The city of Chillicothe, Ohio, is a treasure! With its charming small-town atmosphere, historical sites, and excellent dining options, the city draws tourists of all stripes. We have compiled a list of the Best Things To Do in Chillicothe, Ohio, to assist fellow travellers in making travel plans!
Why Go to Ohio’s Chillicothe?
To be quite honest, I was dubious when Kris suggested that we travel to Chillicothe, Ohio. I never heard anyone mention Columbus as a travel destination when I was growing up.
However, he then brought up the fact that one of our favourite Ohio craft brewers had recently opened a site in Chillicothe’s historic First Capital District. My curiosity was aroused. I was captivated by the abundance of things to do in Chillicothe after doing some research.
We are quite happy that we chose to spend two days in Chillicothe! We’ve highlighted the best places to see in Chillicothe to assist other travellers in making trip plans. Chillicothe is a great place for a weekend break.
FAQs for Chillicothe, OH
Prior to discussing things to do in Chillicothe, Ohio, let’s address some common inquiries concerning the area.
Chillicothe is where?
In Ross County, Chillicothe is situated roughly 50 miles south of Columbus, Ohio. Paint Creek borders the city from the south and the Scioto River from the east. Driving to Chillicothe is a simple process. We discuss how to go to Chillicothe from surrounding large cities at the conclusion of the article.
How Do You Pronounce Chillicothe?
Pronouncing Chillicothe correctly is one of the first things you should know before visiting the city. It can be a little challenging if you are not from the area and are unfamiliar with the name.
The Shawnee tribe’s native word, Chalahgawtha, which means Principal Village (and was used to designate where the tribal chief lived), is spelt Chillicothe in English.
These two pronunciation aids for Chillicothe may be useful: Listen here, or say chil-akoth-E, chiluh-kaa-thee.
What Is Meant by Chillicothe?
Principal Town is what Chillicothe signifies. The Shawnee Tribe’s Native American name, Chillicothe, means “the settlement and home of the principal leader.”
What Interesting Trivia About Chillicothe?
- Around 200 BC, the Hopewell People, an ancient culture, lived in the area.
- The Ohio Constitutional Convention, which sought statehood, was held in Chillicothe.
- Ohio’s first and third capitals were both located in Chillicothe.
- The city has received the title of Tree City USA.
Is There Free Entertainment in Chillicothe?
Indeed! There are a number of free activities available in Chillicothe, Ohio. Our selection of activities includes a number of low-cost and free activities.
Is There Entertainment for Children in Chillicothe?
Naturally, of course! Chillicothe offers a lot of family-friendly events. There are lots of attractions that kids and the whole family may enjoy, even though our list isn’t particularly focused on family-friendly activities.
Days in Chillicothe: How Many?
Your interests and rate of sightseeing will determine how many days you spend in Chillicothe. You can see a lot of Chillicothe’s attractions in a single day. Having saying that, we advise spending at least one night in Chillicothe to really experience the area and take in all that it has to offer.
Is There Free Entertainment in Chillicothe?
Indeed! There are a number of free activities available in Chillicothe, Ohio. Our selection of activities includes a number of low-cost and free activities.
Is There Entertainment for Children in Chillicothe?
Naturally, of course! Chillicothe offers a lot of family-friendly events. There are lots of attractions that kids and the whole family may enjoy, even though our list isn’t particularly focused on family-friendly activities.
Days in Chillicothe: How Many?
Your interests and rate of sightseeing will determine how many days you spend in Chillicothe. You can see a lot of Chillicothe’s attractions in a single day. Having saying that, we advise spending at least one night in Chillicothe to really experience the area and take in all that it has to offer.
Is There Free Entertainment in Chillicothe?
Indeed! There are a number of free activities available in Chillicothe, Ohio. Our selection of activities includes a number of low-cost and free activities.
Is There Entertainment for Children in Chillicothe?
Naturally, of course! Chillicothe offers a lot of family-friendly events. There are lots of attractions that kids and the whole family may enjoy, even though our list isn’t particularly focused on family-friendly activities.
Days in Chillicothe: How Many?
Your interests and rate of sightseeing will determine how many days you spend in Chillicothe. You can see a lot of Chillicothe’s attractions in a single day. Having saying that, we advise spending at least one night in Chillicothe to really experience the area and take in all that it has to offer.
Is There Free Entertainment in Chillicothe?
