Everyone in Ross County seems to be under the impression that there is absolutely nothing to do in Chillicothe. Well, if you are looking for things to do in the Chillicothe area, you are in the right place. I am going to show you that there are plenty of things to do in Chillicothe, unlike what everyone seems to think.
1. "Tecumseh!" Outdoor Historical Drama
"Witness the epic life story of the legendary Shawnee leader as he struggles to defend his sacred homelands in the Ohio country during the late 1700’s. "Tecumseh!" has been labeled as one of the most mesmerizing dramas in the nation."
Held in the Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheater, "Tecumseh!" has captivated over 2.5 million visitors. "Tecumseh!" is running it's 43rd year and continues to intrigue audience members.
2. Hopewell Culture National Historical Park
"Visible remnants of Hopewell culture are concentrated in the Scioto River valley near the present-day city of Chillicothe, Ohio. The most striking Hopewell sites contain earthworks in the form of circles, squares, and other geometric shapes. Many of these sites were built to a monumental scale, with earthen walls up to 12 feet high outlining geometric figures more than 1,000 feet across. Conical and loaf-shaped earthen mounds up to 30 feet high are often found in association with the geometric earthworks. Hopewell Culture National Historical Park preserves six earthwork complexes: High Bank Works, Hopeton Earthworks, Hopewell Mound Group, Mound City Group, Seip Earthworks and Spruce Hill Earthworks."
The six locations are located throughout Ross County, with the Mound City Group and Hopeton Earthworks being located in Chillicothe. Mound City is home to 23 mounds on a 13-acre lot. During World War I, the area was occupied by the military training center, Camp Sherman. After Camp Sherman was razed in the 1920s, the Ohio Historical Society took the site and began reconstructing the mounds. Hopeton Earthworks is located one mile east of Mound City, but it is closed to the public.
3. Adena Mansion and Gardens
Yoctangee Park."
Adena was the 2,000 acre estate of Thomas Worthington. Thomas Worthington was the sixth governor of Ohio and one of Ohio's first U.S. senators. The site has been restored to look as it did when the Worthington family lived there. The house is one of three houses left standing that was designed by Benjamin Henry Latrobe, the first professional American architect who served as architect of the U.S. Capitol under President Thomas Jefferson. When you look east over the north lawn of the mansion, one will overlook the Scioto River Valley across to the Logan Range. This view is what inspired the image for the Great Seal of the State of Ohio.
4. Pump House Center for the Arts
"The Pump House is a fine example of Victorian Gothic architecture. The building features a large central tower colorfully patterned with glazed ceramic tiles, eight Palladian windows, common-bond brick patterns and a low pitched, hipped slate roof. The unique brick work on the interior has piano key dentil work around the windows. The two cathedral galleries are ornately paneled in vaulted, dark, tongue and groove oak construction, similar to the treatment on a ship’s interior. The Pump House’s age and history is reflected in the white deposits left by salt on the brick walls from its days as a storage building and in the 1913 High Water Mark that identifies flood levels that submerged all but the tower and top 4 feet of the second floor. The Pump House remains vibrate and active in Chillicothe, housing a gift gallery and multi-level exhibit space, as well as being rented for various events. Workshops for adults and children are available to promote art awareness and education."
The building was the home to the original Water Works of Chilicothe. It housed large powerful brass pumps that were used to put out fires. As the city grew, the Pump House was no longer sufficient for the population and was instead used by the city service department. The city wished to tear the building down but activists along with the Jaycees fought and raised money to save it. In 1977, it was placed on the Ohio Historic Inventory and then placed on the National Registry in 1979. A group of of artists banned together to raise money to restore the building and spent six years raising the $160,000 needed. Today it is used as a local art gallery.
5. Water's Edge Canoe Livery
"There are many trips to choose from as you plan your water adventure through Southern Ohio and Ross County's best canoe and kayak location. With varying water levels throughout the season, it's great for the beginner to the advanced canoe or kayak enthusiast. There are stretches of long easygoing pools, shallow riffles, rocks and logs along the way, great for the anglers who want to get their line wet. Come and enjoy a day with nature that is a welcoming change from the fast pace of today's life!"
Water's Edge is the best place to go canoeing in Southern Ohio. It offers fun for the whole family and all age levels.
