining destination for all ages.
7. Sandusky County Park District
OUTDOOR RECREATION | FREMONT OH
Sandusky County Park District offers numerous parks and nature preserves for outdoor enthusiasts near Helena. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, fishing spots, and wildlife viewing areas across various locations. The district also provides educational programs and events, making it a great destination for nature lovers and families.
8. Seneca Caverns
UNDERGROUND ADVENTURE | BELLEVUE OH
Seneca Caverns offers an exciting underground adventure near Helena. Visitors can explore the "Cavern of the Lost Tribe" on guided tours, descending seven levels into the Earth. The caverns feature unique geological formations, an underground river, and fascinating history, making it a memorable experience for cave enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.
9. Mad River & NKP Railroad Museum
RAILROAD HISTORY | BELLEVUE OH
The Mad River & NKP Railroad Museum showcases the rich railroad heritage of the region. Visitors can explore an extensive collection of locomotives, railcars, and railroad memorabilia. The museum features interactive exhibits, a model train display, and opportunities to climb aboard historic train cars, offering a nostalgic journey through railroad history.
10. Merry-Go-Round Museum
CAROUSEL HISTORY & ART | SANDUSKY OH
The Merry-Go-Round Museum in nearby Sandusky celebrates the art and history of carousels. Visitors can admire beautifully restored carousel figures, learn about the craftsmanship behind these nostalgic rides, and even take a spin on a working carousel. The museum offers guided tours and hands-on experiences in carousel figure restoration.
Helena Attractions
THINGS TO DO IN HELENA
Helena, Ohio, a small village in Sandusky County, is known for its charming rural atmosphere and proximity to various attractions in Northwest Ohio. While the village itself is quiet, its location provides easy access to a range of activities and points of interest in the surrounding area.
One of the most popular attractions near Helena is the Chateau Winery & Vineyard, offering visitors a taste of local wines and a picturesque setting for relaxation. Nature enthusiasts can explore the numerous parks and preserves managed by the Sandusky County Park District, providing opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife observation.
History buffs will appreciate the nearby Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums in Fremont, which offers insights into the life of the 19th U.S. President. For those seeking more adventurous activities, the White Star Quarry in Gibsonburg is a popular spot for scuba diving, while the Fremont Speedway attracts racing fans with its thrilling dirt track events.
Helena's central location in Sandusky County makes it an ideal base for exploring the region's diverse attractions, from living history museums to underground caverns, ensuring visitors have plenty of options for entertainment and education during their stay.