Indeed! There are a number of free activities available in Chillicothe, Ohio. Our selection of activities includes a number of low-cost and free activities.
Is There Entertainment for Children in Chillicothe?
Naturally, of course! Chillicothe offers a lot of family-friendly events. There are lots of attractions that kids and the whole family may enjoy, even though our list isn’t particularly focused on family-friendly activities.
Days in Chillicothe: How Many?
Your interests and rate of sightseeing will determine how many days you spend in Chillicothe. You can see a lot of Chillicothe’s attractions in a single day. Having saying that, we advise spending at least one night in Chillicothe to really experience the area and take in all that it has to offer.
Top Activities in Chillicothe, Ohio
After discussing the fundamentals of travelling to Chillicothe, let’s get started on the must-do activities! The best sights are on our extensive list, which also includes a map of Chillicothe and useful travel information.
#1 Explore Chillicothe, Ohio’s Indian Mounds
One of the best things to do in Chillicothe is to explore the earthworks of the prehistoric Native American Hopewell Culture.
The Hopewell Culture utilized the area in the Chillicothe region for ceremonial meetings long before the City of Chillicothe was founded. Massive mounds were built for burial, and numerous artifacts have been found inside of them.
The Mound City Group is included in the Hopewell Culture National Historical Park and is the best-preserved earthwork complex. Furthermore, Hopewell received UNESCO recognition as a World Heritage Site in September 2023.
#2 Take a Tour of the Gardens and Adena Mansion
One of the Greatest Things to Do in Chillicothe, Ohio, is to explore the Adena Mansion and Gardens Historic Site. Built as a home for his family in the early 1800s, the property was owned by former US Senator and sixth governor of Ohio, Thomas Worthington.
The historically significant location has undergone exquisite restoration, and the house still features many of its original furniture. Five original buildings and formal gardens are part of the grounds that can be explored by paying a fee to tour the home.
Top Tip: Visitors can see the scenery that served as inspiration for the Great Seal of the State of Ohio from an overlook.
#3 Visit the First Capital District and Historic Chillicothe
Mulberry, Walnut, Water, and Fourth Streets encircle Chillicothe’s historic core, which is known as the First Capital District. The urban district has undergone a revitalization process that has preserved architectural gems and given the older structures fresh lease on life.
The magnificent Ross County Courthouse, with its elaborate columned exterior and towering clocktower, stands at the heart of the neighbourhood. It stands where the first Ohio Statehouse once stood and was finished in 1858.
Top Tip: The Chillicothe Gazette building is a good place to go if you want to see what the original Ohio Statehouse looked like. It was constructed in 1940 as a clone of Ohio’s original statehouse.
#4 Take a Self-Guided Tour of Chillicothe, Ohio’s Downtown
Among the enjoyable ChillicoTaking a self-guided walking tour of the historic district is a recommended activity. The most important structures in the city, exquisite cathedrals, and mansions with distinctive architectural styles are among the highlights.
Brochures with outlines can be used by visitors to view the historic buildings on Paint Street, the sites in the First Capital District, or the attractions on Old Second Street. throughout addition, there are guides to Chillicothe’s historic residences, churches, and cemeteries throughout Ross County.
Pro Tip: Before you travel to Chillicothe, download and print maps and tourist information. You may also review the city’s history on the website of the municipal council.
#5 Look for the Best Murals in Chillicothe
In Chillicothe, Ohio, looking for street art murals is another enjoyable activity. The Mail Pouch, Chillicothe Telephone, and Canal murals are the three murals located in the First Capital District.
Sometime in the late 1800s, the Mail Pouch mural was painted on the exterior of the old Machinery Hall building located on Second Street. It wasn’t made public until the structure next door was demolished.
On Main Street, visitors can view the Chillicothe Telephone art mural, a 2006 piece painted by Eric Henn. The Ohio Erie Canal passed through the city in the 1830s, and Jeff Speakman painted the Canal mural in 2003. It is located at the intersection of Mulberry and Second Streets.
Pro Tip: Bainbridge and Frankfort are two additional adjacent villages where visitors might see murals.
#6 Visit the Pump House Centre for the Arts and Consider Art
Even while we adore street art, there are other art galleries throughout the city. Housed in the historic brick Water Pumping Station, the Pump House Centre for the Arts is a tiny art gallery that is a landmark in Chillicothe.
