Location: Lancaster
Top Things to do in Lancaster
What to do and see in Lancaster, Ohio (OH): The Best Budget-friendly Things to do
Lancaster (locally /ˈlæŋk(ə)stər/ LANG-kəs-tər, LANK-stər) is a city in Fairfield County, Ohio, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 38,780. It is located near the Hocking River, approximately 33 miles (53 km) southeast of Columbus and is the county seat of Fairfield County.
Restaurants in Lancaster
1. Valley Zipline Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 477 reviews
Welcome To The Home Of Valley Zipline Tours – Ohio’s Number One Zip Line ! Located In The Northern Part Of Of Ohio’s Scenic Hocking Hills, Valley Zipline Tours Offers An Adventure That Is Fun For The Whole Family.
2. Decorative Arts Center of Ohio
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 52 reviews
The Decorative Arts Center of Ohio is located in Lancaster, Ohio, just southeast of Columbus. The museum offers tours of the historic Reese-Peters House, art classes for all ages, public programs and three art exhibitions annually.
Reviewed By Laura_O_in_Ohio_USA - Lancaster, United States
The Decorative Arts Center of Ohio consists of two parts, the Reese-Peters House and the Wendel Center for Arts Education. This is a very popular public museum housed in a beautiful Federal-Greek Revival mansion originally built in 1835 and renovated in the late 1900's. It is located on Main Street in the center of town in what the locals call "Square 13", which is the original plat on which the city of Lancaster was built. The Reese-Peters House is dedicated to preserving the beautifully detailed and well-maintained architecture of the house and also an impressive collection of period items which they have on display. The Wendel Center for Art Education is housed in a very large, reconstructed carriage house. They provide art classes for everyone from beginners to serious art students. The Decorative Arts Center is a fascinating and authentic historical resource for visitors and a real diamond in the local community. I consider it an absolutely must-see for history buffs and an excellent way to spend the day. Plan to be there for at least one or two hours, because there is a lot there that you are going to want to see. Open 7 days a week with free admission and no reservation needed!
3. Sherman House Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 86 reviews
The Sherman House Museum in Lancaster, Ohio, is the birthplace of Civil War Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman and his younger brother U.S. Sen. John Sherman (Sherman Antitrust Act). The ground floor of the home is furnished much as it would have been when the Shermans lived there. The front parlor contains many furnishings from the general's home in New York City. The second floor houses a recreation of Sherman's Civil War tent; interactive exhibits and an array of war and GAR artifacts. The gift shop features Civil War and local history books as well as puzzles, games and more. Because of the Covid pandemic, tours are offered at 12, 1, 2 & 3pm and are limited to 8 visitors at a time. Guides and visitors must wear masks. (Available for a dollar donation.) Tickets may be purchased in advance at website or at the door if any tickets remain.
Reviewed By marthagQ6142SJ
The Sherman House Museum is conveniently located on Main Street, amid many other historic homes. William Tecumseh Sherman grew up in Lancaster, Ohio. This historic home has many Sherman family artifacts, supplemented by appropriate period furniture and decorations. Learning about Sherman's life, his philosophy, the truth about his March to the Sea after burning Atlanta in the Civil War -- all were informative and interesting.
4. Ohio Glass Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 56 reviews
Reviewed By MidwestKathM - Detroit, United States
This museum highlighting the glass industry in southeast Ohio is great! We saw so many beautiful pieces of glass and learned so much about the local glass companies, including Anchor Hocking (one of our faves), and how the town grew with the industry. And there is always a new temporary exhibition highlighting a new topic. We received a very informative tour from one of the volunteers. In spite of the constraints of visiting a museum in the time of COVID-19, the staff and volunteers made this visit without any problems. One door to enter, another door to exit. Plexiglass at the counter where you pay. Hand sanitizer available. And new kiosks with wonderful info about each exhibit. Unfortunately, during this time, they were offering glassblowing demonstration, but hopefully those will be back soon.
5. Rising Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 138 reviews
Reviewed By sassykids5
Great place to hike, have a picnic or let the children play. A nice pond the kids can feed the ducks
6. Skyview Cruise-in Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
Reviewed By Laura_O_in_Ohio_USA - Lancaster, United States
Built in 1948, "The Skyview", as the locals call it, is an actual, functioning drive-in theater. There are less than 400 of these drive-ins left in the United States. The owners have maintained the traditions of the original drive-ins, including the central concession stand serving up hot dogs, hamburgers, fries, and, of course, popcorn. I have to laugh every time they show those hilarious old commercials at intermission with the dancing, singing box of popcorn, sandwiches, and beverages inviting us to go to the snack bar. This drive-in has an 80-foot screen, and visitors have a choice of dialing up FM stereo or using the old metal car speakers from the 1940’s that hook onto your car window. On warm summer nights, some people spread out blankets on the ground in front of the screen. And don't forget as you enter the movie lot to "Please Dim Lights, Speed Limit 5 mph". For those of us who remember going with our dates to the drive-in, a visit here is a real dose of nostalgia. If you are travelling with kids, this is a rare opportunity to show them in person what a real movie drive-in was like. It's a real treat for everybody, young or old. Don't miss this chance to visit this drive-in theater before they all go extinct!
7. The Georgian Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34 reviews
The Georgian Museum is located in one of Lancaster's three National Historic Districts, and exemplifies early 19th century American craftsmanship. Built originally for Samuel and Sarah Maccracken in 1832 by local builder Daniel Sifford, the home embodies features of both Federal and Greek Revival architecture. The structure is unlike any other built by Sifford, with its double-curved wall along a two-storied portico supported by fluted Ionic columns and windows that opened to the floor for access to the veranda. Throughout the house twelve-foot ceilings draw attention to stunning woodwork, archways and chandeliers. Rooms have been restored to reflect the period of the Maccracken's residence from 1832 to 1852, with appropriate wall and floor coverings, and historic furnishings, including many pieces made in Fairfield County during the first half of the 19th century.
Reviewed By chadk629 - Copley, United States
Our tour guide Carl was well informed and had great stories to tell. Answered all of kid's questions in ways that were interesting and fun.
