Are you looking for the best things to do in Chillicothe, Ohio? Well, you’re at the perfect place. Chillicothe, Ohio, is a hidden treasure! It is a city in Ross County, Ohio, United States county seat.
Chillicothe was Ohio’s first, third, and fifth capital. In the 1800s, it was designated as the capital of the Northwest Territory’s “eastern section.” Later, the State Constitutional Convention met in Chillicothe.
Chillicothe is located in South Central Ohio. When Ohio joined the Union in 1803, Chillicothe became the state’s first capital. At the time of the 2020 census, the population was 22,059 people.
The city attracts visitors of all ages with its small-town charm, historical attractions, and delicious restaurants. So, to assist you in planning your trip, we have compiled a list of the best things to do in Chillicothe, Ohio.
Here is a guide to the 15 Best Things To Do In Chillicothe, Ohio
1. Look at the Glorious Indian Mounds in Hopewell Culture National Park
Discovering earthworks in Hopewell Culture Park is one of the fun things to do in Chillicothe, Ohio. The Hopewell Culture National Historical Park currently encompasses six sites in Ross County. Right there in Ross County lies a cultural park that preserves the prehistoric remains of the Hopewell tribe.
American Indians built dozens of monumental mounds and earthen enclosures in southern Ohio nearly 2000 years ago. These earthwork complexes were ceremonial landscapes associated with an American Indian religious movement that swept half the continent for almost 400 years.
So, you can come and walk among the Indian mounds and relive history.
Address: 16062 OH-104, Chillicothe, OH 45601, United States.
2. Visit the Adena Mansion and Gardens
Visiting the Adena Mansion and Gardens is one of the best things to do in Chillicothe, Ohio. Adena Mansion is a historic house museum. Benjamin Latrobe designed it for Thomas Worthington, the sixth governor of Ohio and one of the state’s first United States Senators.
Visitors can tour the Adena Mansion for a small fee. However, the average visit time is 2+ hours.
You can visit the gardens, grounds, and outbuildings, as well as the education and visitor center, to learn more about the site.
Address: 847 Adena Rd, Chillicothe, OH 45601, United States.
3. Admire art at the Pump House Center for the Arts
If you love art, then this is the place for you. There are nine to ten visual art exhibits at the Pump House Center for the Arts. The Pump House gift gallery features local artists from Southern Ohio, and tours are free.
The Pump House also hosts the Gallery Stroll, which takes place every second Saturday of the month in downtown Chillicothe from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Visitors can admire the gallery’s historic Victorian Gothic architecture and the house’s beautiful art gallery. The artwork displayed changes frequently, so there is always something new.
The Pump House Center for the Arts has no admission fee, making it one of the best free things to do in Chillicothe.
Address: 1 Enderlin Cir, Chillicothe, OH 45601, United States.
4. Take a Stroll in the Yoctangee Park
Yoctangee Park is an ideal spot for a stroll and relaxation. There are sports fields, a skate park, a children’s playground, walking paths, and a pond in the park.
Yoctangee Park is a public park located in Chillicothe, Ohio, near the Historic First Capital District. It was first named City Park from its inception in 1875 until it was changed to Yoctangee Park by William H. Hunter some time in the 1890s.
It is a community park perfect for active and passive enjoyment. It has everything for everyone, that is precisely why it’s one of the best things to do in Chillicothe.
It is perfect for a day out with your family, and your kids could make new friends.
Address: Chillicothe, OH 45601, United States.
5. Learn at the Ross County Historical Society
The Ross County Historical Society was established in 1896 to commemorate the centennial of Chillicothe and to preserve and promote the study of the city’s and the surrounding region’s history.
It runs educational programs for people of all ages. It also saves and preserves historical artifacts and documents for posterity and operates three museums and a library. All are accessible to the general public.
Visit the Ross County Historical Society Museum with your friends and family to learn about the growth, development, and people of Ross County.
Address: 45 W 5th St, Chillicothe, OH 45601, United States
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6. Hike at the Great Seal Park
Due to its Glacial plains, hardwood forests, rugged hills, and beautiful history, this park attracts thousands of visitors annually.
Hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding are all options on the park’s trails. Hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders can enjoy miles of trails, and that’s why it’s one of the best things to do in Chillicothe.
Also, you can find Volleyball, basketball, and horseshoe courts in the park’s day-use areas. Children can also use playground equipment.
You’ll enjoy spending an afternoon in this beautiful area whether you choose a challenging hike or a peaceful picnic.
Address: 4908 Marietta Rd, Chillicothe, OH 45601, United States.
7. Hop on the Railroad Museum in Chillicothe
Do you love trains? If yes, you’ll love the Railroad Museum. Visiting the Railroad Museum is one of the best things to do in Chillicothe. Two red cabooses are on the outskirts of Yoctangee Park along Water Street and are popular tourist attractions in Chillicothe.
Inside the two red train cabooses is a small museum. The museum tells the story of the Baltimore and Ohio Railway (B&O). The museum has limited hours.
It is a one-of-a-kind railroad museum housed in two B&O Cabooses, one of which has been restored to its original 1927 condition. You can tour both B&O cabooses, a C-2115 and a C-3893, which contain various pictures, lanterns, and railroad-related items.
