History of Wagnalls Memorial Library

Established in 1925, Wagnalls Memorial Library was the brainchild of Mabel Wagnalls Jones, the daughter of Adam Wagnalls, co-founder of the Funk & Wagnalls Publishing Company. In honor of her parents, she envisioned a grand library that would provide a vast repository of literature and resources to enrich the lives of the local community. Today, the library remains a symbol of her vision and philanthropic efforts.

A Glimpse Inside

Upon entering Wagnalls Memorial Library, you’ll be greeted by its impressive neoclassical architecture, featuring majestic columns and a stately façade. The library’s interior boasts a blend of traditional and modern elements, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for visitors of all ages.

Interesting Things to See

The Reading Room: Step into the Reading Room, a tranquil space adorned with beautifully crafted bookshelves and cozy reading nooks. It’s the perfect spot to lose yourself in a favorite book or delve into new literary adventures.

Art and Cultural Events: Wagnalls Memorial Library regularly hosts art exhibitions, cultural events, and workshops, fostering a creative and vibrant environment that engages and connects the community.

The Wagnalls Gardens: Don’t miss the beautiful gardens that surround the library. Established in May 2016, the whimsical gardens feature small fairy houses, impressive stone birdhouses, and several areas for the kids to play.

Places to Check Out Nearby

After exploring Wagnalls Memorial Library, venture out to discover more of Lithopolis’s hidden gems and the surrounding area:

Lithopolis Honeyfest: If you’re lucky enough to visit in early September, the annual Lithopolis Honeyfest is a must-attend event. Celebrating all things honey, this festival offers live music, artisanal vendors, beekeeping demonstrations, and sweet treats galore.

Slate Run Living Historical Farm: Only a short drive away, this living history farm provides a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience rural life in the 1880s. Interact with costumed interpreters, explore historic buildings, and witness traditional farming practices.

Canal Winchester Historic District: Just a few miles from Lithopolis, this charming historic district boasts beautifully preserved buildings, quaint shops, and delightful eateries. Take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque streets and soak in the small-town charm. Don’t forget to stop by the amazing Covered Bridge on your way into town.

Preserving a Legacy

Wagnalls Memorial Library has not only evolved as a center for learning and community engagement but also as a custodian of the village’s heritage. Through generations of dedicated staff and volunteers, the library continues to uphold its original mission and remains a beloved resource for all.

With its rich history, captivating architecture, and diverse offerings, a visit to this iconic landmark is an enriching experience for all. So, whether you’re a bookworm, a history buff, or an explorer of the arts, make sure to include Wagnalls Memorial Library in your itinerary and immerse yourself in the treasures it holds.

Wagnalls Memorial Library is located at 150 E. Columbus St, Lithopolis, Ohio 43136. To start planning your visit, head over to wagnallslibrary.org.

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Inspired by the clean lines and natural harmony of Frank Lloyd Wright and Philip Johnson, this modern hideaway sits on 24 secluded acres in Hocking Hills with floor-to-ceiling windows that pull the landscape right into the living room.

The surrounding property is dotted with caves, rock formations, and seasonal waterfalls, so the view is constantly shifting with the weather and the light.

After a day exploring the region’s classic trails, the house gives you a quiet place to land. You can sink into the hot tub and watch steam rise into the trees or curl up by the fireplace while the forest gets dark outside the glass walls. The home is perched above a dramatic 50-foot cavern and the sound of water moving through the rocks on rainy days adds to the atmosphere. It feels remote in the best possible way.

The Ledge has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and sleeps six guests. Your hosts provide all sorts of goodies to help keep you entertained during your stay, including board games, kitchen supplies for baking or cooking together, Wifi, and more. You can see a fully itemized list of all of the cabin amenities right here.

If you plan to visit during the winter months, an all wheel drive vehicle is strongly recommended. The home sits back from the road, and the hills can get icy. When you are ready to plan your trip, you can head over to thelostcavern.com.

All photos via Facebook.

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From the storage container houses to houses built in caves, if you are looking for a non-cabin stay in the area, you have plenty of fabulous options. One of the most incredible spots is the Hocking Hills Geodomes.

Located at The Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls, the property is surrounded on three sides by Hocking Hills State Park. A visit to the geodomes is perfect for visitors who just want to relax and enjoy nature.

The domes are super cozy, but before we get into that, let’s just talk about the fantastic potential of staying in a dome that has floor-to-ceiling clear walls.