There is a diverse collection of artwork by regional artists in the recently refurbished pump station gallery. There’s always something fresh because the artwork on display is always changing! In addition to the numerous artworks on show, there is a gift shop next door that offers a wide selection of handcrafted items and souvenirs made in the area.
Pro Tip: The Pump House Centre for the Arts is one of the best free things to do in Chillicothe, Ohio, and entrance is free!
#7 Unwind in Yoctangee Park
Yoctangee Park is the city’s green haven and a great place to take a stroll and unwind. There are walking trails, a pond, a skate park, a kids’ playground, and sports grounds in the park. One of the entertaining and family-friendly activities in Chillicothe is visiting the park.
Chillicothe, Ohio hosts a number of yearly celebrations on its park grounds, including the Feast of the Flowering Moon Native American Festival in the spring and the Farmer’s Fall Festival in the fall.
Pro Tip: The city’s World War II veterans are honoured in a special Veterans Memorial Park located within Yoctangee Park.
#8 Take in the Shopping in Chillicothe
In Chillicothe, Ohio, one of the top tourist attractions is shopping. The city centre is filled with shops that sell a wide range of distinctive things, such as gifts and household goods.
Chillicothe, Ohio is home to a number of antique businesses; two well-liked options are the American Vintage Warehouse and Antique Emporium.
A locally owned book store called Wheatberry Books is a good place for visitors interested in bookstores in Chillicothe, Ohio. In addition to having an amazing selection of books, The History Store also has an abundance of military miniatures!
Pro Tip: Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop is a must-visit if you’re feeling nostalgic! The quirky, retro candy store offers beverages, hard-to-find candies, and novelty products.
#9 Trekking at Appalachia Highlands Nature Sanctuary’s The Arc
The Highlands Nature Sanctuary, which is located adjacent to Hocking Hills and has some of the greatest hiking trails in the area, is a great option for adventurous visitors seeking for things to do in the area near Chillicothe, Ohio.
The Arc of Appalachia oversees the Rocky Fork Gorge, which is the focal point of the Sanctuary. The area is home to numerous nature paths that lead through dense forests to grottos, caverns, and rock formations. Some of the caves in the area, which was once known as The 7 Caves, are still open for exploration.
Pro Tip: The Appalachian Forest Museum and Office is a good place to start. You may acquire information and maps here; the staff is quite friendly!
#10 Trekking through Great Seal State Park
Hiking in Great Seal State Park is another of Chillicothe’s top outdoor activities. The park is well-known for its difficult paths that provide breathtaking views of the Scioto Valley. In addition, there are picnic shelters, a Storybook Trail, and a Disc Golf Course.
The park is covered in twenty-three miles of trails, seventeen of which are open to mountain bikers and equestrian riders. Even though the paths are often shorter, they are difficult due to the high inclines, so if you decide to hike, be sure to pack lots of water and appropriate footwear.
Pro Tip: Searching for even more amazing parks? For outdoor enthusiasts, one of the things to do around Chillicothe, Ohio, is to visit Tar Hollow State Forest. Another state park close to Chillicothe is Scioto Trail State Park, which has breathtaking views and a densely forested landscape.
#11 Board the Railroad Museum of Chillicothe
One of Chillicothe’s main attractions is the pair of red cabooses that are situated along Water Street, bordering Yoctngee Park. The two red train cabooses are home to a modest museum. The history of the Baltimore & Ohio (B&O) railway is covered in detail in the museum.
Pro Tip: The museum was closed when we visited, and its hours are restricted. Nevertheless, seeing the vintage railroad cabooses up close was still enjoyable!
#12 Attend a Performance at the Majestic Theatre
One of the greatest locations to see a live performance or movie nowadays is the storied Majestic Theatre in Chillicothe, which is the oldest theatre in the country to be in continuous operation!
The Majestic Theatre stage has hosted a wide range of performances since it opened in 1853, including opera artists, country music stars, and regional comedians. Bloody Alley received its nickname from the theater’s short usage as a mortuary during the Spanish Flu epidemic of 1918.
Expert Advice: ChillicoAnother location with live theatrical performances is the Civic Theatre.’
#13 Get to know Lucy Hayes.
The city was the birthplace of Lucy Hayes, the 19th US President Rutherford B. Hayes’s wife, in 1831.and her childhood home has been kept intact as a centre of interest in Chillicothe.
At the house, which is now known as the Lucy Hayes Heritage Centre, guided tours are available for visitors to learn about the life of Lucy Webb Hayes. The centre also holds activities all year round. Visit the Facebook page to learn more.
