Chillicothe, Ohio is a gem of a destination! With small-town appeal, historic attractions and great eateries, the city attracts all types of visitors. To help fellow travelers plan their trip, we have rounded up the absolute Best Things To Do in Chillicothe, Ohio!
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Why Visit Chillicothe, OH?
I have to be honest, when Kris first came up with the idea that we should visit Chillicothe, I was skeptical.
Growing up in Columbus, I couldn’t recall anyone ever talking about the city as a destination.
But then he mentioned that one of our favorite Ohio craft breweries had opened in the historic First Capital District in Chillicothe. My interested was piqued.
After a little research, we decided to spend 2 days in Chillicothe. It was a fantastic weekend getaway, and we are highlighting the top Chillicothe sights to help other travelers plan their time.
20 Fun Things To Do in Chillicothe, Ohio
Now let’s jump into the top things to do! Our comprehensive list includes the prime attractions – plus a Chillicothe map and pertinent travel info.
Save, Pin or Bookmark our Chillicothe Travel Guide to plan your trip to Ohio!
#1 Discover the Indian Mounds in Chillicothe
Discovering the earthworks of the ancient Native American Hopewell Culture is a top thing to do in Chillicothe.
Long before the City of Chillicothe was established, the land was used by the Hopewell Culture for ceremonial gatherings.
Giant mounds were constructed for burial purposes and many artifacts have been unearthed from within them.
The Mound City Group is the best-preserved earthwork complex and is designated as a part of the Hopewell Culture National Historical Park.
Additionally, in September 2023, Hopewell was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site!
#2 Explore the Adena Mansion and Gardens
Exploring the Adena Mansion and Gardens Historic Site is a must-do in Chillicothe.
Thomas Worthington – the 6th Ohio governor and former US Senator – built the home in the early 1800s as a residence for his family.
The historic site has been beautifully restored – and many original furnishings are displayed inside the home.
Visitors can tour the property (for a fee) and explore the grounds, which includes five original buildings and formal gardens.
Pro Tip: From an overlook, guests can view the landscape that provided inspiration for the Great Seal of the State of Ohio.
#3 See Historic Chillicothe and the First Capital District
The First Capital District in Chillicothe is the historic core that is bounded by Mulberry, Walnut, Water and Fourth Streets.
The urban district has been recently revitalized, retaining architectural gems, while simultaneously breathing new life into the old buildings.
At the center of the district is the grand Ross County Courthouse, which features an ornate columned facade and a rising clocktower. It was completed in 1858 and sits on the site of the first Ohio Statehouse.
Top Tip: Visitors who want to see what the original venue looked like can seek out the Chillicothe Gazette building. It was built in 1940 as a replica of the first statehouse in Ohio.
#4 Take a Self-Guided Walk of Chillicothe
One of the fun Chillicothe things to do is to grab a map and set off on a historic self-guided walking tour.
Highlights include the city’s most significant buildings, beautiful churches and architecturally unique houses.
Visitors can use outlined brochures to see the sights in the First Capital District, the attractions on Old Second Street or the historic buildings on Paint Street.
Furthermore, there are guides to the historic residential homes, churches in Chillicothe, as well as Ross County cemeteries.
#5 Seek Out the Best Chillicothe Murals
Seeking out street art murals is another fun thing to do in Chillicothe. The three in the First Capital District are the Mail Pouch mural, Chillicothe Telephone mural and the Canal mural.
The Mail Pouch on the side of the historic Machinery Hall building on Second Street was painted sometime in the late 1800s. It was only revealed after the building next door was torn down.
Visitors can find the Chillicothe Telephone art mural (a work by Eric Henn painted in 2006) on Main Street.
The Canal mural (painted by Jeff Speakman in 2003) is at the corner of Mulberry and Second Streets. It depicts what the city looked like in the 1830’s when the Ohio Erie Canal ran through the center of town.
#6 Contemplate Art at the Pump House Center for the Arts
While we love street art, it isn’t the only place to see creative works in the city. The Pump House Center for the Arts, is a small art gallery housed in the historic brick Water Pumping Station.
The renovated pump station gallery features a variety of artworks created by local artists. Showcased pieces change frequently, so there is always something new!
Many of the displayed works of art are also offered for sale – and the adjoining gift shop sells numerous locally crafted gifts and collectibles.
#7 Relax at Yoctangee Park
Yoctangee Park is the green oasis and an ideal spot for a stroll and relaxation. The space features sports fields, a skate park, a kids’ playground, walking paths and a pond.
Many of the annual events in Chillicothe – like the springtime Feast of the Flowering Moon Native American Festival and the autumn Farmer’s Fall Festival – are held on the park grounds.