Address: Paint St. & E Water St, Chillicothe, OH 45601, United States.
8. Enjoy Watching Plays at the Majestic Theatre
The Majestic Theatre is a beautiful old theater rich in architecture and history. Chillicothe’s Civic Theater performs on the Majestic’s stage throughout the year.
The Majestic Theatre also hosts a monthly musician’s workshop to assist local aspiring instrument players, singers, and performers. And it continues to host movie nights in collaboration with local groups. Reservations are required for tours of the historic theater.
The theatre structure stands out and has a warm atmosphere and a well-stage setup for theatrical performances. The Majestic Theatre hosts stage plays, musicals, magical concerts, and comedy. You can enjoy all this when you check their website here.
Address: 45 E 2nd St, Chillicothe, OH 45601, United States.
9. Have a Family Fun Time at the Mighty Children’s Museum
A children’s museum is a community-wide investment in children’s and families learning. Interactive learning experiences engage children, parents, and families in education, bonding, and having fun together.
Mighty Children’s Museum encourages learning in families by providing opportunities for fun and interactive play. It has exhibits and stations that promote creative development to develop divergent thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to innovate.
Have your children go through one of the best things to do in Chillicothe.
Address: 21 E 4th St, Chillicothe, OH 45601, United States.
10. Visit the Scioto Trail State Park
Scioto Trail State Park is a peaceful trail located within the 9,000-acre Scioto Trail State Forest near Chillicothe, Ohio. The park is a nature preserve explicitly designed for hiking and biking.
The park’s beautiful forest and ridge tops make it an ideal place to get away from the city and reconnect with nature. When you stand on the ridgetops of the garden, you see the breathtaking views of the Scioto River Valley.
Hike through the peaceful forest of thick oaks, wildflowers, mushrooms, and ferns. When hiking with friends or family, have a pleasant hike in Scioto Trail State Park. For more information, you can call +1 740-887-4818.
Address: 144 Lake Rd, Chillicothe, OH 45601, United States.
11. Hike at the Buzzard Roost Nature Preserve
Buzzards Roost Nature Preserve is an Ohio nature preserve encompassing over 1200 acres of the country’s most rugged and scenic terrain. The preserve is a dense forest with untouched land.
Many plants and animals in Ohio use the nature preserve as a natural habitat. There is also a 5-mile trail that winds through ponds, vernal pools, wooded ravines, and the ruins of an old homestead.
Check out the South Point Lookout Trail while hiking the Buzzards Roost Nature Preserve trails. So, taking this trail is among the best things to do in Chillicothe.
Address: 514 Red Bird Ln, Chillicothe, OH 45601, United States.
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12. Relax at Brick Haven Spa
Are you looking for a place to relax? Brick Haven has you covered. They have hair and natural nail services and all the full-service luxuries you’d expect from a city spa.
At Brick Haven Spa, they pamper you in a relaxing environment with all the amenities. They are the first luxury day spa in Chillicothe, which automatically makes it one of the best things to do in Chillicothe.
They are a classically beautiful spa with all the fine amenities you imagine a spa should have. You can Make an appointment for a massage or any of their services.
Address: 24 W Main St, Chillicothe, OH 45601, United States.
13. Have a Drink at Patrick’s Pub
What better way to end the day than with a nice drink? The Pub atmosphere is ideal for a late-night get-together with friends.
Numerous games are available at Patrick’s Pub to keep you entertained and happy.
You might enjoy the fun games. The Pub also features live music by local artists and stand-up comedy by Chillicothe comedians.
Patrick’s Pub is only open to people over 21, so bring your identification card (I.D.). One of the best things to do in Chillicothe is to hang out with friends at Patrick’s Pub.
Come to Patrick’s Pub with your friends for a fantastic evening of fun and drinks. You can call +1 740-775-3500.
Address: 20 N Plaza Blvd, Chillicothe, OH 45601, United States.
14. Bowl at Shawnee Lanes
Here at Shawnee Lanes, there are bowling lanes for children and adults. Shawnee Lanes can host your birthday party and other small events in addition to bowling.
Shawnee Lanes is a fantastic place to spend time with family and friends. It is also a great place to have a good time at a reasonable price. Hours of entertainment await you at Shawnee Lanes, so start bowling.
Address: 1680 N Bridge St, Chillicothe, OH 45601, United States.
15. Watch an Outdoor Drama at Tecumseh
Tecumseh is one of the most popular and captivating plays in Ohio and the United States. Allan W. Eckert, a seven-time Pulitzer Prize nominee, and Emmy winner, wrote the drama.
Tecumseh is an epic story about a Shawnee leader defending his homelands in Ohio during the late 1700s.
Every summer, viewers from all over the world flock to see the story of the legendary Shawnee leader. The play’s script is also regarded as one of the best in drama.
Address: 5968 Marietta Rd, Chillicothe, OH 45601, United States.
Plan a trip to Chillicothe, Ohio
In conclusion, Chillicothe is a charming town that is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Ohio. You will never regret visiting Chillicothe because of its beautiful small-town charm, historical attractions, and delicious restaurants.
In Chillicothe, hours of fun and excitement await you. So hurry up, visit Chillicothe and make beautiful memories!
Remember to comment about your experience and let us know how we can update this article.