While laying in bed, you can look out over the property, and on a clear night, you can even see the stars!

The geodesic domes feature over 700 square feet of interior space and 14-foot tall ceilings at the highest point. The interior of the domes has a very contemporary yet comfortable vibe with exposed metal piping, butcher block shelving, custom tiling, and more.

Each accommodation has a king-size bed, a small dining table and chairs, a couch, a coffee table, retro kitchenettes, and custom bathrooms.

From the outside, the domes look so simple. They have a deck surrounding them that seems like a perfect place to enjoy a cup of coffee on a brisk morning.

The geodomes also feature indoor plumbing, HVAC, and electricity, so you can have all the comforts of home while you’re tucked away in nature. Due to the easily damaged nature of the structure, kids under 12 and pets are prohibited in the geodomes.

The benefit of the geodomes being located at The Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls is that you’ll be super close to all of the inn’s amenities. You could get a hot stone massage or a full body scrub, have a fine dining experience at Kindred Spirits Restaurant, or do a little shopping at the gift shop.

Of course, the property itself is located near some of Hocking Hills’ best attractions. Just because you’re out exploring the park all day doesn’t mean you have to skip out on good food. You can grab lunch to-go from the inn’s restaurant which will taste even better once you’ve hiked out to enjoy the natural beauty of the park.

The Inn & Spa At Cedar Falls is located at 21190 OH-374, Logan, OH 43138. If you’d like to learn more about booking your stay at the Hocking Hills Geodomes, please visit the Inn & Spa At Cedar Falls website.

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In 1856, a local man named Samuel Coe gave the Marietta and Cincinnati (M&C) Railroad permission to construct a new rail line across his property near the now Zaleski State Forest. The railroad line had obvious benefits for Coe, offering him an easy way to ship coal on his property, so he offered the land for free.

Around the railroad, a new community was born. Moonville was home to mostly miners and railroad workers and although it could never be described as a booming metropolis, it was a tight-knit community of about 100 people at its peak.

By the early 1900s, coal mines in the region started closing and the community began to dwindle. By the mid-1940s the last family living in Moonville abandoned the town. Now, the only tangible remnants of Moonville are the old schoolhouse’s foundation, a train tunnel, and the community cemetery.

But just because people don’t live in Moonville full-time doesn’t mean that it’s faded completely into obscurity. These days, the ghost town moniker is metaphorical to some but literal to others.

Every year, paranormal believers gather at the Moonville Tunnel to see if they can catch a glimpse of one of the many ghosts of railroad workers that were said to have been struck down by a train.

Even if you aren’t a believer in the supernatural, there are still plenty of reasons to visit the tunnel. The abandoned railroad line is being converted into walking and biking trails.

The Moonville Rail Trail is a 10-mile trail that takes visitors through the beautiful woodlands of Zaleski State Forest, as well as the Lake Hope State Park wetland areas.

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The trail passes through the 100-foot Moonville Tunnel, but it’s not the only tunnel you’ll see along the way. The King’s Hollow Tunnel is a 120-foot tunnel carved through rock and lined by wooden beams.

Finding Moonville Tunnel can be a little tricky, but ODNR provides these instructions to find it.

“From US-33, turn south onto OH-278 towards Lake Hope State Park. After passing Lake Hope, turn left on Wheelabout Road. Stay straight on this road. This becomes a gravel path and eventually crosses a one-lane bridge. Park near the old rail bed and cross Raccoon Creek to pick up the trail. Moonville Tunnel is about 100 yards from this point.”

Southeastern Ohio is notorious for spotty cell phone service, so it may be worth printing out your instructions before you head out. Here are a few other tips for visiting the tunnel.

• There are no bathrooms available near the tunnel, so make sure you find a place to relieve yourself before you head out. There are restrooms available at nearby Lake Hope State Park.
• The tunnel gets pretty dark, even in the daylight hours, so be sure to bring a flashlight.
• If you park in the lot nearby, the tunnel is accessible to wheelchairs.
• The Moonville Tunnel is located in a remote area. Be sure you come prepared for the great outdoors by bringing bug spray, appropriate footwear, water, snacks, and anything else you might want for a day out in the woods.

READ MORE: Zaleski State Forest Is An Underrated Gem. Here’s Your Guide To Hiking It

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This year has been a weird one weather-wise, but fall in Ohio deserves to be celebrated (even if it’s still in the 80s) and I know I’m not the only one ready to get out there and explore. The weather is usually decent, the leaves put on one heck of a colorful show, and it’s just a fantastic time in general to be an Ohioan.

