If you follow my blog, you may know that I have an ongoing New Years life resolution to have a new adventure every month. Only requirement- see or experience something I never have before, could be far or near. The result is that sometimes I take just a quick jaunt in Ohio. A few weeks ago I decided to head to Urbana, Ohio. I had never been to Urbana, and had no idea what to expect. However, I can tell you now, Urbana was a very pleasant surprise. In fact, I’ve been back since my first visit, in order to show my nephews some of the sites. Clearly, I recommend a trip to check it out. Keep reading to find out all about visiting Urbana, Ohio- what to see and do.
About Urbana, Ohio
Urbana is the county seat of Champaign County, located about 41 mile west of Central Ohio. Founded in 1805 by William Ward it was named after the word urbanity, which (according to Mr. Ward) means refinement. Urbana University was established in 1850. The city grew in the late 1880s when three railroads connected Urbana to the major cities of Ohio. Today the population of Urbana is about 11,000.
Urbana and Nature
While visiting Urbana, Ohio there are plenty of things to see and do. A few of the great things to see and do involve the beautiful outdoors.
Cedar Bog Nature Preserve
Cedar Bog Nature Preserve encompasses 450 acres and was the first nature preserve in Ohio purchased with state money. It is also a national natural landmark= one of only 25 in the state of Ohio and is known for its high floristic diversity. Therefore, visiting throughout different parts of the year will allow you to view many different things. While I was visiting, there were many people walking with binoculars to view the beautiful flowers and birds. In fact, there are more than 40 endangered and rare plants and animals that are found at Cedar Bog. There is a Boardwalk Trail and a Prairie Trail, which are just over a mile long. Visitors must stay on the trail and boardwalk and no pets are allowed. There are often group tours and hikes offered, check online to find out dates.
Cedar Bog Nature Preserve is open Wednesday to Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for students age 6 to 17 and it is free with your Ohio History Connection Pass. (I have the pass and recommend it! It grants access to over 50 locations in Ohio). Pay your entrance in the nature center, which is where restrooms are located. In the nature center they also post information about what flora and fauna can be viewed during your visit. If you love Nature Preserves, consider checking out Lake Katharine State Nature Preserve, Buzzard Roost Nature Preserve, or Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve, just to name a few of the wonderful ones we have in Ohio.
Simon Kenton Bike Trail
The Simon Kenton Bike Trail is a 35 mile long paved (and sometimes unpaved) path for bike riding, walking, and running. The path starts in Bellefontaine (where it’s at its highest point) and goes through West Liberty, Urbana, and Springfield. If you want a shorter portion, consider the 18 mile paved trail which extends the Little Miami Trail corridor north from downtown Springfield to Urbana. Still too long? The Urbana portion of the trail is just 2 miles long, with part of it going right by the Cedar Bog Nature Preserve.
Ohio Caverns
While visiting Urbana and wondering what to see and do consider traveling about 18 minutes north to see the Ohio Caverns. The Ohio Caverns are often referred to as America’s most colorful caverns. Additionally, they are the largest caverns in the state with about 1 mile of passages. The caverns range from 30 to 103 feet underground and there are two different tours that guest can choose from. Or opt take a combined tour. The caverns are always 54° and are open all-weather, all-year. The tours are guided and last just under an hour.
We opted to go on the Natural Wonder tour. Visitors enter the cavern through a single entrance. The tour talks all about the discovery of the cavern in 1920. It also talks about the myriad formations that are underground, including stalactites, stalagmites, shoe string formations and more.
The Historic Tour covers the caverns that were viewed from 1897 through 1925. Visitors take a shuttle bus to the original entrance.
When you visit, there are lots of other things besides exploring the caverns,. There’s a playground, picnic shelters, gift shop and a rock shop. We enjoyed an area where you can take a purchased bag of sand and mine for gems.
The cavern is open from 9-5 from May through September and 10-4 October through April. The cost is $24 for adults or $12 for children 4 through 12. A combined tour is $36 for adults and $18 for children. There’s also a handicap accessible tour called the Limestone Tour. Find out more information online. You can also purchase tickets on the website, though tours are first time, first serve including with the advance purchase.
Urbana and History
When visiting Urbana, Ohio and wondering what do see and do, there are lots of historical sites that should top your list!
Champaign Aviation Museum
The Champaign Aviation Museum is a museum dedicated to restoring and maintaining aircraft from World War Two, specializing in B-17s. The museum also has exhibits with the stories and artifacts from veterans who live(d) in the area. Visitors can tour the museum, looking at the artifacts and see the restoration process of planes, which is going on during opening hours, all for free! They have fully restored planes which you can see and tour also. While I was visiting I was able to talk with a veteran named Art Kemp who visits every Saturday, sitting in the atrium with his “home for over 30 flights” as he referred to the rear gun turret. He even let me sit in it!
When I visited a few weeks after my initial visit with my nephews a volunteer took them around and gave them lots of information about the planes. They were also allowed to sit in some of the planes. There were also veterans there giving information about their experiences in the military. The Champaign Aviation Museum is a non-profit organization that is sustained solely by donations- meaning it is free to visit, but you may want to donate to their cause of restoration, preservation and education. The museum is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10-4. There are lots of other aviation history stops in Ohio (we are the birthplace of aviation after all)- including the Armstrong Air & Space Museum in Wapakoneta and the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio.
