Congress OhioATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Congress, Ohio.
1. Deer Lick Farm
HISTORIC NATIONAL LANDMARK
Deer Lick Farm is a National Historic Landmark located just 2 miles east of West Salem. Designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1986 and as a County Historical Landmark in 1976, this historic farm offers visitors a glimpse into Ohio's rural heritage. It preserves authentic structures and agricultural practices that showcase the region's farming history.
2. Wyckoff House
CONGRESS TOWNSHIP HISTORICAL SITE
The Wyckoff House stands as one of Congress Township's most significant historical landmarks. This well-preserved historic home represents the architectural style and living conditions of early settlers in the region. Visitors can appreciate the craftsmanship and historical significance of this structure that connects to Congress Township's past.
3. Cuyahoga Valley National Park
SCENIC NATURAL WONDERLAND
Cuyahoga Valley National Park offers 33,000 acres of protected wilderness, scenic waterfalls, and historic sites just a short drive from Congress Township. Visitors can explore over 125 miles of hiking trails, including the popular Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail that follows the historic canal route. The park's diverse ecosystem showcases Ohio's natural beauty with rolling hills, lush forests, and the winding Cuyahoga River.
4. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
MUSIC HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame celebrates the history and cultural impact of rock music through immersive exhibits and an extensive collection of memorabilia. The distinctive I.M. Pei-designed building houses artifacts from legendary performers, interactive displays, and special exhibits that trace the evolution of rock music. Visitors can experience the sights and sounds of their favorite artists while exploring the museum's multiple floors of music history.
5. Pro Football Hall of Fame
GRIDIRON GLORY DISPLAY
The Pro Football Hall of Fame celebrates the history and heroes of professional football with comprehensive exhibits spanning the sport's evolution. Visitors can view bronze busts of inducted players, coaches, and contributors while exploring interactive displays that highlight memorable moments in NFL history. The museum's immersive galleries showcase game-worn uniforms, historic equipment, and championship memorabilia that bring the sport's rich heritage to life.
6. National Museum of the US Air Force
AVIATION HISTORY COLLECTION
The National Museum of the US Air Force houses the world's largest collection of military aircraft and aerospace artifacts, spanning from the Wright Brothers to modern space exploration. Visitors can explore more than 350 aerospace vehicles and missiles displayed in multiple hangars, including presidential aircraft and experimental planes. The museum offers an immersive journey through aviation history with interactive exhibits that showcase technological advancements and the human stories behind them.
7. Armstrong Air & Space Museum
HOMETOWN HERO TRIBUTE
The Armstrong Air & Space Museum honors Wapakoneta native Neil Armstrong and chronicles Ohio's contributions to aviation and space exploration. Visitors can view artifacts from Armstrong's life, including the Gemini VIII spacecraft and items from the Apollo 11 mission that landed humans on the moon. The distinctive moon-shaped architecture houses interactive exhibits that explain the science of space travel and the remarkable achievements of America's space program.
8. Ohio Statehouse
HISTORIC GOVERNMENT CENTER
The Ohio Statehouse stands as an impressive example of Greek Revival architecture and serves as the seat of government for the state of Ohio. Built between 1839 and 1861, this National Historic Landmark features a stunning rotunda, ornate chambers, and historical exhibits that tell the story of Ohio's political history. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about the building's architectural features and the legislative process that continues within its historic walls.
9. Franklin Park Conservatory
BOTANICAL GARDENS PARADISE
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens showcases exotic plant collections, seasonal displays, and stunning glass art installations across its 90-acre grounds. The historic 1895 glass greenhouse contains biomes representing different world regions, from tropical rainforests to desert environments. Visitors can enjoy changing seasonal exhibits, community gardens, and special events that celebrate the relationship between nature, art, and horticulture.
10. Cincinnati Music Hall
ARCHITECTURAL PERFORMANCE VENUE
Cincinnati Music Hall stands as a magnificent example of High Victorian Gothic architecture and serves as home to the city's symphony orchestra, opera, and ballet companies. Built in 1878, this National Historic Landmark features stunning stained glass, intricate woodwork, and exceptional acoustics that have made it a premier performance venue for over a century. Visitors can attend performances or take tours to appreciate both the architectural grandeur and the cultural significance of this treasured Cincinnati institution.
11. Hopewell Culture National Historical Park
ANCIENT CEREMONIAL GROUNDS
Hopewell Culture National Historical Park preserves geometric earthworks and burial mounds created by the Hopewell culture between 200 BCE and 500 CE. The park's six sites showcase the sophisticated engineering and astronomical knowledge of these ancient Native American peoples who created precise earthen structures for ceremonial and social purposes. Visitors can explore the mounds, learn about archaeological discoveries, and gain insight into the complex society that flourished in the Ohio Valley over 2,000 years ago.
12. West Salem Cider Mill
RUSTIC ARTISANAL BEVERAGES
West Salem Cider Mill offers visitors a taste of traditional cider-making using locally grown apples pressed on historic equipment. The mill produces a variety of seasonal ciders and apple products that showcase the agricultural bounty of the region. Visitors can watch the pressing process, sample fresh cider, and purchase homemade treats in this charming rural establishment near Congress Township.
13. Lehman's Hardware
AMISH COUNTRY SHOPPING
Lehman's Hardware offers an extraordinary shopping experience with its vast collection of non-electric tools, appliances, and home goods that serve Amish communities and those seeking sustainable living solutions. Founded in 1955, this iconic store spans multiple buildings with departments dedicated to everything from hand-powered tools to oil lamps, cast iron cookware, and traditional toys. Visitors from across the country come to explore the massive retail space that celebrates old-fashioned craftsmanship and practical goods that work without electricity.
14. Des Dutch Essenhaus
HEARTY AMISH DINING
Des Dutch Essenhaus serves authentic Amish-style cuisine featuring generous portions of homestyle favorites in a welcoming country atmosphere. Their menu showcases traditional dishes including broasted chicken, roast beef, and homemade pies that reflect the culinary heritage of the region's Amish and Mennonite communities. Visitors can enjoy the warm hospitality and farm-fresh ingredients that have made this restaurant a popular dining destination in Wayne County for both locals and tourists.
15. Serpent Mound
ANCIENT EFFIGY MONUMENT
Serpent Mound is the largest surviving prehistoric effigy mound in the world, stretching 1,348 feet in the shape of an undulating serpent. Created by ancient indigenous peoples approximately 1,000 years ago, this remarkable earthwork aligns with astronomical events and represents sophisticated understanding of celestial movements. Visitors can walk the perimeter trail, climb an observation tower for an aerial view, and explore the museum that explains the archaeological significance of this mysterious ancient monument.