Hillsboro OhioATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Hillsboro, Ohio.
1. The Highland House Museum
LOCAL HISTORY PRESERVED
The Highland House Museum showcases the rich history and heritage of Highland County through its extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits. Visitors can explore meticulously restored rooms that chronicle the area's past, offering insights into the lives of early settlers and significant historical events. The museum provides a fascinating journey through time, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts.
2. Rocky Fork Lake State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Rocky Fork Lake State Park spans 2,080 acres of natural beauty, offering a wide range of outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts. The park features scenic trails winding through forests and meadows along the lakefront, perfect for hiking, bird-watching, and wildlife observation. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, boating, camping, and picnicking facilities, making it an ideal destination for a day immersed in nature.
3. World's Largest Horseshoe Crab
QUIRKY ROADSIDE ATTRACTION
The World's Largest Horseshoe Crab stands as Hillsboro's most unusual and eye-catching roadside attraction. This free family-friendly destination is located just half a mile from Downtown Hillsboro, making it a convenient stop for curious travelers. The attraction houses over 10,000 pieces of horseshoe crab memorabilia, including costumes, paintings, sculptures, and a research library about these ancient creatures.
4. Karnes Orchard
FRESH FRUIT AND FUN
Karnes Orchard offers visitors the opportunity to experience apple picking and fresh farm produce in a picturesque rural setting. The orchard features a variety of apple types throughout the season, along with other seasonal fruits and farm-made products. Families can enjoy the outdoor experience while learning about local agriculture and sampling delicious treats made from the orchard's harvest.
5. Music Makers Museum
VINTAGE AUDIO COLLECTION
Music Makers Museum provides a rare and unexpected journey through the evolution of music recording and playback technology. Nestled in the hills of Southeast Ohio, this family-friendly museum offers a chronological tour showcasing the development of audio equipment throughout history. Visitors can explore vintage instruments, phonographs, radios, and other music-related artifacts that highlight the technological advancements in music production.
6. Acme Art Factory
CREATIVE ARTS SPACE
Acme Art Factory serves as a vibrant hub for artistic expression and creativity in Hillsboro. The venue showcases works by local artists while providing space for workshops, classes, and collaborative projects for artists of all skill levels. Visitors can appreciate diverse art forms, participate in creative activities, and engage with the local artistic community in this unique cultural space.
7. Hillsboro Cemetery
HISTORIC FINAL RESTING PLACE
Hillsboro Cemetery serves as the final resting place for many of the area's historical figures and early settlers. The cemetery features beautiful old tombstones, monuments, and mausoleums that reflect the architectural styles and craftsmanship of different eras. History enthusiasts can take self-guided tours to discover the stories of those who shaped Hillsboro's past while enjoying the peaceful, park-like grounds.
8. Speed of Light Laser Tag
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT CENTER
Speed of Light Laser Tag offers space-themed laser tag adventures for players of all ages in a high-tech arena. The facility features over 40 carnival-style arcade games, providing hours of entertainment beyond the laser tag experience. Private party rooms are available for birthdays, church groups, and corporate events, making it a versatile venue for celebrations and group gatherings.
9. Liberty Park
FAMILY RECREATION AREA
Liberty Park is a beloved family destination in Hillsboro featuring spacious grounds and diverse recreational opportunities. The park offers well-maintained walking trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas ideal for outdoor gatherings and relaxation. Visitors can enjoy seasonal community events, sports facilities, and natural spaces that provide a welcome retreat from urban life.
10. Fort Hill Earthworks & Nature Preserve
ANCIENT NATIVE AMERICAN SITE
Fort Hill Earthworks & Nature Preserve features an ancient hilltop enclosure built by the Hopewell culture approximately 2,000 years ago. The site encompasses 1,300 acres of pristine forestland with 11 miles of hiking trails that wind through old-growth forests and past dramatic geological features. Visitors can explore the museum, which houses artifacts and exhibits explaining the archaeological significance and natural history of this important cultural landmark.
11. Paint Creek State Park
LAKESIDE RECREATION AREA
Paint Creek State Park covers 5,800 acres of land surrounding the 1,200-acre Paint Creek Lake, offering diverse recreational opportunities near Hillsboro. The park features miles of scenic hiking trails, boating facilities, fishing spots, and a swimming beach for warm-weather enjoyment. Campsites, picnic areas, and wildlife viewing opportunities make this natural retreat perfect for day trips or extended outdoor adventures.
12. Peaceful Acres Lavender Farm
AROMATIC AGRICULTURAL EXPERIENCE
Peaceful Acres Lavender Farm cultivates multiple varieties of lavender in a serene country setting near Hillsboro. Visitors can stroll through fragrant lavender fields, learn about lavender cultivation, and shop for handcrafted lavender products in the farm store. The farm hosts special events during peak blooming season, offering photography sessions, workshops, and educational tours about this aromatic herb.
13. Highland County Visitors Bureau
TOURISM INFORMATION CENTER
The Highland County Visitors Bureau serves as the primary resource for tourists seeking to explore Hillsboro and the surrounding region. The center provides comprehensive information about local attractions, events, dining options, and accommodations to help visitors plan their stay. Friendly staff offer personalized recommendations and insider tips to ensure travelers discover the best experiences Highland County has to offer.
14. Serpent Mound State Memorial
ANCIENT EFFIGY MOUND
Serpent Mound State Memorial features a 1,348-foot-long prehistoric effigy mound in the shape of an undulating serpent, believed to have been built by the Fort Ancient culture around 1000 CE. The site includes an observation tower providing a bird's-eye view of the serpent design, which aligns with solstice and equinox points on the horizon. Visitors can explore the on-site museum to learn about the archaeological significance and theories surrounding this mysterious ancient monument.
15. Indian Mound Mall
REGIONAL SHOPPING DESTINATION
Indian Mound Mall offers a comprehensive shopping experience with numerous retail stores, dining options, and entertainment venues under one roof. The mall features a mix of national chain retailers and local specialty shops, providing a diverse selection of merchandise for all shopping needs. Visitors can enjoy the food court, catch a movie at the cinema, or participate in community events regularly hosted at this popular retail destination.