#8 Visit the Ross County Heritage Center
The Ross County Heritage Center, which is managed by the Ross County Historical Society, is a small complex of museums in Chillicothe that display the rich heritage of the city and region.
For a small fee, visitors can learn about history of Ross County through various displays in the Heritage Center Museum.
Guests are also invited to visit the Knoles Log House, which dates to the 1820s and houses furnishings of the time.
At the Franklin House Museum, which was designed by famed Ohio architect Frank Packard, visitors can view significant architectural details and home furnishings from the late 19th century.
Pro Tip: The McKell Library is also part of the complex and boasts thousands of archival documents, books and photographs related to Ross County and Chillicothe history.
#9 Experience Chillicothe Shopping
Shopping in Chillicothe, Ohio is one of the main activities for tourists. Shops dot the city center and offer an abundance of unique products – including home goods and gifts.
Treasure hunters will find numerous antique stores in Chillicothe – the American Vintage Warehouse and Antique Emporium are two top picks.
Visitors interested in bookstores in Chillicothe should check out Wheatberry Books. The History Store also has an excellent collection of books plus they have heaps of military miniatures.
Pro Tip: For a dose of nostalgia, Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop is a must! The fun, old-fashioned candy shop sells novelty items and hard-to-find treats and sodas.
#10 Hike at The Arc of Appalachia Highlands Nature Sanctuary
Active travelers looking for things to do around Chillicothe, Ohio can hike the trails at the Highlands Nature Sanctuary. We believe they are the best hiking trails in the area, next to Hocking Hills!
Centered on the Rocky Fork Gorge and managed by the Arc of Appalachia, the sanctuary features a plethora of nature trails that wind through forested landscapes to grottos and caves. The region was formerly known as The 7 Caves – and some are still accessible.
Our favorite trek is the 1.2-mile looping Etawah Woods Trail that includes a spur to see the unique 3 Sisters rock formation.
Pro Tip: We recommend starting at the Appalachian Forest Museum and Office. Here you can pick up maps and get info from the helpful staff.
#11 Trek around Great Seal State Park
Great Seal State Park is noted for having challenging trails that offer incredible vistas of the Scioto Valley. There is also a Disc Golf Course, a Storybook Trail and picnic shelters.
Twenty-three miles of trails traverse the are, 17 of which can also be used by mountain bikers and horseback riders.
While the trails tend to be on the shorter side, the steep inclines make them strenuous. Make sure you are prepared with proper footwear and plenty of water if you plan to hike.
Top Tip: Looking for more of the great outdoors? Visiting Tar Hollow State Forest is one of the things to do near Chillicothe for nature enthusiasts. Scioto Trail State Park is another spot close to Chillicothe and features a heavily wooded forest and amazing viewpoints.
#12 Step Aboard the Chillicothe Railroad Museum
The two red cabooses that sit on the edge of Yoctngee Park along Water Street are a unique attraction in Chillicothe.
The museum details the history of the Baltimore & Ohio (B&O) railway. The venue has limited hours – and was not open during our visit. That said, it was still fun to get an up-close look at the historic train!
#13 See a Show at the Majestic Theater
The Majestic ranks as the oldest continuously operating theater in the United States – and is still one of the best places to catch a live show or movie today!
Dating to 1853, the Majestic Theatre stage has been graced by a slew of acts – from opera singers to country stars to local comedians.
During the 1918 Spanish Flu epidemic, the theater was used as a temporary morgue – which is when the back alley got the nickname, Bloody Alley. Tickets to upcoming shows are available on the official website.
Pro Tip: The Chillicothe Civic Theatre is another venue offering live theatrical performances.
#14 Learn about Lucy Hayes
Lucy Hayes – the wife of 19th US President Rutherford B Hayes – was born in the city in 1831. Her childhood home has been preserved as one of the Chillicothe points of interest.
Visitors can learn about the life of Lucy Webb Hayes at the property, now called the Lucy Hayes Heritage Center. There is a small fee for the guided tours, which are offered on summer weekends.
#15 Watch Tecumseh! Outdoor Drama
Watching the Tecumseh drama on the outdoor stage at Sugarloaf Mountain is a great activity in Chillicothe at night. The performances take place during the summer at Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheater.
The play tells the story of Tecumseh, a legendary Shawnee tribe leader who was dedicated to defending his homeland. Buy your tickets in advance – as they often sell out!
#16 Go Canoeing and Kayaking in Chillicothe
Floating down Paint Creek in a canoe or kayak is one of the best Chillicothe, OH things to do!
Waters Edge Canoe Livery rents both canoes and kayaks for varying length trips – plus organizes drop off up the creek.
