New Washington OhioATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near New Washington, Ohio.
1. Veterans Memorial Park
HONORING LOCAL HEROES
Veterans Memorial Park serves as a tribute to the brave men and women who served in the armed forces from the New Washington area. The park features commemorative monuments and peaceful green spaces where visitors can reflect and pay their respects. This serene location hosts community gatherings and patriotic celebrations throughout the year.
2. New Washington Public Swimming Pool
SUMMER SPLASH ZONE
The New Washington Public Swimming Pool offers a refreshing escape during the hot summer months for both locals and visitors. The facility features a well-maintained pool with areas suitable for swimmers of different ages and skill levels. Families particularly enjoy this popular recreational spot that has become a cornerstone of summer activities in the village.
3. Dutchtown DariBar
CLASSIC ICE CREAM DESTINATION
Dutchtown DariBar is a beloved local establishment serving up delicious ice cream treats and comfort food in New Washington. Visitors can enjoy a variety of frozen desserts, from soft-serve cones to elaborate sundaes, along with savory menu items. The casual atmosphere and friendly service make it a popular gathering spot for community members and travelers passing through the area.
4. Gochenour Meats
LOCAL BUTCHER SHOP
Gochenour Meats provides high-quality, fresh cuts of meat to the New Washington community and surrounding areas. This family-owned butcher shop offers custom meat processing and specialty products that reflect local tastes and traditions. Customers appreciate the personalized service and exceptional quality that has made this establishment a staple in the region's food scene.
5. New Washington Historical Society
PRESERVING LOCAL HERITAGE
The New Washington Historical Society works diligently to preserve and showcase the rich heritage of this small Ohio community. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of New Washington since its incorporation in 1874. The society regularly hosts educational programs and events designed to connect current residents with their town's fascinating past.
6. Historic Downtown New Washington
CHARMING MAIN STREET
Historic Downtown New Washington features well-preserved buildings that showcase architectural styles from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Visitors can stroll along the main thoroughfare to admire the historic facades while browsing local businesses housed within these charming structures. The downtown area serves as the heart of community life, hosting seasonal festivals and gatherings throughout the year.
7. Bucyrus Copper Kettle Works
HISTORIC COPPER CRAFTSMANSHIP
Bucyrus Copper Kettle Works showcases the traditional art of copper craftsmanship in a historic setting not far from New Washington. Visitors can observe skilled artisans creating handcrafted copper items using techniques passed down through generations. The workshop and retail space offer a fascinating glimpse into this specialized trade while providing opportunities to purchase unique, locally-made copper products.
8. Crawford County Fairgrounds
COMMUNITY EVENT CENTER
The Crawford County Fairgrounds hosts a variety of events throughout the year, serving as a central gathering place for residents from New Washington and surrounding communities. The expansive grounds accommodate agricultural exhibitions, concerts, festivals, and the annual county fair that celebrates the region's rural heritage. Visitors can experience authentic small-town Americana through the diverse programming offered at this versatile venue.
9. Mohican State Park
NATURAL WILDERNESS RETREAT
Mohican State Park offers stunning natural landscapes within driving distance of New Washington, making it a perfect day trip destination. The park encompasses over 1,000 acres of forests, scenic overlooks, and the picturesque Clear Fork Gorge, providing abundant opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife observation. Visitors can also enjoy camping facilities, cabins, and seasonal recreational activities in this outdoor paradise known as the "Grand Canyon of Ohio."
10. Charles Mill Lake Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION HAVEN
Charles Mill Lake Park features a beautiful 2,000-acre reservoir surrounded by recreational facilities that attract visitors from New Washington and beyond. The park offers boating, fishing, swimming, and picnicking opportunities in a serene natural setting. Campsites and cabins are available for those wishing to extend their stay and fully immerse themselves in this tranquil outdoor environment.
11. Lincoln Highway Historic Byway
AMERICA'S FIRST COAST-TO-COAST ROAD
The Lincoln Highway Historic Byway passes near New Washington, offering travelers a chance to experience America's first transcontinental road. This historic route features vintage roadside attractions, classic diners, and interpretive markers that tell the story of early automobile travel across the nation. Driving this scenic byway provides a nostalgic journey through small-town America and connects visitors with an important chapter in the country's transportation history.
12. Galion Big Four Depot
HISTORIC RAILWAY STATION
The Galion Big Four Depot stands as a beautifully preserved example of Victorian railroad architecture near New Washington. This historic train station, constructed in 1900, now serves as a museum showcasing the importance of rail transportation in developing the region. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring railroad memorabilia, historical photographs, and artifacts that illustrate how the railway transformed small communities throughout north-central Ohio.
13. Kingwood Center Gardens
ELEGANT HISTORICAL ESTATE
Kingwood Center Gardens encompasses 47 acres of meticulously landscaped grounds surrounding a stunning French Provincial mansion built in 1926. Visitors can wander through themed gardens featuring seasonal displays, exotic plants, and tranquil water features that change throughout the year. The former estate of industrialist Charles Kelley King now serves as a horticultural showcase and cultural center offering educational programs, special events, and a glimpse into the region's wealthy past.
14. Ohio State Reformatory
GOTHIC PRISON ARCHITECTURE
The Ohio State Reformatory impresses visitors with its imposing Gothic architecture and fascinating history as a correctional facility operating from 1896 to 1990. The massive structure gained international recognition as a filming location for "The Shawshank Redemption" and now offers guided tours exploring its cell blocks, administration areas, and chapel. Paranormal enthusiasts particularly appreciate the nighttime ghost hunts that investigate the reformatory's reputation as one of America's most haunted buildings.
15. Bucyrus Bratwurst Festival
CELEBRATED SAUSAGE TRADITION
The Bucyrus Bratwurst Festival celebrates the German heritage of the region with a three-day event held each August near New Washington. Visitors can sample a variety of bratwurst recipes, enjoy live entertainment on multiple stages, and participate in family-friendly activities throughout the downtown area. This beloved annual tradition, running since 1968, includes parades, contests, craft vendors, and the crowning of the Bratwurst Festival Queen.