Pro Tip: On summer weekends, guided excursions are available for a nominal price.
#14 Observe Tecumseh! Drama Outside
Seeing the Tecumseh drama at Sugarloaf Mountain’s outdoor theatre is one of the top things to do in Chillicothe, Ohio during the evening. The concerts are held at Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheatre in the summer.
The drama narrates the tale of Tecumseh, a renowned leader of the Shawnee tribe who devoted his life to protecting his native territory. The show is instructive as well as enjoyable.
Pro Tip: Since tickets sell out frequently, purchase them in advance!
#15 Visit Chillicothe and Go Kayaking and Canoeing
One of the nicest things to do in Chillicothe, Ohio is to float down Paint Creek in a canoe or kayak!
For a pleasant day on the water, Waters Edge Canoe Livery arranges drop-offs along the creek and rents out kayaks and canoes for various length outings. It’s quite easy to paddle down picturesque Paint Creek, and there’s plenty of time to unwind and take in the tranquil surroundings.
Pro Tip: Plan ahead and reserve your trip!
Directions to Chillicothe
The best way to get to Chillicothe is by vehicle, and it has good transport to other large neighbouring cities.
There are two airports close to Chillicothe, Ohio for out-of-state visitors flying: Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK) and John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH). Despite being closer to Chillicothe, Rickenbacker receives significantly fewer airline service.
For tips on obtaining the greatest deals, read our Flight Tips before purchasing airline tickets. We also offer our Best Car Rental Advice.
Directions to Ohio’s Chillicothe
Major Ohio cities can easily travel to Chillicothe. For every route, we display the driving distance and times.
Chillicothe, Ohio and Columbus, Ohio are well connected by Route 23. It takes around one hour to travel the roughly 50 miles from Columbus to Chillicothe. MAP.
Cincinnati to Chillicothe: I-71 and SR 35 provide the most direct route between Cincinnati, Ohio, and Chillicothe. Driving the journey, which is roughly 105 miles long, takes about 1.5 hours. MAP.
Cleveland to Chillicothe: I-71 and 23 are the finest routes from Cleveland to Chillicothe. Travelling the approximate 190-mile route in a car will take roughly three hours. MAP.
Hotels in Ohio’s Chillicothe
There are several lodging alternatives in Chillicothe for visitors who plan to spend more than a day. To make it easier for you to explore the city on foot, we advise staying close to the historic quarter.
We advise you to use Booking.com for your search and our advice on How to Book the Best Hotels!
Suites with Aqua Doors
If a traveller wishes to rent a whole house, they should check Aqua Door Suites’ availability. In a historic home, the two-bedroom residence has been tastefully remodelled with contemporary amenities.
Airbnb and Bed & Breakfast
There are additional housing alternatives, including boutique B&Bs like the Atwood House and Airbnb rentals, in the historic centre for visitors. The Blue Brick Inn was a beautiful place where we stayed!
Ohio’s Chillicothe Campgrounds
Near Chillicothe, there are privately owned campgrounds as well as state parks with campgrounds, Tar Hollow State Park and Great Seal State Park. It is necessary to make reservations for camping spots in state parks online.
There are cottages, RV sites, and tent sites at the Walnut Creek Campground. Additionally, Kick Back Ridge, which is close to Sugarloaf Mountain and the Tecumseh play, offers cabins for rent near Chillicothe, Ohio.
Essentials for Your Journey to Chillicothe
Here are a few last packing suggestions for your vacation to Chillicothe, Ohio! On our Packing Page, we offer further packing tips and tricks.
Sneakers for Walking
You should wear appropriate walking shoes whether you intend to explore the historic district or one of the neighbouring paths. For easy hikes and city walks, I prefer to wear lightweight trainers. Kris has a preference for Merrell Trail Gloves. Choose the ideal pair of shoes for your vacation by reading our reviews of the top footwear for travel!
Journey Camera
You will be taking pictures as you go because Chillicothe has so much to see and do! For our travels, we bring a DSLR Canon Rebel with an 18–135mm lens. The low-cost travel camera is user-friendly, has an abundance of attachments, and produces high-quality images.
Chillicothe map
An Ohio Atlas is a need if you enjoy road excursions in Ohio! Points of interest are highlighted in the comprehensive atlas, along with some of the lesser-known (and frequently unmarked) routes needed to get there. When the time comes to go exploring, it’s fantastic to have it in the car!
