Ada OhioATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Ada, Ohio.
1. Wilson Football Factory
HANDMADE FOOTBALL PRODUCTION
The Wilson Football Factory is a unique manufacturing facility where visitors can see the handcrafted production of footballs. Most of the factory is not mechanized, with workers creating footballs by hand and being paid by the piece. Visitors can witness firsthand the craftsmanship that goes into making official NFL footballs.
2. Edge Of The Asylum
THRILLING LOCAL ATTRACTION
Edge Of The Asylum ranks as one of the top attractions in Ada according to traveler favorites. The attraction offers visitors a unique and memorable experience in this small Ohio town. It has become a must-see destination for those exploring Ada's local offerings.
3. The Gallery for the Arts
LOCAL ART SHOWCASE
The Gallery for the Arts serves as Ada's premier venue for displaying and celebrating local artistic talent. The gallery features rotating exhibitions that showcase various mediums and styles from regional artists. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture through the diverse artwork on display.
4. Norada Lanes
FAMILY BOWLING FUN
Norada Lanes offers a classic bowling experience for families and friends in Ada. The bowling alley provides a fun recreational activity for locals and visitors alike. It serves as a social gathering spot where people can enjoy friendly competition and entertainment.
5. Ada Railroad Passenger Depot
HISTORIC RAILWAY MUSEUM
The Ada Railroad Depot is a famous historical landmark in Hardin County that played an integral role in the establishment of Ada. Originally opened in 1887, it served as a rest station on the Cleveland Railroad and is one of Ohio's few remaining pre-1900s passenger stations. Today, the depot functions as a museum featuring various artifacts about the town's history, including the station agent's living area, passenger and baggage areas, telegrapher's office, and freight room.
6. Freed Center for Performing Arts
COLLEGIATE PERFORMANCE VENUE
The Freed Center for Performing Arts is located on the campus of Ohio Northern University and features a 551-seat proscenium theater. The center hosts year-round shows including student productions and performances such as Beauty and the Beast, The Addams Family, and Julius Caesar. Visitors can enjoy a variety of theatrical performances while experiencing the collegiate art scene of Ada.
7. Pierstorf Family Pharmacy Museum
MEDICINAL HISTORY DISPLAY
The Pierstorf Family Pharmacy Museum preserves the rich pharmaceutical heritage of the Ada region. Visitors can examine historical medicinal artifacts, vintage pharmacy equipment, and educational displays about the evolution of healthcare. The museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the development of medical practices and pharmaceutical sciences through the years.
8. The Inn at Ohio Northern University
CAMPUS LODGING EXPERIENCE
The Inn at Ohio Northern University provides comfortable accommodations for visitors to Ada with a highly-rated 4.7/5 traveler rating. Located on the university campus, it offers convenient access to many local attractions and university facilities. The inn serves as an excellent base for exploring both the campus and the surrounding Ada area.
9. Nature Trails
SCENIC OUTDOOR EXPLORATION
Ada boasts beautiful natural landscapes with scenic nature trails waiting to be explored. These trails wind through the picturesque countryside, offering visitors opportunities to observe local flora and fauna. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy peaceful walks while appreciating the natural beauty of rural Ohio.
10. Old Order Amish Road Tour
CULTURAL HERITAGE EXPERIENCE
The Old Order Amish Road Tour provides visitors with an authentic glimpse into the traditional Amish way of life near Ada. Participants can observe Amish farms, businesses, and communities while learning about their history, customs, and values. The tour offers cultural insights into this distinct community that maintains its traditional lifestyle in the modern world.
11. Harding Home
PRESIDENTIAL HISTORICAL SITE
The Harding Home is the restored residence of the 29th president of the United States, Warren G. Harding, located about an hour from Ada. Visitors can tour this historic presidential home and learn about Harding's life and political career. The site also features one of the most beautiful presidential memorials in the country.
12. Adena Mansion
HISTORIC ARCHITECTURAL LANDMARK
Adena Mansion is the imposing hilltop home of early Ohio statesman Thomas Worthington, designed by America's first architect, Benjamin Latrobe. Visitors can explore the historic mansion along with its gardens, grounds, and outbuildings that showcase early 19th-century architecture and lifestyle. The Education and Visitor Center provides additional insights into Worthington's life and the significance of Adena in Ohio's history.
13. Fort Ancient
ANCIENT NATIVE EARTHWORKS
Fort Ancient is North America's largest ancient hilltop enclosure, built approximately 2,000 years ago by indigenous peoples. The site features an on-site museum, recreated American Indian garden, and miles of hiking trails with scenic overlooks. Visitors can explore this remarkable archaeological site while learning about the sophisticated prehistoric cultures that constructed these impressive earthworks.
14. Ohio Caverns
UNDERGROUND NATURAL WONDER
Ohio Caverns features some of the most spectacular and well-preserved limestone caves in the state. Visitors can marvel at colorful crystal formations, stalactites, and stalagmites that have formed over thousands of years. The year-round guided tours provide educational insights into the geological processes that created these magnificent underground chambers.
15. Antiquing in Northwestern Ohio
VINTAGE TREASURE HUNTING
Antiquing in Northwestern Ohio offers collectors and casual browsers alike the opportunity to discover unique vintage treasures in the region surrounding Ada. The area is home to numerous antique shops, markets, and malls featuring everything from furniture and decorative items to collectibles and memorabilia. Visitors can spend enjoyable hours hunting for special finds while experiencing the charm of small-town Ohio shopping.