Freeport OhioATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Freeport, Ohio.
1. Piedmont Lake Marina
WATERFRONT RECREATION HUB
Piedmont Lake Marina offers visitors a serene waterfront experience with boat rentals, fishing supplies, and docking facilities. The marina serves as a gateway to Piedmont Lake, a beautiful 2,300-acre reservoir surrounded by rolling hills and lush forests. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, and picnicking along the shoreline while taking in stunning views of the Ohio countryside.
2. Pennyroyal Opera House
HISTORIC BLUEGRASS VENUE
The Pennyroyal Opera House stands as a cultural landmark in Freeport, hosting regular bluegrass performances that draw music enthusiasts from across the region. This historic venue maintains the rich musical traditions of Appalachian Ohio with authentic performances in an intimate setting. The Opera House features a volunteer-run concession stand with homemade food, creating a warm community atmosphere for visitors.
3. Underground Railroad Museum
FREEDOM'S HISTORIC JOURNEY
The Underground Railroad Museum preserves and tells the important story of the secret network that helped enslaved people escape to freedom. Exhibits feature authentic artifacts, documents, and personal accounts that bring this crucial chapter of American history to life. Visitors gain insight into the courage of both freedom seekers and those who risked their lives to help them along the Underground Railroad route through Ohio.
4. Wellstone Winery
LOCAL VINEYARD EXPERIENCE
Wellstone Winery welcomes visitors to sample locally produced wines in a charming rural setting. The winery offers tastings of their diverse selection, from sweet fruit varieties to traditional reds and whites, all crafted with care. Guests can relax on the patio while enjoying vineyard views and light fare that complements their wine selections.
5. Freeport Press Museum
PRINTING HERITAGE SHOWCASE
The Freeport Press Museum chronicles the evolution of printing technology and its impact on rural communities. Visitors can examine vintage printing presses, typesetting equipment, and historical publications that tell the story of communication in small-town America. The museum offers hands-on demonstrations where guests can create their own printed souvenirs using traditional techniques.
6. Harrison Coal & Reclamation Historical Park
MINING HISTORY PRESERVED
Harrison Coal & Reclamation Historical Park, located near Freeport, preserves the region's rich coal mining heritage through exhibits of massive mining equipment and artifacts. The park features impressive draglines, shovels, and other machinery that once transformed the local landscape during Ohio's mining boom. Visitors can explore the grounds and learn about the environmental reclamation efforts that have restored former mining lands to productive use.
7. Dennison Depot Railroad Museum
HISTORIC RAILWAY HUB
The Dennison Depot Railroad Museum, a short drive from Freeport, preserves a National Historic Landmark that served as a vital WWII canteen for troops. The beautifully restored 1873 Pennsylvania Railroad depot houses exhibits on railroad history and the Salvation Army volunteers who served nearly 1.5 million soldiers. Visitors can tour authentic train cars, including a Pullman sleeper and a WWII hospital car, providing an immersive glimpse into America's railway past.
8. Gnadenhutten Park & Museum
NATIVE AMERICAN MEMORIAL
Gnadenhutten Park & Museum commemorates the tragic 1782 massacre of 96 peaceful Christian Delaware Native Americans. The museum houses artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of these Native Americans and the historical settlement they established. The peaceful grounds include a burial mound and monument honoring those who lost their lives in one of the most somber episodes of Ohio frontier history.
9. The Farm at Walnut Creek
LIVING AGRICULTURAL EXPERIENCE
The Farm at Walnut Creek offers visitors an immersive experience with over 500 animals, including exotic and domestic species, in a working Amish farm setting. Guests can take horse-drawn wagon rides through the property, feed animals from around the world, and observe traditional farming practices. The farm provides a unique opportunity to learn about sustainable agriculture while enjoying close encounters with giraffes, camels, and many other animals not typically found in rural Ohio.
10. Deersville General Store
NOSTALGIC COUNTRY SHOPPING
The Deersville General Store takes visitors back in time with its authentic 19th-century atmosphere and traditional merchandise. This historic establishment offers locally made crafts, penny candy, old-fashioned sodas, and country goods that reflect the area's heritage. Visitors can enjoy the friendly small-town service while browsing unique items that can't be found in modern retail stores.
11. Clary Gardens
BOTANICAL BEAUTY RETREAT
Clary Gardens encompasses 20 acres of stunning botanical displays, woodlands, and rolling hillsides near Freeport. The gardens feature themed landscapes, including a children's garden, rose garden, and natural woodland trails that showcase native Ohio plants. Visitors can enjoy seasonal events, educational programs, and the peaceful ambiance of this developing horticultural attraction that serves as a popular backdrop for weddings and photography.
12. The Chatterbox
LOCAL COMFORT FOOD
The Chatterbox serves as Freeport's beloved local eatery, offering homestyle cooking and friendly service in a casual, welcoming atmosphere. Diners can enjoy generous portions of American classics, from hearty breakfasts to satisfying dinner specials made with locally sourced ingredients when possible. The restaurant acts as a community gathering spot where visitors can mingle with locals and experience authentic small-town Ohio hospitality.
13. Mosser Glass
HANDCRAFTED GLASS ARTISTRY
Mosser Glass invites visitors to witness the fascinating process of handcrafted glass production at their family-owned facility near Freeport. Artisans demonstrate traditional glass-making techniques that have been preserved for generations, creating colorful pieces known for their quality and distinctive designs. The on-site shop offers a wide selection of their renowned glass products, from decorative items to practical tableware that makes for perfect souvenirs or gifts.
14. Freeport Farmers Market
FRESH LOCAL HARVESTS
The Freeport Farmers Market brings together local growers and artisans offering fresh produce, homemade baked goods, and handcrafted items throughout the growing season. Shoppers can connect directly with the people who grow their food while enjoying the community atmosphere enhanced by occasional live music and demonstrations. The market showcases the agricultural bounty of the region and supports the local economy through sustainable, small-scale farming practices.
15. Tappan Lake Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Tappan Lake Park offers 2,350 acres of water surrounded by scenic hiking trails, campgrounds, and picnic areas just a short drive from Freeport. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy fishing for bass, catfish, and crappie, or participate in water sports like boating, swimming, and kayaking on this picturesque reservoir. The park's natural beauty changes dramatically with the seasons, making it a year-round destination for wildlife viewing, photography, and peaceful relaxation.