I know you’re itching to start planning your next adventure, so let’s dive right into it. Here are 8 can’t-miss, beautiful fall destinations to visit around the Buckeye State this season.

Brandywine Falls at Cuyahoga Valley National Park

To be fair, there’s never a bad season to plan a visit to Brandywine Falls at Cuyahoga Valley National Park. But if you want to be completely wowed, visit during the autumn. Once the leaves start changing, the falls have an undeniably magical quality. I’m talking straight-up Rivendell vibes friends.

More info: Brandywine Falls at Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Hocking Hills State Park

I know you clicked this list fully anticipating Hocking Hills State Park making the cut, and you were correct. There is nowhere more beautiful when the leaves start to change than Hocking Hills, and I’ll stand by that statement until I die. Hike around, pack a picnic, and just immerse yourself in the raw beauty of the foothills of Appalachia.

More info: Hocking Hills State Park

Amish Country

If the pastoral scenes aren’t enough to encourage you to drive to Amish Country, then the delicious food and handcrafted gifts should be. From yummy backed goods to scenic drives, a visit to Amish Country is the definition of an escape. Leave your worries here in Columbus and enjoy the ride, my friends.

More info: Amish Country

Wayne National Forest

Gather up your hiking gear, it’s time for an adventure. Wayne National Forest covers over a quarter-million acres of Appalachian foothills and nearly all of them are breathtaking. Once the fall colors start to pop, you’ll be able to see all of the forest’s sites in their peak. Notable stops include the lookout towers, Mill Creek, Tinker’s Cave, and Irish Run Natural Bridge.

More info: Wayne National Forest

Buzzard’s Roost Nature Preserve

If a scenic overlook is right up your alley, head down to Chillicothe and visit Buzzard’s Roost Nature Preserve. The park offers two scenic overlooks, both of which have incredible views of the surrounding areas. There’s also a natural play area for the kids and plenty of beautiful hiking throughout.

More info: Buzzard’s Roost Nature Preserve

Mohican State Park

Thousands of wooded acres mean an amazing display of fall foliage at Mohican State Park. When visiting, you’ve got to stop by Clear Fork Gorge, Lyon’s Falls, and the Mohican State Scenic River. If you’d like to stay overnight, you can check out the camping accommodations through the Mohican State Park Campground.

More info: Mohican State Park

Loveland Castle

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Speaking of magical destinations, Loveland Castle is straight out of a fairytale. This remarkable property was built with stones from the nearby Little Miami River and it’s an exceptional place to visit on a crisp fall day.

More info: Loveland Castle

Hocking Hills Winery

We’re rounding off this list of beautiful places with the Hocking Hills Winery. Instead of hiking through the region, enjoy a delightful glass of wine and admire the beauty of the Hocking Hills from the comfort of the winery. You can order food locally or bring your own snacks to enjoy while sipping and taking in the scenery.

More info: Hocking Hills Winery

The post 8 Stunning Fall Destinations To Check Out Around Ohio appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

What better way to enjoy the season than to take an Instagram-worthy drive through some of the most beautiful countryside in the Buckeye state? In fact, there are tons of scenic roads and byways you can check out.

They offer different vibes, so figure out what you’re looking for, break out your sunglasses, and make the perfect road trip playlist. Here are the 8 best drives to take this fall.

Covered Bridge Scenic Byway

Length: 44 miles
Time: 4 hours
Best places to stop along the way: Stop by Campus Martius Museum, learn about all things steamboat at the Ohio River Museum, or just enjoy the scenery in Wayne National Forest. Obviously, this road trip takes you through some covered bridges, so the smaller the car, the better!

More info: Covered Bridge Scenic Byway

Gateway to Amish Country

Length: 30 miles
Time: 1 hour
Best places to stop along the way: Looking for a quiet afternoon? The Gateway to Amish Country is one of the most peaceful drives on this list. There are plenty of hiking trails along the route, including the Mohican Valley Trail. But the can’t miss item on this itenerary has to be the 370-foot covered bridge in Birkhaven, “The Bridge of Dreams”.

More info: Gateway to Amish Country

Lake Erie Coastal Highway

Length: 179 miles
Time: 3 hours
Best places to stop along the way: Love the country but also enjoy a nice urban road trip? This is definitely the byway for you. The Lake Erie Coastal Byway goes right along the shore of Lake Erie, through some stunning scenery, into Cleveland, and then back into nature. You can check out the leaves and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame all in one afternoon.

