Lakeville OhioATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Lakeville, Ohio.
1. Brown's Lake Bog Nature Preserve
NATURAL WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE
Brown's Lake Bog Nature Preserve offers visitors a chance to explore a unique ecological habitat featuring rare plant species and wildlife. Visitors can walk along the boardwalk that meanders through the preserve, allowing for close observation of the diverse wetland ecosystem. The preserve is particularly known for its carnivorous plants and specialized bog flora that have adapted to the unique soil conditions.
2. Ugly Bunny Winery
LOCAL WINE TASTING
Ugly Bunny Winery is a charming local establishment where visitors can sample a variety of Ohio-produced wines in a relaxed atmosphere. The winery offers tastings of their house-made wines, which often feature unique fruit blends and traditional grape varieties. Guests can enjoy their wine on the premises while taking in the pleasant rural surroundings.
3. Secrest Arboretum
BOTANICAL GARDEN PARADISE
Secrest Arboretum is a botanical garden showcasing an extensive collection of trees, shrubs, and plants spread across beautifully landscaped grounds. The arboretum features themed gardens, walking paths, and educational displays about plant life and conservation efforts. Visitors can enjoy seasonal displays including spring flowering trees, summer perennials, fall foliage, and sculptural winter landscapes.
4. Wayne County Historical Society
LOCAL HERITAGE MUSEUM
Wayne County Historical Society preserves and showcases the rich history of Wayne County through its collection of artifacts, documents, and photographs. The museum is housed in a historic building and features exhibits highlighting the area's settlement, industrial development, and cultural heritage. Special displays regularly rotate to feature different aspects of local history, making repeat visits worthwhile.
5. Ohio Star Theater
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
Ohio Star Theater presents professional live productions including musicals, comedies, and concerts in a modern theater setting. The venue offers comfortable seating with excellent sightlines and state-of-the-art sound and lighting technology. Shows typically highlight family-friendly content with themes that often connect to the cultural heritage of Ohio's Amish Country.
6. Amish Country Theater
FAMILY COMEDY SHOWS
Amish Country Theater features live comedy variety shows in a 325-seat state-of-the-art venue that guarantees laughs for the whole family. The performances blend music, comedy skits, and audience participation for an engaging entertainment experience. Shows often incorporate elements of local culture while maintaining a clean, family-appropriate approach to humor.
7. Warther Museum
MASTERFUL CARVING COLLECTION
Warther Museum displays the extraordinary works of Ernest "Mooney" Warther, known as the world's master carver, featuring his intricate steam engine carvings and other masterpieces. The museum also showcases Mrs. Warther's collection of thousands of hand-carved buttons and the family's Swiss-style garden. Visitors can tour the original workshop where these incredible pieces were created and observe carving demonstrations that showcase the techniques used by this self-taught artist.
8. Coblentz Chocolates
HANDCRAFTED CHOCOLATE DELIGHTS
Coblentz Chocolates offers visitors a sweet experience with its wide selection of handmade chocolates, including buckeyes, creamfills, truffles, and snappers. Visitors can observe the chocolate-making process through viewing windows while enjoying the aroma of freshly made confections. The shop specializes in traditional recipes and techniques that have been perfected over generations, resulting in exceptional quality treats.
9. Oak Shadows Golf Club
SCENIC GOLF EXPERIENCE
Oak Shadows Golf Club presents a beautifully designed golf course that captures the natural beauty of Tuscarawas County's rolling terrain. The course offers challenging play for golfers of all skill levels with its strategically placed hazards and varied hole designs. Mature trees, water features, and carefully maintained greens create a peaceful setting for a day on the links.
10. Historic Downtown Millersburg
CHARMING SHOPPING DISTRICT
Historic Downtown Millersburg offers visitors a blend of Amish culture and small-town charm through its collection of unique shops, restaurants, and historic buildings. The district features beautifully preserved architecture dating back to the 19th century, creating a picturesque setting for exploring. Visitors can browse antique stores, specialty boutiques, and artisan shops while enjoying the friendly atmosphere of this Amish Country community.
11. Swiss Village in Sugarcreek
EUROPEAN CULTURAL EXPERIENCE
The Swiss Village in Sugarcreek showcases the town's Swiss heritage through distinctive architecture featuring colorful buildings with Swiss-inspired designs and murals. Visitors can enjoy horse-drawn trolley rides through the village while learning about the area's unique cultural history. The village hosts special events throughout the year that celebrate Swiss traditions with music, food, and cultural demonstrations.
12. Mohican State Park
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE PARADISE
Mohican State Park encompasses over 1,000 acres of stunning natural landscapes with hemlock forests, clear streams, and dramatic sandstone outcroppings. The park offers extensive recreational opportunities including hiking trails, camping facilities, fishing spots, and scenic waterways perfect for canoeing and kayaking. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views from several lookout points and observe diverse wildlife throughout the changing seasons.
13. Lehman's Hardware
TRADITIONAL TOOLS EMPORIUM
Lehman's Hardware is an iconic destination specializing in non-electric tools, appliances, and homesteading supplies that serve both the Amish community and those seeking traditional, sustainable living products. The sprawling store features multiple departments offering everything from oil lamps and wood stoves to hand-powered kitchen tools and unique toys that don't require batteries. Visitors often spend hours exploring the vast inventory while learning about simpler ways of living through informative displays and knowledgeable staff.
14. The Farm at Walnut Creek
INTERACTIVE AGRICULTURAL EXPERIENCE
The Farm at Walnut Creek offers visitors an immersive agricultural experience where they can interact with over 500 animals, including exotic species as well as traditional farm animals. Guests can take horse-drawn wagon rides through the property while feeding animals and learning about both modern and traditional farming practices. The working farm also demonstrates Amish farming techniques and lifestyle through authentic buildings and daily activities.
15. Amish & Mennonite Heritage Center
CULTURAL HISTORY MUSEUM
The Amish & Mennonite Heritage Center provides visitors with an educational look at the history, faith, and culture of the Amish and Mennonite communities that have shaped the region. The center's crown jewel is the 265-foot cyclorama mural titled "Behalt," which illustrates the history of Anabaptist faiths from their European origins to present day. Guided tours offer insights into the simple lifestyle, religious beliefs, and enduring traditions of these distinctive communities.