Gratis OhioATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Gratis, Ohio.
1. Safari Junction, Home Of Valley Exotics
WILD ANIMAL EXPERIENCE
Safari Junction offers visitors a unique opportunity to see exotic animals up close in a zoo setting. Visitors can experience wildlife encounters and learn about conservation efforts from knowledgeable staff. The facility provides both educational and entertaining experiences for families and animal enthusiasts alike.
2. Jasper Road Covered Bridge
HISTORIC WOODEN CROSSING
Jasper Road Covered Bridge is a charming historic structure that showcases traditional wooden bridge architecture. The bridge represents an important piece of local transportation history and offers excellent photo opportunities. Visitors can walk through the covered passageway and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
3. Gratis Community Park
FAMILY RECREATION SPACE
Gratis Community Park provides a welcoming green space for local residents and visitors to enjoy outdoor activities. The park features playgrounds, picnic areas, and open fields for various recreational pursuits. Seasonal community events and festivals are regularly held in this central gathering spot.
4. National Museum of the US Air Force
MILITARY AVIATION HISTORY
The National Museum of the US Air Force houses the world's largest collection of military aircraft and aerospace artifacts. Visitors can explore multiple hangars showcasing everything from early flight to space exploration across different eras of aviation history. The museum offers free admission and provides an educational experience about the development of air power and its role in American history.
5. Hocking Hills State Park
NATURAL ROCK FORMATIONS
Hocking Hills State Park features dramatic sandstone formations, deep gorges, and lush forests across its expansive natural landscape. Visitors can hike to popular sites like Old Man's Cave, Ash Cave, and Cedar Falls via well-maintained trails. The park's unique geological features make it one of Ohio's most photographed and visited natural attractions.
6. West Side Market
HISTORIC FOOD MARKETPLACE
West Side Market is Cleveland's oldest public market, operating since 1912 in a distinctive brick building with a clock tower. The market houses over 100 vendors selling fresh produce, meats, baked goods, specialty items, and prepared foods from diverse cultures. Visitors can sample local and international cuisine while experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of this Cleveland institution.
7. Fort Jefferson Memorial Park
REVOLUTIONARY WAR SITE
Fort Jefferson Memorial Park preserves the historic site where a military fort stood from 1791 to 1796 during conflicts between American forces and Native Americans. A stone memorial commemorates the site's significance, including the battle known as 'St. Clair's Defeat.' The small park offers visitors a chance to connect with an important chapter in Ohio's early frontier history.
8. Fountain of Lights
SPECTACULAR WATER DISPLAY
The Fountain of Lights at Riverscape Metropark is one of the largest fountains in the world, creating a breathtaking water display. Five 60-foot-high fountains shoot over 2,500 gallons of water per minute, reaching 200 feet high and spanning 400 feet across. The spectacular water show can be seen from miles away and serves as a centerpiece for the park's recreational area.
9. The Great Stone Viaduct
HISTORIC RAILWAY BRIDGE
The Great Stone Viaduct is an impressive stone bridge reminiscent of Roman aqueducts, originally built as part of the country's longest railroad system over 150 years ago. A massive renovation project has transformed the top into a walking trail and scenic overlook for visitors. The structure stands as a testament to 19th-century engineering and transportation development in Ohio.
10. Big Muskie's Bucket
MINING HISTORY MONUMENT
Big Muskie's Bucket is the preserved remnant of what was once the world's largest earth-moving machine, now serving as an unusual roadside attraction. Visitors can stand inside the enormous bucket to appreciate the scale of this former coal mining dragline. The site offers a unique glimpse into Ohio's industrial past and the scale of surface mining operations in the region.
11. Bridge to Nowhere
ABANDONED DEPRESSION-ERA PROJECT
The Bridge to Nowhere in Hillandale Park is a curious architectural oddity completed nearly 100 years ago but never connected to any roads. The project was abandoned after the 1929 stock market crash, leaving behind an S-curved bridge spanning a wooded valley. Visitors can view this peculiar structure that stands as a monument to unrealized development plans from before the Great Depression.
12. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums
PRESIDENTIAL HOME AND MUSEUM
The Hayes Presidential Library & Museums allows visitors to walk in the footsteps of Rutherford B. Hayes, the 19th President of the United States. The site features his restored mansion, the grounds of his estate called Spiegel Grove, and the nation's first presidential library and museum. Exhibits showcase Hayes' career as a Civil War General, Ohio Governor, and President, offering insights into late 19th-century American history.
13. Fort Recovery Museum
18TH CENTURY MILITARY HISTORY
Fort Recovery Museum explores the site of two significant battles between the U.S. Army and American Indians during the 1790s. Visitors can tour reconstructed blockhouses, a stockade, and exhibits detailing the Northwest Indian War. The nearby monument commemorates those who fought and fell during this pivotal period in the settlement of the Northwest Territory.
14. Gratis Village Concerts
LOCAL MUSIC EVENTS
Gratis Village Concerts offer a variety of outdoor musical performances throughout the year for residents and visitors alike. Local and regional musicians perform diverse genres in a family-friendly atmosphere that showcases community talent. The concert series represents one of the many cultural events that make Gratis a vibrant place to visit.
15. Gratis Seasonal Festivals
COMMUNITY CELEBRATION EVENTS
Gratis Seasonal Festivals celebrate the changing seasons with themed community gatherings that showcase local traditions and culture. These events typically feature food vendors, crafts, games, and entertainment for all ages. Visitors can experience small-town charm while participating in festivities that bring neighbors together throughout the year.