More info: Lake Erie Coastal Highway

Lower Valley Pike Scenic Byway

Length: 11 miles
Time: 20 minutes
Best places to stop along the way: This trip will be short and sweet. The Byway itself is just 11 miles long, but it’s full of beautiful views of Mad River. Stop for a picnic lunch at George Rogers Clark Park, the site of a Revolutionary War Battle.

More info: Lower Valley Pike Scenic Byway

Maumee Valley Scenic Byway

Length: 61 miles
Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Best places to stop along the way: If you’re taking the Maumee Valley Scenic Byway, you won’t want to miss Fallen Timbers Battlefield Memorial Park. This park has beautiful views of the Maumee River. Visitors should also make time to stop at the Defiance Public Library, one of the most beautiful buildings in Ohio.

More info: Maumee Valley Scenic Byway

Miami & Erie Canal Scenic Byway

Length: 58 miles
Time: 1-2 hours
Best places to stop along the way: Learn about Ohio’s first “highways” as you cruise along the Miami & Erie Canal Scenic Byway. Stop for a canal boat ride at the Johnston Farm & Indian Agency or take a hike around one of the many trails and state parks near the byway.

More info: Miami & Erie Canal Scenic Byway

Hocking Hills Scenic Byway

Length: 27 miles
Time: 45 minutes
Best places to stop along the way: This trip winds it’s way through the beautiful Hocking Hills. Hop out of the car at the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls for a relaxing afternoon, or hit the trails to Old Man’s Cave. If you want to extend your road trip, you should definitely consider booking a stay at the brand new Hocking Hills Lodge. It’s a totally stunner.

More info: Hocking Hills Scenic Byway

Old Mill Stream Scenic Byway

Length: 52 miles
Time: 2 hours
Best places to stop along the way: Want to admire some quality craftmanship? The Old Mill Stream Scenic Byway is a quaint drive through beautiful pastures and farmland, as well as through historic Findlay. Changing leaves on trees surrounding gorgeous farmhouses sounds pretty great, right?

More info: Old Mill Stream Scenic Byway

Wondering when to plan the perfect trip?

Here’s when the leaves will be at their most vibrant.

The post Windows Down, Leaves All Around: Ohio’s Top Scenic Fall Drives appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

If being tucked away in a cozy cedar-clad bungalow, surrounded by nature’s serene beauty in Hocking Hills sounds like your dream weekend, then I’ve got just the destination for you. The Cliffs has just unveiled three amazing 2-bedroom bungalows that are practically tailor-made for unforgettable getaways.

First things first, let’s talk about those cabin vibes! The kind that instantly make you feel at home, even though you’re miles away. Picture yourself gazing out of those big picture windows, soaking in the lush views of a mature forest. Oh, and did I mention the deck with a sunken hot tub? Yeah, that’s right! You can now relax in bubbly bliss while nature puts on a show around you.

Each bungalow is like a snug little retreat for you and your crew. There’s a king bedroom and a queen bedroom, so four of you can comfortably unwind after a day of exploring. Whether it’s a chill trip with pals, a cozy escape with your partner, or a small family adventure, these bungalows have you covered.

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Now, let’s talk about the real star of the show: Sandstone Falls. This isn’t your typical swimming pool. It’s a natural wonder, a dreamy pond nestled among the sandstone cliffs. Crystal clear filtered waters invite you to take a refreshing dip or just lie around in the sun on the large surrounding deck.

Just above Sandstone Falls is The Lookout. An 800 square foot common area where you can take a break from the sun, share stories, and even have a cozy meal with your bungalow buddies. It’s like your own little haven overlooking the falls.

Now, I know you’re itching to explore, and Hocking Hills won’t disappoint. The Cliffs is your gateway to adventure, from Cantwell Cliffs to Rock House, Conkle’s Hollow, Old Man’s Cave, and Ash Cave. And if you’re feeling extra adventurous, zip lining, mini golf, horseback riding, canoeing, and fishing are all within arm’s reach.

READ MORE: The Best Things To Do In Hocking Hills

So, my friends, whether you’re seeking a laid-back retreat or an action-packed adventure, The Cliffs Bungalows are ready to welcome you with open arms. Nature, luxury, and good times, it’s all right here, waiting for you. Grab your crew, pack your sense of wonder, and let’s make some unforgettable memories at The Cliffs!

