Damascus OhioATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Damascus, Ohio.
1. The Salem Historical Society
LOCAL HISTORY PRESERVED
The Salem Historical Society offers visitors a glimpse into the rich heritage of the region through its extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits. The museum showcases the area's Quaker influence, industrial development, and significant contributions to the Underground Railroad. Visitors can explore multiple buildings including the main museum, Shaffer Library, and the Freedom Hall dedicated to abolitionist history.
2. Quaker City Motorsports Park
HIGH-SPEED THRILLS
Quaker City Motorsports Park is a premier drag racing facility offering adrenaline-pumping entertainment for racing enthusiasts. The track hosts numerous events throughout the year including bracket races, specialty shows, and national competitions. Spectators can enjoy the excitement from comfortable grandstands while experiencing the thunderous sounds and incredible speeds of various racing classes.
3. Ohio Star Theater
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT DESTINATION
Ohio Star Theater presents professional live productions including musicals, concerts, and comedy shows in a modern venue near Amish Country. The theater's current production, "The Road to Damascus," takes audiences on a musical journey through the book of Acts with talented performers and impressive stagecraft. Visitors appreciate the intimate setting that provides excellent views from every seat in the house.
4. Amish Country Theater
FAMILY-FRIENDLY COMEDY SHOWS
Amish Country Theater delivers critically-acclaimed live entertainment featuring hilarious characters, comedy skits, and vibrant bluegrass music. This top-rated variety show combines clean humor and musical talent in a state-of-the-art theater setting that appeals to audiences of all ages. Performances showcase the unique culture and traditions of Ohio's Amish Country while providing laughs that last well beyond the show.
5. Historic Downtown Millersburg
CHARMING SHOPPING DISTRICT
Historic Downtown Millersburg invites visitors to explore its quaint shops offering one-of-a-kind handmade items and artisanal products. The district comes alive in the evening with local cuisine and craft brews when many other Amish Country towns are shutting down for the day. Visitors can learn traditional crafts like quilting while experiencing the area's vibrant artisan spirit through various boutiques and galleries.
6. J.M. Smucker Company Store and Café
ICONIC AMERICAN BRAND
The J.M. Smucker Company Store and Café offers visitors a chance to experience the heritage of this beloved American brand through its hallway of history that chronicles the company's humble beginnings. Guests can sample a variety of Smucker's products at the tasting station and purchase unique gift baskets, specialty items, and personalized Smucker jars. The on-site café provides a charming small-town atmosphere with seasonal patio dining where visitors can enjoy fresh meals featuring the company's famous spreads.
7. Warther Museum
EXTRAORDINARY CARVING COLLECTION
The Warther Museum showcases the incredible life's work of Ernest "Mooney" Warther, known as the World's Master Carver, through his intricate steam locomotive carvings and working models. The museum displays thousands of his creations, including the famous Pliers Tree carved from a single block of wood that demonstrates his extraordinary skill and precision. Visitors can also tour the original family home and knife-making workshop where the Warther family tradition of craftsmanship continues today.
8. Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District encompasses over 54,000 acres of land offering extensive outdoor recreation opportunities throughout eastern Ohio. Visitors can enjoy camping, cabin rentals, boating, fishing, hiking, and hunting across the district's numerous lakes and natural areas. The conservation area provides a perfect escape for nature lovers with its well-maintained facilities and beautiful landscapes that change with each season.
9. Lehman's Hardware
OLD-FASHIONED GENERAL STORE
Lehman's Hardware serves as a living museum of American heritage, offering thousands of practical, non-electric products that honor the simpler ways of the past. The sprawling store features multiple departments including kitchen gadgets, wood stoves, hand tools, and unique toys that can't be found in modern big-box retailers. Visitors come from around the world to explore this iconic destination that began as a small hardware store serving the local Amish community and has grown into an international destination.
10. The Farm at Walnut Creek
INTERACTIVE ANIMAL EXPERIENCE
The Farm at Walnut Creek offers visitors an immersive agricultural experience featuring over 500 animals from six continents, including exotic species alongside traditional farm animals. Guests can take horse-drawn wagon rides through the property, hand-feeding giraffes, bison, zebras, and many other animals that approach the wagons. The working Amish farm demonstrates traditional farming methods with authentic crops and homestead buildings that provide insight into the Amish way of life.
11. Der Dutchman Restaurant
AUTHENTIC AMISH CUISINE
Der Dutchman Restaurant serves generous portions of homestyle Amish cooking in a welcoming atmosphere that celebrates the area's cultural heritage. The restaurant's expansive menu features hand-rolled noodles, roast beef, fried chicken, and countless homemade sides that showcase traditional recipes passed down through generations. Visitors can complete their dining experience with a slice of fresh-baked pie from the bakery or browse Amish-made crafts and foods in the adjacent gift shop.
12. Hershberger's Farm & Bakery
TRADITIONAL AMISH MARKET
Hershberger's Farm & Bakery invites visitors to experience a working Amish farm complete with a popular petting zoo featuring miniature horses, goats, and other friendly animals. The on-site bakery tempts guests with freshly baked bread, cookies, pies, and the famous fry pies that attract visitors from near and far. The market offers an impressive selection of local produce, handcrafted furniture, quilts, and other Amish-made products that showcase the community's exceptional craftsmanship.
13. David Warther Carvings
MARITIME HISTORY IN MINIATURE
David Warther Carvings exhibits the remarkable artistry of David Warther II, who creates incredibly detailed miniature ships carved from ivory and ebony wood. Each masterpiece in the collection represents a significant vessel from maritime history, complete with rigging, deck details, and historical accuracy that must be seen to be believed. Visitors can often watch the artist at work in his studio, demonstrating the techniques he uses to create these museum-quality pieces that continue his family's carving legacy.
14. Breitenbach Wine Cellars
DISTINCTIVE OHIO WINES
Breitenbach Wine Cellars produces over 40 varieties of award-winning wines, including their famous Dandelion wine and other fruit-based selections. The winery welcomes guests to their tasting room where they can sample wines and enjoy light fare while overlooking the picturesque vineyard and grounds. Visitors can also explore the on-site marketplace featuring wine-related gifts, gourmet foods, and the dairy barn that produces artisanal cheeses that pair perfectly with their wines.
15. Walnut Creek Cheese
GOURMET FOOD EMPORIUM
Walnut Creek Cheese provides a comprehensive shopping experience featuring an impressive selection of local cheeses, meats, baked goods, and specialty items that represent the best of Ohio's Amish Country. The sprawling food store includes a deli counter, bulk food section, and produce department offering both traditional staples and hard-to-find ingredients. Visitors can observe cheese-making demonstrations, sample fresh products, and take home edible souvenirs from this popular destination known for its quality and variety.