Summerfield OhioATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Summerfield, Ohio.
1. Baker Family Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Baker Family Museum showcases the rich history and cultural heritage of Summerfield and the surrounding Noble County area. Visitors can explore various artifacts, photographs, and memorabilia that tell the story of local families and their contributions to the region. The museum offers a glimpse into rural Ohio life through the generations, making it a meaningful stop for history enthusiasts.
2. Wolf Run State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Wolf Run State Park offers a serene natural escape with its beautiful lake and surrounding woodland areas. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, swimming, and camping facilities throughout the warmer months. The park's extensive trail system provides opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing in a peaceful setting just a short drive from Summerfield.
3. John Glenn Childhood Home
AMERICAN HERO'S ROOTS
The John Glenn Childhood Home preserves the early environment of NASA astronaut and Ohio's longest-serving U.S. Senator. Visitors can experience life during the Great Depression and on the home front during WWII through this well-preserved historic site. The museum offers insights into how Glenn's early years shaped the character of a true American hero.
4. Marblehead Lighthouse
HISTORIC LAKE ERIE BEACON
Marblehead Lighthouse stands as the oldest lighthouse in continuous operation on the Great Lakes, shining for over 200 years. Visitors can climb the 77 steps to the top for panoramic views of Lake Erie and the surrounding peninsula during the operating season from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The state park surrounding the lighthouse provides a perfect setting for picnics, relaxation, and photography year-round.
5. The Wilds
CONSERVATION SAFARI PARK
The Wilds is a vast conservation center spanning nearly 10,000 acres where endangered species roam in open-range habitats. Visitors can take safari tours to observe rhinos, giraffes, and various other exotic and rare species in a natural setting. This unique attraction combines adventure with education about wildlife conservation efforts.
6. Zane Grey Museum
WESTERN AUTHOR'S LEGACY
The Zane Grey Museum celebrates the life and works of the famous adventure novelist and Western writer who hailed from Zanesville. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring Grey's books, personal items, and the impact his writing had on American culture and perceptions of the West. The museum also showcases examples of the art pottery for which this region of Ohio became famous in the 20th century.
7. The Wilds Nomad Ridge
LUXURY SAFARI LODGING
Nomad Ridge at The Wilds offers an upscale overnight safari experience with private yurts overlooking the conservation park's animal habitats. Guests can enjoy exclusive evening safari tours and gourmet dining as part of their stay. The adults-only accommodation provides a unique opportunity to experience wildlife at dawn and dusk when animals are most active.
8. Seneca Lake
RECREATIONAL WATER DESTINATION
Seneca Lake is the third largest inland lake in Ohio, offering 3,550 acres of water for boating, fishing, and water sports. Visitors can enjoy the marina, camping facilities, and hiking trails that surround this popular recreational destination. The lake is known for its excellent fishing, particularly for crappie, bass, and catfish.
9. The Pit Stop
LOCAL COMFORT FOOD
The Pit Stop serves as Summerfield's beloved local eatery where residents and visitors gather for homestyle meals in a casual, friendly atmosphere. Their menu features classic American comfort food including hearty breakfasts, burgers, and daily specials that showcase regional flavors. The restaurant has become a community hub where locals share news and travelers can experience authentic small-town Ohio hospitality.
10. American Indian Petroglyphs
ANCIENT ROCK ART
The American Indian Petroglyphs site preserves ancient carvings in sandstone that date between A.D. 1000 and 1550. Visitors can observe these remarkable examples of prehistoric art situated on the edge of a beautiful ravine. The site offers insights into the spiritual and cultural practices of the indigenous peoples who once inhabited the Ohio region.
11. The W.P. Snyder Jr.
HISTORIC RIVER TOWBOAT
The W.P. Snyder Jr. is the nation's last intact steam-powered, stern-wheeled towboat, permanently moored in Marietta. Visitors can step aboard this floating museum to explore the vessel's engine room, crew quarters, and pilotthouse while learning about Ohio River transportation history. The towboat offers a tangible connection to the era when rivers served as America's primary commercial highways.
12. Our Place Restaurant
HOME-COOKED LOCAL FAVORITE
Our Place Restaurant delivers authentic country cooking in a warm, welcoming environment just a short drive from Summerfield. Their menu features made-from-scratch dishes using locally sourced ingredients when possible, with daily specials that reflect seasonal offerings. The generous portions and friendly service have made this establishment a regional favorite for both locals and travelers exploring Noble County.
13. Noble County History Museum
REGIONAL HERITAGE CENTER
The Noble County History Museum houses collections that document the area's development from pioneer settlements through the present day. Exhibits include artifacts from local industries, military memorabilia, household items, and photographs that tell the story of rural Appalachian Ohio. The museum provides context for understanding Summerfield's place within the broader regional history and culture.
14. Thorla-McKee Well
FIRST OIL WELL
The Thorla-McKee Well represents the site of the first documented oil well in North America, predating the more famous Drake Well in Pennsylvania. Visitors can see the historic marker and remnants of this pioneering energy development site that dates back to 1814. This lesser-known historical landmark highlights Ohio's important role in the early petroleum industry that would transform the nation's economy.
15. Lafayette Hotel
HISTORIC RIVERFRONT LODGING
The Lafayette Hotel stands as a graceful landmark on the banks of the Ohio River, operating as a hotel since 1918. Guests can enjoy accommodations filled with period antiques and river views while experiencing the charm of this historic property. The hotel's restaurant and public spaces capture the elegant atmosphere of riverboat days, making a stay here a journey back to a more genteel era.