6. Majestic Theatre
7. Chillicothe Railroad Museum
"A unique railroad museum housed in two B&O Cabooses, one of which has been restored to 1927 vintage condition. You can tour each of the B&O cabooses, one a C-2115 and the other a C-3893, which contain various pictures, lanterns and items related to railroad history. Displays also include a model train with a village set up, a 1900 B&O railroad map, a B&O engine bell and morse code equipment."
Located just above Yoctangee Park, this museum offers a unique type of experience.
8. David Nickens Heritage Center
"The Nickens Center is a museum dedicated to telling some little-known aspects of American history. The museum maintains three permanent exhibits: The Underground Railroad, African American Women in the 19th Century and The Black Church in America. Discussion is encouraged by visitors."
This group hopes to preserve local and national African American History and Culture.
9. Phoenix Fire Co. #2 Museum
"Located at 68 East Second Street in Chillicothe's Historic First Capital District, the Phoenix Fire Co.#2 Museum preserves the heritage of firefighting in Chillicothe, Ohio. The Museum is also committed to restoration & maintaining of antique firefighting apparatus as well as promoting fire prevention & fire safety."
This Museum provides antique fire apparatus and memorabilia along with education of fire safety and prevention.
10. Lucy Hayes Heritage Center
third child of Dr. James and Maria Cook Webb. Lucy married Rutherford B. Hayes Dec. 30, 1852. Lucy's kindness, great moral courage, and earnest religious convictions contributed greatly to her husband's success. Lucy was the first "First Lady" to be so called by the press. Because Lucy discouraged the use of alcohol in the White House, the derisive title "Lemonade Lucy" was bestowed on her."
This museum is the restored birth place of First Lady Lucy Webb Hayes. Lucy was the wife of the 19th president Rutherford B. Hayes, who was also from Ohio.
11. Earl H. Barnhart Buzzards Roost Nature Preserve
"The Earl H Barnhart “Buzzards Roost” Nature Preserve is a large (1,330 acres) preserve run by Ross County Park district. We visited in the early afternoon on a hot sunny day in late May. The preserve is on a plateau that ends in a cliff overlooking the Paint Creek valley."
The Buzzards Roost is the most beautiful trail in town. It offers a gorgeous view and path for all ages.
12. Rivers Edge Golf Course
"Founded in 2011, River’s Edge Golf Club is a public golf course located in Southern Ohio along the Scioto River. Previously known as Running Fox Golf Course."
This course offers around 6,600 yards of area with several different teeing areas for golfers of all levels. With a par of 72, the well maintain scenic surroundings make for a relaxing round of golf.
13. Atomic Speedway
"Chillicothe, Ohio — In 1953 a group of Chillicothe businessmen realized a plan that had been in the making for several years. The group, which consisted of racing fans, drivers and car owners, sought to provide a premier racing facility for the rapidly growing sport they knew as Stock Car Racing. It was a sport they lived and loved. It was the vision of this particular group of men that led to the construction of Atomic Speedway, which today is known nationwide as K-C Raceway. Although the track was widened to its present state in the mid 1970's to accommodate higher speeds, the track still maintains its original configuration."
Atomic Speedway offers the fastest, most action packed racing in the Midwest. It is commonly known as The World's Fastest 1/3 Mild Dirt Track.
14. Cavalier Skating Rink
"In 1949, The Cavalier Roller Rink in Jackson, Ohio was built, using a portion the flooring from the portable rink, which remains today. In 1950, Bill and Roberta Breakfield (Ward) built the Cavalier in it's present location in Chillicothe, Ohio. Both Cavalier Rinks have remained in continuous operated by the descendants of the Whetsel family."
Cavalier is the only remaining skating rink in Chillicothe. It is the perfect location for birthday parties and offers tons of history.
"Max and Judy Shoemaker are the owners of the canoe livery located on Route 50 West near Chillicothe, Ohio. They are proud to share this exciting outdoor water adventure with you. They look to build a lasting relationship, as the love for the water develops and rental needs arrive."
Family and friends are welcome to enjoy the solitude of the country side. Max and Judy welcome all to the livery and they look forward to serving all.
So, now you have a whole list of things to do while visiting Chillicothe, and there's still more out there. If you live in Chillicothe, you can no longer say you have nothing to do other than going to Walmart and eating. There is always the movie theater and bowling alley as well. Now get going and enjoy your summer!
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