Champaign County Historical Museum
Champaign County Historical Society Museum is run by the county historical society, who have been keeping the history of the county alive since 1934. The museum, which is free to visit, has historical artifacts and documents. Even though I’m not a resident of the county, it was fun to walk through and catch a glimpse of history. I especially liked the small jail, post office desk and vehicles manufactured in the county. The museum is open from 10-4 Tuesday through Friday, and 10-2 on Saturday.
The historical society is also in charge of the historical markers in town. There are many, including sites involved with the War of 1812 and the Underground Railroad. And if you’re into history, you may want to stroll down Scioto Street and view the beautiful houses. There is a self-guided historical tour (with printable pamphlet about the houses found here).
Freedom Grove
Worth a quick stop while visiting Urbana is Freedom Grove. Here you can pay respect to the fallen soldiers who were citizens of the city of Urbana at the memorial markers.
Also in Freedom Grove- a steel beam recovered from one of the World Trade Center towers that fell on September 11, 2001. Nearby is a plaque to remember a flight attendant, Alicia Nicole Titus, who was on United Flight 175, the second airplane that crashed into the towers. They are both very poignant and honorable memorials.
Johnny Appleseed Education center and Museum
The Johnny Appleseed Educational Center and Museum has the world’s largest collection of memorabilia of John “Appleseed” Chapman. Here you can learn all about the life of this man, born in 1774, who introduced apple trees to large parts of Ohio and other neighboring states. The museum is open from Tuesday through Friday from 10 to 4 and is free to visit!
Unique to Urbana
It wouldn’t be a complete list about what to see and do while visiting Urbana, Ohio without some unique and quirky sites. Here we go…
World’s Largest Loaf of Bread
Would you believe that the world’s largest loaf of bread is located in Urbana Ohio? Well it is! The giant replica statue of a loaf of bread is made of fiberglass and steel and sits outside The American Pan Factory. Signs say do not trespass, but there is visitor parking, and on Saturday when I visited no one was around. I was able to go right up to the loaf and pose for an obligatory picture.
Freshwater Farms
Freshwater Farms is Ohio’s largest indoor fish hatchery. Free to visit, visitors can stop at the Sturgeon petting zoo, see endangered fish species, feed trout and koi by hand, or even buy some fish to enjoy at home (as pets or food). My nephews and I enjoyed buying food to feed the fish and holding the salamander.
Freshwater Farms (the market and the fish petting/viewing) are open Monday through Saturday 10-6. They also host the Ohio Fish and Shrimp Festival in September.
Champaign Berry Farm
Depending on when you visit Urbana, you may be able to stop by the Champaign Berry Farm. This is a you-pick berry farm that first opened in 1995. In June you can come to pick red raspberries. Later in the season come back for black raspberries, or maybe even gooseberries. Check the website before coming to see if they are open and hours (usually open to 6pm when there are berries ready for picking).
Eating, drinking & shopping in Urbana
No list of what to see and do in Urbana, Ohio would be complete without some suggestions about where to eat, drink and shop.
Monument Square District
Monument Square District is the downtown heart of Urbana. It has antique shops, specialty stores, plant stores, boutiques and more. There is plenty of free parking and is very pedestrian friendly. Check out the list of stores here. I spent about two hours wandering into the stores, found some great items and had a great time.
Dining
There are loads of dining options in Urbana Ohio. You may want to eat at Airport Cafe, located at the Grimes Municipal Airport. Grimes Manufacturing Co. invented the red, green and white navigation lights found on wing tips and tails in 1930s. At the cafe you can dine while watching planes take off and land.
The Monument Square district also has 7 restaurants, an ice cream shop, coffee shop, cake shop, wine bar, tea shop and more. I stopped by Urbana Brewing Company, which had about a dozen beers to choose from. They also have a food menu featuring pizzas, and a lovely rooftop patio. Closed Monday and Tuesday, it opens at 11 Wednesday through Sunday, closing at 10 on Wednesday and Thursday, 11 on Friday and Saturday and 8 on Sunday.
Dragonfly Vineyard
Dragonfly Vineyard is a 4-acre vineyard just outside of town. Stop and sample some wine, which are offered in flights, by the glass, the bottle or even in the form of slushies. They have 25 wines to choose from, ranging from dry red to sweet fruity wines. Dragonfly Vineyard is open on Thursday from 5pm-9pm and Friday and Saturday noon to 9pm. They also offer sandwiches and sweet treats to enjoy while you sip your wine in the large dining room or outside on the patio.
I hope you enjoyed my blog about visiting Urbana, Ohio with suggestions on what to see and do. I had a great time visiting and really recommend it. If you are looking for more suggestions on small towns to visit in Ohio, may I suggest Marion and the presidential Harding House, Mansfield or Springsfield. I am always looking for suggestions so I welcome your comments and suggestions. Stay tuned to more road trip ideas. Catch you soon!
-Catching Katie
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