What to do and see in Ontario, United States: The Best Places and Tips

October 12, 2017 Joeann Galban

Ontario is a city in Richland County in the U.S. state of Ohio. It was founded in 1834 on the western edge of the Allegheny Plateau, just west of the city of Mansfield. After being incorporated in 1958, Ontario became a heavy manufacturing center because of the Erie Railroad line, and its proximity to Mansfield. However, its status in that regard began to decline in the late 20th century, when much of the Erie Railroad that once ran through the city was abandoned; and shifts in the manufacturing industry led to the relocation or repositioning of many factories. The city's industry has since diversified into the service economy, including education, finance and healthcare. The city is also a major regional retail hub serving the entire North-Central Ohio area, with a shopping population of over 150,000.
Restaurants in Ontario

1. Kingwood Center Gardens

50 N Trimble Rd, Mansfield, OH 44906-2654 +1 419-522-0211
Excellent
78%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 164 reviews

Kingwood Center Gardens

A historic estate and garden which features 47 acres of landscaped gardens, greenhouses, hiking trails, and tours of the mansion. We hold many events, including corporate rentals, weddings and parties, Garden Club events, children's events, and community events such as Pumpkin Glow and Christmas at Kingwood.

Reviewed By taycamsmom - Ashland, Ohio

We've gone to Kingwood several times for prom photos and family photos. We've been taking our two daughters here for over 20 years and there's always something new and beautiful to see. The holidays at Kingwood are gorgeous and they do a pumpkin glow at...MoreThanks so much!

2. Malabar Farm State Park

4050 Bromfield Rd, Lucas, OH 44843-9745 +1 419-892-2784
Excellent
69%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 120 reviews

Malabar Farm State Park

Park that features a working farm and the 32-room country home built by Pulitzer prize-winning author, Louis Bromfield.

Reviewed By JudyG09 - Easton, MD

I spent 4 days at the "Farm" and could have relaxed a bit longer. The hostel is a comfy home on the property with a very interesting, knowledgeable staff person. Touring the "Big House" is a must and seeing everything in place as it was when Louis Bromfield left is just amazing. Relaxing atmosphere with walking trails and views.

3. Mid Ohio Sports car course

7721 Lexington Steam Corners Rd, Lexington, OH 44904-9417 +1 419-884-4000
Excellent
60%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 54 reviews

Mid Ohio Sports car course

Reviewed By Micky O - Richmond, Virginia

This was my third trip to Mid-Ohio. The track is amazing- according to my driver son. The facilities are in need of an update but compared to most tracks, they are just fine. I was very appreciative of the fact that the concession stand sold bags of ice. Being in the middle of nowhere on a very hot day, that was very convenient indeed. They pack in the paddock area making it quite crowded. Knowing my family's love of racing, we will be going again and again.

4. Grandpa's Cheesebarn

668 US Highway 250 E, Ashland, OH 44805-9700 +1 419-281-3202
Excellent
64%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 284 reviews

Grandpa's Cheesebarn

Reviewed By jaimster916 - Rochester, New York

I have been twice in the last year on my way through Ohio. Tons of cheese with unique offerings such as cheeseburger cheese & siracha cheddar. Cheese prices are reasonable including cheese curds (no fresh mozzarella) & spreads. Lots of snack & condiment choices. Although the snacks are $2-$3 dollars above average, I enjoyed the guacamole bites, flavored sesame sticks, & mustards. Jerky was good but overpriced for the small package. Candy shop across the parking lot was amazing. Double chocolate pretzels & sea salt caramels are delicious. Staff was friendly & efficient.

5. Fox Winery

227 Harding Way E, East of the square 2 blocks on South side of street, Galion, OH 44833-2002 +1 419-468-9463
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 1 reviews

Fox Winery

Reviewed By sandysautter523 - Galion, Ohio

Excellent wines at this small local establishment are really a "treat" to be had! Owners Mr.Fox and Mr. Arlen take pride in explaining to patrons how they've grown and processed these local grown grapes into delicate crisp flavors that a a real treat to the pallet! An added feature is Game Night on Wednesdays!

