Fort Shawnee OhioATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Fort Shawnee, Ohio.
1. Shawnee Lookout Park
HISTORIC NATIVE AMERICAN SITE
Shawnee Lookout Park is a 2400-acre natural area featuring Native American burial mounds and the remnants of a large earthwork fort. The park offers multiple hiking trails, including the popular 1.4-mile Miami Fort trail that leads to a spectacular overlook of the Ohio River. Visitors can explore the rich history spanning over 14,000 years of Native American inhabitation, including the Adena, Hopewell, Shawnee, Miami, Mingo, and Wyandot tribes.
2. Miami Fort Trail
SCENIC RIDGETOP HIKE
Miami Fort Trail is a 1.4-mile moderate hiking path that explores the site of a Native American fort and proceeds to a stunning overlook of the Ohio River. The trail features rolling terrain that provides both a fitness challenge and numerous scenic views along the ridge top. Interpretive signs along the path offer valuable insights into the area's rich Native American history.
3. Oak's Golf Club
PREMIUM GOLFING EXPERIENCE
The Oak's Golf Club offers a premium golfing experience in the Fort Shawnee area with well-maintained fairways and challenging holes. The course is nestled among natural surroundings, providing a peaceful atmosphere for golfers of all skill levels. After a round, visitors can relax at the clubhouse which offers refreshments and a place to unwind.
4. Pioneer Log Cabin
1800S HISTORICAL STRUCTURE
The Pioneer Log Cabin at Shawnee Lookout Park is an authentic 1800s-era structure that has been relocated to create a mini-pioneer village experience. The cabin showcases the living conditions and architectural style of early settlers in the region. Visitors can explore this historic building to gain insights into pioneer life in early Ohio.
5. Stone Springhouse/School
HISTORIC EDUCATIONAL SITE
The Stone Springhouse/School is a vintage 1800s structure open on Sunday afternoons featuring special activities like tincrafting and tomahawk throwing. This historic building served a dual purpose as both a springhouse and school for early settlers in the area. The site offers visitors a glimpse into early American education and rural life.
6. William Henry Harrison Tomb
PRESIDENTIAL MEMORIAL SITE
William Henry Harrison Tomb is the final resting place of the ninth President of the United States who served the shortest presidency of just 32 days in 1841. The memorial features an impressive stone structure that honors the legacy of Harrison, who was also a military general before his presidency. Visitors can pay respects and learn about this significant historical figure with ties to the local area.
7. Creation Museum
BIBLICAL HISTORY EXHIBITS
The Creation Museum is a 75,000-square-foot facility presenting a biblical account of creation through state-of-the-art exhibits, botanical gardens, planetarium, zoo, and more. The museum features life-sized dinosaur models alongside human figures, presenting an alternative perspective to evolutionary theory. Visitors can explore the facility's numerous interactive displays that blend science and biblical history.
8. Perfect North Slopes
WINTER SPORTS DESTINATION
Perfect North Slopes is a premier winter sports destination offering skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing for all skill levels. The facility features multiple trails, lifts, and a dedicated tubing area for family-friendly winter fun. During the off-season, the venue hosts various events and activities that take advantage of its natural terrain.
9. Johnny Appleseed Tree
HISTORIC NATURAL MONUMENT
The Johnny Appleseed Tree in Fort Shawnee represents the legacy of John Chapman, the legendary American pioneer who introduced apple trees across the Midwest. This historical marker commemorates his travels through Ohio and his contributions to early American frontier life. The site offers visitors a connection to American folklore and agricultural history.
10. M1E1 Abrams Main Battle Tank
MILITARY HISTORY DISPLAY
The M1E1 Abrams Main Battle Tank display in Fort Shawnee showcases one of America's most powerful military vehicles. This impressive piece of military equipment stands as a tribute to American engineering and the service members who operated these vehicles. Visitors can view the tank up close and learn about its significance in modern warfare and defense history.
11. Shawnee State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION AREA
Shawnee State Park offers extensive outdoor recreation opportunities within the 1,095-acre park surrounded by the 63,000-acre Shawnee State Forest. The park features a 68-room lodge with dining facilities, cottages, campgrounds, hiking trails, and a 25-acre lake for fishing and boating. Visitors can enjoy activities ranging from swimming and tennis to hunting and exploring the rugged landscape often called "The Little Smokies of Ohio."
12. Lima Mall
REGIONAL SHOPPING CENTER
Lima Mall is the largest shopping center in the region, offering a wide variety of retail stores, dining options, and entertainment venues. The mall serves as a commercial hub for residents of Fort Shawnee and surrounding communities. Shoppers can find national brands alongside local retailers in this convenient indoor shopping environment.
13. Allen County Museum
REGIONAL HISTORY COLLECTION
Allen County Museum preserves and presents the rich history of Lima and the surrounding region through extensive collections and exhibits. The museum features artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of the area's development from prehistoric times through the industrial era. Visitors can explore multiple buildings on the museum campus, including a log house, a one-room school, and the MacDonell House.
14. Old Barn Out Back
RUSTIC AMERICAN DINING
Old Barn Out Back is a beloved local restaurant serving traditional American comfort food in a unique rustic barn atmosphere. The restaurant is known for its home-style cooking, featuring dishes like fried chicken, roast beef, and a variety of homemade pies. Diners can enjoy the charming country decor while experiencing genuine Midwestern hospitality and flavors.
15. Schoonover Observatory
ASTRONOMICAL VIEWING CENTER
Schoonover Observatory provides visitors with opportunities to observe celestial objects through powerful telescopes with guidance from knowledgeable astronomers. The facility hosts regular public viewing nights where guests can see planets, stars, and deep space objects depending on the season and viewing conditions. Educational programs at the observatory help promote interest in astronomy and space science for all ages.