For more info, or to book your stay, please click here. You should know that the bookings are filling up extremely fast, even through 2026, so don’t hesitate if you’re interested.

All images via The Cliffs.

The post These Bungalows In Hocking Hills Overlook A Stunning Sandstone Swimming Hole appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

After being laid off during the Great Depression in 1932, Harry “Ben” Hartman started filling his time with his passion for natural construction.  He turned his yard into a garden of rock structures, numerous plants, and statues of animals and people.

He spent years putting together the garden and after he passed away in 1944, the garden was maintained by his wife followed by a folk art preservation group over 50 years later.

The Hartman Garden is now owned by the Friends of the Hartman Garden group who launched a grand re-opening of the space in 2010.

Now, the garden is open every day to the public for self-guided tours through the quirky masterpiece.

Walking through the garden you can see historically themed rock structures, hand painted figurines and garden beds full of seasonal plants and blooming flowers.

Mary Hartman loved having visitors in the garden to see her husband’s work after his passing.

Please be respectful when visiting the garden by staying out of the flower beds and leaving all the rocks as you found them.

A stroll through the structures is completely free of charge.

It makes for the perfect family friendly day trip as an unusual historical site.

The Hartman Garden is in Springfield, Ohio, only 45 minutes from downtown Columbus.

The address is 1905 Russell Ave, Springfield, OH 45506.

The garden is a great place for school trips or group tours.

A 45 minute guided tour of the garden is $10 a person with a minimum of $100 per tour.

The garden remains a popular attraction during the colder months.

When the holidays come around, themed figurines and and seasonal flower beds appear throughout the garden.

The garden is full of completely unique structures all handmade during the Great Depression era.

Detailed rock creations of buildings such as castles, churches, and historic homes can be found in every corner.

It’s operated and maintained 100 percent by volunteers with the Friends of the Hartman Garden group.

Whether it’s giving tours or pulling weeds there are always ways to help out.  You can find them on Facebook or send them an email to find out about upcoming volunteer opportunities.

The post Take The Perfect Day Trip To Ohio’s 80-Year-Old Rock Garden appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

I remember visiting the Ye Olde Mill as a kid and being completely mesmerized. How could I not be? It was a giant old mill dedicated to making the most wonderful thing on earth. Ye Olde Mill is still just as majestic as when I was a kid.

Originally built in 1817, Ye Olde Mill is home to Velvet Ice Cream’s corporate offices, an ice cream museum, and an ice cream parlor restaurant. Tens of thousands of people visit the mill each year, which sits on 20 beautiful acres of rolling hills.

Velvet Ice Cream was founded by Joseph Dager in 1914.

Dager was an immigrant from Lebanon and he started making ice cream in the basement of a confectionary in Utica, offering three flavors: chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry.

The company produced 200 gallons of ice cream a month after just two years of business and the velvety texture of the product inspired the name. In 1960, Velvet Ice Cream moved into an old grist mill. Ye Olde Mill opened a turn of the century ice cream parlor in 1970 and it’s been beloved by local families ever since.

Ye Olde Mill offers an ice cream museum to explore, catch and release fishing ponds, nature trails, and more.

It’s a fantastic way to spend the day with the family Throughout the summer, Ye Olde Mill has a variety of fun events on weekends, including live music. You can keep an eye on their Facebook page for upcoming events.

Ye Olde Mill is located at 11324 Mount Vernon Road, Utica, OH 43080. They are open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. It’s about a 45 minute drive from Columbus, so plan accordingly. You can visit their website here for more information.

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Hocking Hills State Park

Yellow Springs

The Mohicans

Kelley’s Island

Hop on a ferry and discover the laid-back charm of Kelley’s Island. This Lake Erie gem is a paradise for nature lovers and history buffs alike. Explore the stunning Glacial Grooves, rent a bike to tour the island, or just relax on the sandy beaches. And don’t forget to sample the local wine – it’s island time, after all!

The Wilds

Lakeside Chautauqua

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Put-In-Bay

Cedar Point

Athens

Whether you’re looking for relaxation, adventure, or a bit of both, these spots have something for everyone. So pack your bags, grab your sunglasses, and get ready for an unforgettable Ohio summer. Happy travels!

The post Where To Soak Up Summer In The Buckeye State appeared first on Columbus Navigator.