6. Ohio Bird Sanctuary

3774 Orweiler Rd, Mansfield, OH 44903-8655 +1 419-884-4295
Excellent
81%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 62 reviews

Ohio Bird Sanctuary

Reviewed By FromSea2ShiningC - Mansfield, Ohio

I'm a native to Mansfield. I've been going her for awhile. I've went with my family, friends, and even a ladies Bible study group. There's lots of birds to see...hawks, eagles, owls, etc. You can purchase a cup of worms for I think $1 inside to feed the birds in the closed in area. I usually walk around the left of the building to see the outdoor birds first. You can't feed these birds, and some of them bite. There are signs marking this. Then you come to the closed in area where you can feed a variety of birds...bluejays, chickens, etc. There's benches to sit on. There's also some hiking trails. This place is a great place outdoors for all ages.

7. Brookside Park

22 Brookside Drive, Ashland, OH 44805 +1 419-289-8247
Excellent
63%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 21 reviews

Brookside Park

Reviewed By TomGrandy - Ashland

I used to play golf and tennis at Brookside when I lived in another town and was so impressed with how much the park was used and maintained that it was one of the main reasons we moved to Ashland.

It truly is a testament to a town that keeps its parks up and has awesome concerts and events throughout the summer. Keep up the good work!

8. B&O Bike Trail

2295 Lexington Ave, Mansfield, OH 44907-3027 +1 419-884-3764
Excellent
81%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 46 reviews

B&O Bike Trail

Reviewed By Anthony F - Mansfield

From beginning to end 18.5 miles
Relatively easy ride. Smooth surface. Southbound slightly downhill over the entire distance. Lightly traveled. You do need to watch for deer. Bike trail speed limit actually 15 mph. In addition to deer trail is used by walkers, runners, and roller bladers. Excellent trail for beginners to intermediate riders. Bike shop on trail around mile 12

9. Biblewalk

500 Tingley Ave, Diamond Hill Cathedral, Mansfield, OH 44905-1234 +1 419-524-0139
Excellent
56%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 54 reviews

Biblewalk

Visitors walk through life-sized re-creations of favorite Old and New Testament stories.

Reviewed By J5649CFmichaelt - Middletown, Ohio

The trip to Bible Walk can be summed up by one word AMAZING! It is Ohio's only life-sized wax museum. Total biblical based. It was such a pleasant change from many of the wax museum's we have visited. The figures were very well done and each presentation was done professionally. There are museums for different presentations. Life of Christ, Miracles of the Old testament, Paul's missionary journeys . But my favorite was the Christian Martyrs museum . There are so many amazing things in this museum. The scenes in the main lobby of this museum which are made from different items (jewels, rings, gold, etc. glued together was the most fascinating thing I have ever seen. Plus it is the only exhibition like this in the U.S. Another simply amazing thing which is located in the main lobby were the pictures which are made from words. ( Pictures that look like drawings but with the use of magnifying glass can be seen they are made from words only) Hard to explain, must see to believe. Recommend this attraction to everyone. Well worth the 2hr and 40 min drive from home.

10. Snow Trails

3100 Possum Run Rd, Mansfield, OH 44903-7524 +1 419-774-9818
Excellent
70%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 59 reviews

Snow Trails

Reviewed By Christina C - Nashville, Tennessee

Spent a fun 2 hours speeding down snow tube trails as Snow Trails. It’s just a short one hour drive from downtown columbus. You can reserve tickets in advance. The set up is actually quite efficient and more fun than I expected speeding down the slope. You pick up your tube and there is a conveyor belt that guides you to the top of the hill. The conveyor belt would be tough for young kids as even I felt at a loss for balance at times given there is nothing on which to hold. The tickets are for 2 hour increments which is honestly more than enough time. There’s a small warming hut with light snacks at the bottom of the hill. The Hill has actually quite robust bumps making for quite an exhilarating ride. Worth the visit.

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