Bellville OhioATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Bellville, Ohio.
1. Deer Ridge Golf Club
SCENIC GOLFING EXPERIENCE
Deer Ridge Golf Club offers golfers a premier golfing experience in Bellville. The club features beautifully maintained fairways and challenging holes set against the picturesque Ohio countryside. Visitors can enjoy a full day of golf along with amenities that cater to both casual players and serious golf enthusiasts.
2. Ohio Genealogical Society
HERITAGE RESEARCH CENTER
The Ohio Genealogical Society serves as a comprehensive resource for those researching their family history in Ohio. The facility houses extensive archives, historical records, and research materials that span generations of Ohio settlers and residents. Visitors can access expert assistance and valuable genealogical resources to trace their ancestral roots.
3. Carlisle Gifts Bellville
UNIQUE GIFT SHOPPING
Carlisle Gifts Bellville offers shoppers a charming retail experience with a diverse selection of gifts and home décor items. The shop features handcrafted goods, seasonal decorations, and unique keepsakes that reflect local craftsmanship and design. Visitors will find distinctive merchandise perfect for souvenirs or gifts for loved ones.
4. Charles Palm Park
PEACEFUL COMMUNITY GREEN SPACE
Charles Palm Park provides a tranquil recreational space in the heart of Bellville. The park features well-maintained grounds, walking paths, and areas for both active play and quiet relaxation. Families and visitors can enjoy this community gathering spot that showcases the natural beauty of the area.
5. Little Apple Golf Course
FAMILY-FRIENDLY GOLFING
Little Apple Golf Course offers a more casual golfing experience suitable for players of all skill levels. The course provides a less intimidating environment for beginners while still offering enough challenge to keep experienced golfers engaged. Its welcoming atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for family outings and casual golf enthusiasts.
6. Der Dutchman
AUTHENTIC AMISH DINING
Der Dutchman restaurant serves authentic Amish-style cooking in a warm, welcoming environment. Diners can enjoy hearty, homestyle meals featuring traditional recipes passed down through generations. The restaurant is known for its generous portions, fresh-baked goods, and genuine taste of Amish country cuisine.
7. Apple Hill Orchard
FAMILY FARM EXPERIENCE
Apple Hill Orchard is a family-owned and operated farm market offering visitors a genuine agricultural experience near Bellville. The orchard produces a variety of fresh fruits including apples, peaches, pears, cherries, and plums, many available as pick-your-own when in season. Visitors can also enjoy the on-site bakery featuring homemade apple donuts, breads, pies, and other treats, along with a market selling Amish cheese, meats, jams, and specialty items.
8. Biblewalk
LIFE-SIZED BIBLICAL MUSEUM
Biblewalk is Ohio's only life-sized wax museum dedicated to biblical stories and Christian history. The museum features 78 detailed dioramas with special effects and audio narration depicting scenes from the Bible and Christian heritage. Visitors can experience various tours including The Life of Christ, Miracles of the Old Testament, and other exhibits showcasing Christian art, rare Bibles, and religious artifacts.
9. Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course
PREMIER RACING DESTINATION
Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course is a world-class racing facility located near Bellville that hosts numerous motorsport events throughout the year. The challenging 2.4-mile road course attracts professional and amateur racers from across the country for competitions in various racing series. Spectators can enjoy thrilling race-day experiences with excellent viewing areas to watch high-performance vehicles navigate the track's famous turns and elevation changes.
10. Ohio State Reformatory
HISTORIC PRISON MUSEUM
The Ohio State Reformatory is a historic prison turned museum that showcases both architectural magnificence and cultural significance. Famous as a filming location for "The Shawshank Redemption," this imposing Gothic-style structure offers guided tours through its cell blocks, administrative areas, and exhibition spaces. Visitors can explore the facility's rich history, learn about its former inmates and staff, and experience the haunting atmosphere of this landmark institution.
11. Kingwood Center Gardens
ELEGANT BOTANICAL DISPLAY
Kingwood Center Gardens offers visitors a stunning 47-acre horticultural display featuring meticulously maintained gardens, greenhouse collections, and a historic mansion. The former estate of Charles Kelley King showcases diverse plant collections, seasonal displays, and themed gardens set against the backdrop of French Provincial architecture. Nature enthusiasts can wander through peaceful landscapes, attend educational programs, and enjoy special events throughout the year in this botanical paradise.
12. Ohio Bird Sanctuary
NATIVE BIRD CONSERVATION
The Ohio Bird Sanctuary provides a haven for injured and orphaned native birds while offering educational experiences for visitors. The facility features outdoor aviaries housing rehabilitated birds of prey and other native species that cannot be released back into the wild. Guests can explore hiking trails through the surrounding woods, participate in educational programs, and get up-close views of magnificent raptors including hawks, owls, and eagles.
13. Snow Trails
WINTER SPORTS PARADISE
Snow Trails is a premier winter sports resort offering skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing experiences near Bellville. The facility features multiple slopes with varying difficulty levels, terrain parks for freestyle enthusiasts, and a dedicated snow tubing park for family fun. During the winter season, visitors can enjoy night skiing, equipment rentals, lessons for beginners, and a lodge with dining options and warming areas.
14. Malabar Farm State Park
HISTORIC WORKING FARM
Malabar Farm State Park preserves the former estate of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Louis Bromfield, showcasing his innovative agricultural practices and commitment to conservation. Visitors can tour the 32-room Big House where Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall were married, explore the working farm with its barns and animals, and hike scenic trails through the surrounding countryside. The park offers a unique blend of agricultural history, natural beauty, and literary significance in a picturesque rural setting.
15. Buckeye Express Diner
UNIQUE DINING EXPERIENCE
Buckeye Express Diner offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience inside a converted train car themed around Ohio State University. The restaurant serves classic American comfort food in a nostalgic atmosphere filled with Buckeye memorabilia and railroad charm. Visitors enjoy both the novelty of the setting and the hearty, home-style cooking that appeals to families and sports fans alike.