Paddling down scenic Paint Creek is fairly easy, with plenty of time to relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
#17 Catch a Chillicothe Paints Baseball Game
The Paints Baseball Club is a collegiate summer team that is part of the Prospect League. Attending a game is one of the fun Chillicothe, Ohio things to do in the summertime!
Games are held at the VA Memorial Stadium on the north side of the city and single game tickets cost less than $10. Check the calendar for upcoming promotional events – like Thirsty Thursdays and Fireworks Nights.
#18 Eat at the Best Restaurants in Chillicothe, OH
When we decided to spend a couple of days in Chillicothe, we sought out the best food in the city using local recommendations and online reviews.
Old Canal Smoke House
Old Canal specializes in savory, smoked meats served in a welcoming and cozy environment. Every dish looked delicious, but we loved the classic smoked Angus beef brisket – and highly recommend the potato salad as a side!
Burger Bar at 50 West
The menu at 50 West Burger Bar is not complicated: It’s classic burgers, fries and shakes. What makes it exceptional is the ‘coast to coast’ toppings.
You can’t go wrong with a Classic Style burger, but it’s hard to resist the ‘Ohio’. It is piled high with Cincinnati chili, shredded cheese, house mustard and onion!
Carl’s Townhouse
A local favorite throwback diner, Carl’s Townhouse serves up classic American breakfasts and lunch platters. The Cheeseburger Baskets are the way to go – but leave room for dessert!
Crispie Creme Donut Shop
Crispie Creme (not to be confused with Krispy Kreme) is an old-school shop that makes delectable old-fashioned donuts at incredibly reasonable prices.
The store has been in business since 1929 and everything they make is tasty, but seriously, try the cake donut sticks!
Hometown Hibachi
Although we didn’t make it to Hometown Hibachi, it gets rave reviews as the best Asian food in Chillicothe. It was always crowded when we walked by and the portions looked huge.
#19 Drink Local at the Best Bars in Chillicothe
Craft beer is one of the reasons we ended up visiting Chillicothe. For the size of the city, the options are excellent! Within just a couple of blocks, there are four great spots in downtown Chillicothe to grab a drink.
50 West Brewing
We got our first taste of 50 West at a Restaurant in Covington, Kentucky – and the 50 West Brewery in Chillicothe didn’t disappoint!
Housed in an old bank building renovated into a bright and fun space, 50 West produces beer onsite and offers a impressive list of tasty brews.
Old Capitol Brewing
Locally owned Old Capitol Brewing opened in 2021. The dimly lit, industrial-slash-chic taproom is cozy, inviting and a fine place to sip fresh craft beer.
The Pour House at Machinery Hall
Although not a brewery, The Pour House gastropub has an extensive tap list of 30 beers – with an emphasis on brews from Ohio.
Steiner’s Speakeasy
Without a doubt, the absolute best place in Chillicothe for hand-crafted cocktails, Steiner’s Speakeasy is a bar that is dedicated to making excellent libations – and they have a great range of craft beers, too!
#20 Attend the Best Events in Chillicothe, OH
From festivals to fairs and markets to marathons, Chillicothe hosts an array of fun and exciting events for both visitors and locals.
Find out what events are coming up on the official calendar of the Chillicothe Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Map of Chillicothe, Ohio
Use this Google Map for an interactive version of our Chillicothe Map of Attractions below.
How To Get to Chillicothe
Chillicothe is best reached by car and is well-connected to major nearby cities. If you need to rent a car, read our Advice for Cheap Rentals.
Visitors from out of state who are traveling by plane will find two airports near Chillicothe, Ohio. Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK) and John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH).
While Rickenbacker is closer to Chillicothe, it is served by far fewer flights. Before you book plane tickets, be sure to read our Flight Tips for advice on getting the best fares.
Hotels in Chillicothe, OH
Those staying more than one day in Chillicothe have a few options for accommodations. We recommend staying close to the historic district so that you can easily explore on foot.
We recommend reading our tips for Booking the Best Hotels and using Booking.com for your search!
There’s unique options for lodging in the historic center – such as boutique B&Bs (like the Atwood House) and Airbnb. We stayed at the Blue Brick Inn and it was absolutely lovely!
Start planning your trip to Ohio! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want more travel advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
Top Destinations in and around Ohio
If you like our Chillicothe guide, then check out our articles to other nearby cities!
- Find out the Best Things To Do in Dublin, Ohio
- Use our tips to Spend a Weekend in Cleveland
- Get the details for a Trip to Cincinnati (plus nearby Covington and Newport, KY)
- Explore Mohican State Park, the Parks in Columbus and all around Hocking
- Read our guide for A Weekend in Indy or One Day in Yellow Springs, Ohio
- Discover the top attractions in Louisville, Kentucky (including great Louisville Craft Beer!)
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