Metamora OhioATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Metamora, Ohio.
1. Whitewater Canal State Historic Site
HISTORIC CANAL HERITAGE
The Whitewater Canal State Historic Site preserves an important piece of Ohio's transportation history, featuring the last remaining wooden aqueduct in the United States. Visitors can explore the canal towpath, learn about the canal's significance to regional commerce, and discover how this engineering marvel once carried canal boats over Duck Creek. The site offers educational experiences for history enthusiasts and families alike, with occasional horse-drawn canal boat rides during special events.
2. Metamora Grist Mill
WORKING HISTORIC MILL
The Metamora Grist Mill is a fully operational water-powered mill that dates back to the canal era, representing the village's industrial heritage. Visitors can witness demonstrations of traditional grain grinding techniques and purchase freshly ground cornmeal and flour produced on-site. This living history attraction provides an authentic glimpse into 19th-century milling operations that were vital to the region's economy.
3. Whitewater Canal Trail
SCENIC HISTORIC PATHWAY
The Whitewater Canal Trail offers a 2.6-mile rustic hiking and biking path that follows the historic canal route through beautiful natural surroundings. Nature lovers can observe local wildlife while enjoying the peaceful scenery along this well-maintained trail. The pathway provides a perfect opportunity to experience the region's natural beauty while connecting with its transportation history.
4. Sauder Village
LIVING HISTORY EXPERIENCE
Sauder Village is Ohio's largest living history destination, located a short drive from Metamora, where visitors can experience life in the 1800s and early 1900s. The village features more than 40 historic buildings, craftsmen demonstrating traditional skills, and hands-on activities that bring history to life. Guests can explore historic homes, farms, shops, and community buildings while interacting with costumed interpreters who share stories of early Ohio settlers.
5. Harrison Lake State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION DESTINATION
Harrison Lake State Park offers 142 acres of outdoor recreation opportunities centered around a beautiful 105-acre lake near Metamora. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, and camping in this picturesque natural setting. The park provides year-round activities with summer water recreation and winter activities including ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and sledding when conditions permit.
6. Goll Woods State Nature Preserve
ANCIENT FOREST SANCTUARY
Goll Woods State Nature Preserve protects one of the last remaining old-growth forests in Ohio, featuring massive oak, hickory, and maple trees that have stood for centuries. Visitors can hike through this living museum of prehistoric Ohio, observing native wildflowers and diverse wildlife along well-maintained trails. The preserve offers a rare glimpse into what much of the Black Swamp region looked like before European settlement.
7. Wiregrass Lake Metropark
NATURAL RECREATION AREA
Wiregrass Lake Metropark features a 35-acre manmade lake surrounded by restored tallgrass prairie and wetlands, creating a diverse ecosystem for outdoor enjoyment. The park offers fishing opportunities, hiking trails, and wildlife observation areas where visitors might spot herons, eagles, and other native species. This tranquil natural area provides a peaceful escape with scenic water views and natural habitats just a short drive from Metamora.
8. Fossil Park
PREHISTORIC TREASURE HUNT
Fossil Park offers visitors the unique opportunity to dig for and keep authentic 375-million-year-old marine fossils in a family-friendly environment. The 5-acre site contains Devonian era fossils including trilobites, brachiopods, and coral that once lived in the warm shallow sea covering the region. Amateur paleontologists of all ages can use simple tools to uncover their own prehistoric treasures while learning about the area's fascinating geological history.
9. Blissfield Murder Mystery Train
INTERACTIVE DINNER THEATER
The Blissfield Murder Mystery Train combines fine dining with interactive entertainment aboard vintage rail cars traveling through picturesque countryside near the Ohio border. Passengers enjoy a multi-course meal while participating in an engaging murder mystery where they can interact with actors and solve the crime. This unique experience provides an evening of food, fun, and amateur sleuthing in a nostalgic railroad setting.
10. H.D. Ellis Inn Bed and Breakfast
HISTORIC COUNTRYSIDE LODGING
The H.D. Ellis Inn Bed and Breakfast offers charming accommodations in a restored historic building that captures the essence of small-town Ohio. Guests enjoy comfortable rooms decorated with period details, delicious homemade breakfasts, and the warm hospitality of knowledgeable innkeepers. The inn provides a perfect base for exploring Metamora and the surrounding attractions while experiencing authentic local character.
11. Lena's Pizza & Italian Restaurant
BELOVED LOCAL EATERY
Lena's Pizza & Italian Restaurant serves authentic Italian cuisine and specialty pizzas in a warm, family-friendly atmosphere near Metamora. The restaurant prides itself on using quality ingredients in traditional recipes that have made it a regional favorite for generations. Diners can enjoy a diverse menu of pasta dishes, pizzas, and Italian specialties along with vegetarian options in a casual, welcoming setting.
12. Johnston Fruit Farms
SEASONAL PRODUCE DESTINATION
Johnston Fruit Farms offers visitors the opportunity to purchase fresh, locally grown produce and participate in seasonal activities like apple picking and pumpkin selecting. The farm market features a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, jams, baked goods, and other regional specialties throughout the growing season. Families particularly enjoy the fall activities that include a corn maze, hayrides, and special harvest events celebrating northwestern Ohio's agricultural heritage.
13. Hathaway House Restaurant
ELEGANT HISTORIC DINING
The Hathaway House Restaurant occupies a beautifully restored 1872 mansion, offering fine dining in an atmosphere of historic elegance just across the Ohio border. The menu features expertly prepared American and international cuisine using quality ingredients, complemented by an extensive wine selection. Diners can enjoy their meal in various themed dining rooms adorned with period details that create a sophisticated yet comfortable setting for special occasions.
14. Cakes & Shakes
SWEET TREATS SHOP
Cakes & Shakes delights visitors with freshly baked desserts and hand-crafted milkshakes in a cheerful cafe atmosphere in downtown Metamora. The bakery is known for its rotating selection of cakes, cookies, and pastries made from scratch using traditional recipes. This local favorite provides a perfect spot to relax with sweet treats and beverages after exploring the historic attractions of the village.
15. Kitty Todd Nature Preserve
RARE ECOSYSTEM PROTECTION
The Kitty Todd Nature Preserve protects one of the last remaining examples of the Oak Openings region, a globally rare ecosystem featuring sand dunes, oak savanna, and wet prairie habitats. Visitors can explore hiking trails through diverse landscapes that support more than 40 rare and endangered species of plants and animals. This ecological treasure provides opportunities for nature photography, birdwatching, and experiencing a landscape that once covered much of northwest Ohio.