Welcome to JetSetting Fools, here you will find our best travel tips for destinations worldwide. Some of the links on this site are Affiliate Links and if you use them to make a purchase, we may earn a commission. For more information, read our Disclosure Policy.
Yellow Springs, Ohio is a fun place to visit for day trips and weekend adventures. The hippie town boasts an array of entertaining activities that appeal to a range of visitors. Top Yellow Springs attractions are hiking, biking, shopping, dining and imbibing. We have compiled a list of the best things to do in Yellow Springs, Ohio so that you can easily plan your visit!
18 Best Things To Do in Yellow Springs, Ohio
Let’s get straight to our Things To Do: Yellow Springs list! We feature the top sights and attractions to help you best plan your day trip or weekend itinerary. Additionally, we include a useful Yellow Springs Map at the end of the article.
Save, Pin or Bookmark this Yellow Springs Travel Guide to plan your trip to Ohio.
#1 Lace Up Your Shoes for Yellow Springs Hiking
Without a doubt, one of the top things to do in Yellow Springs is hiking – so be sure to bring a pair of shoes to hit the trails! There are two parks to go hiking in Yellow Springs: Glen Helen and Clifton Gorge. These hiking trails range in difficulty level, but there are several easy hikes.
Hiking Glen Helen
Glen Helen Nature Preserve boasts more than 20 miles of incredible trails. The Glen Helen Yellow Springs, Ohio hiking trails are the easiest to access from downtown – yet trekkers are quickly immersed in nature.
The Inman Trail at Glen Helen is one of the best hiking trails in Yellow Springs, Ohio. The 1.2-mile loop is an easy to moderate hike that features The Cascades waterfall and the famous namesake Yellow Spring.
Glen Helen is a private, non-profit park. There is a $10 fee for parking, which helps support the park. Find more information and hiking trail maps on the park website.
Clifton Gorge, Ohio Hiking
Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve provides one of the best opportunities for hiking Yellow Springs, Ohio. The park is registered as a National Natural Landmark.
The route follows the Little Miami River and the gorgeous gorge it flows through. It easy to see why the Clifton Gorge hiking trails in Yellow Springs are an ideal way to view the unique geological canyons.
With three miles of intertwining tracks, visitors can plan a route that suits their fitness level. We opted to take the Rim Trail to the Footbridge and then returned on the lower Gorge Trail. Avid hikers can extend their trek into the adjoining John Bryan State Park.
There is no fee to park at Clifton Gorge, although the lot is rather small and tends to fill up quickly on weekends. Find more information on the Nature Preserve Website.
Pro Tip: Another place to go hiking near Yellow Springs, Ohio is the Indian Mound Reserve, just outside of Cedarville. There is a network of trails (8 miles in total) that lead through spectacular nature, waterfalls and Native American earthworks. If you stay around Cedarville for lunch, Beans-n-Cream is a good choice!
#2 Take a Stroll in Downtown Yellow Springs
On a walk around the town center, you can really feel the distinct vibe that the area is so well known for. Many of the best shops and restaurants (both of which we talk about in more detail later) are situated in the Yellow Springs downtown district.
The main thoroughfare, Xenia Avenue (Route 68), is a great place to start your exploration. That said, don’t miss Walnut Street and Dayton Street – which are two more fantastic places to see in Yellow Springs.
Pro Tip: Visitors who are interested in learning more about the historic buildings can take this free Self-Guided Walking Tour.
#3 Peruse the Goods at Yellow Springs Shops
What makes Yellow Springs, Ohio shopping so much fun is the diverse and eclectic spots. There is a dazzling array of unique Yellow Springs stores where visitors can shop for handmade products, local goods and memorable souvenirs and gifts.
That said, you should definitely put House of Ravenwood on your Yellow Springs shopping list! The metaphysical gift shop – which is one of the most intriguing stores in Yellow Springs, Ohio – sells healing crystals, aromatic incense and heaps of items for witchery and black magic.
Pro Tip: Other must-visit shops in Yellow Springs are the Dark Star Books Comics Store, Yellow Springs Pottery Shop, Toxic Beauty Records Store, and the Yellow Springs Toy Company. Also check out Village Artisans Co-Op, which features works and gifts made by local artists.
#4 Drink Local at Yellow Springs Brewery
The Yellow Springs Brewery was established in 2013 and produces an exceptional line up of tasty brews (try the Boat Show IPA). The taproom features an industrial-yet-inviting atmosphere – plus they have an outdoor patio for warm summer days.
A second location – the Yellow Springs Brewery Barrel Room – is situated on the south end of town and serves as their mixed fermentation production facility. They welcome visitors on the weekends for pints of fresh brew.
Pro Tip: Trail Town is another brewery in Yellow Springs, Ohio where thirsty visitors can drink local. As a bonus, the space is shared with Miguel’s Tacos, a favorite local Mexican restaurant known for their Al Pastor.
#5 Taste Cheese at Young’s Jersey Dairy Farm
The history of Young’s Jersey Dairy dates to 1869 – and it’s only gotten bigger and better since then! This Yellow Springs farm specializes in dairy – like their rich-and-creamy handmade ice cream and absolutely divine cheese curds.
The fresh dairy products are what enticed us to visit, but there is more to do at Young’s. Guests can dine at The Dairy Store restaurant for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The family fun center – inclusive of a miniature golf, batting cages and slides – is one of the top kid friendly things to do in Yellow Springs, Ohio!
Additionally, Young’s Dairy Farm hosts some of the best events in Yellow Springs. We love the autumn festival where you can take wagon rides and pick your own pumpkins. Check their calendar for upcoming events.
Pro Tip: Young’s is a working dairy farm – and visitors are invited to interact with the animals. Feed the goats, pet the pigs and watch the farmers milk the cows!
#6 Buy Fresh Produce at Peifer Orchards
Peifer Orchards is the perfect place to pick up fresh homegrown produce. The Yellow Springs farmers market, which is open from June until December, sells in-season fruits and vegetables – alongside jams, Ohio maple syrup and locally baked goods.
One of the best things to do in Yellow Springs, OH is to Pick Your Own Apples at Peifer Orchards. Offered only on autumn weekends, picking apples is fun for families, friends and couples.
Pro Tip: The fresh pressed apple cider at Peifer Orchards is phenomenal – but it sells out quickly, so grab some if it’s available!
#7 Relax at Yellow Springs Station Park
The Yellow Springs Station stands in the heart of the town at the intersection of Xenia Avenue and Dayton Street. The replica depot was reconstructed using elements from the original 1800s station that stood nearby. Today it houses the local Chamber of Commerce and free public restrooms.
The lawn surrounding the area serves as a public green space, sometimes called the Hilda M Rahn Park. The area has a few tree-shaded tables that are an ideal spot for a mid-day picnic.
Pro Tip: Current Cuisine deli on Xenia Avenue serves outstanding, made-to-order sandwiches!
#8 Stand in the Yellow Springs Sunflower Field
The Tecumseh Sunflower Field is one of the best things to see in Yellow Springs – and it is absolutely free for visitors.
The field sits on several acres of land on Whitehall Farm, which is situated on Route 68 across from Peifer Orchards. Visitors are free to walk through the sunflower fields, take photos and enjoy the stunning beauty.
Keep in mind that the land is part of a working farm and a family lives on the property – so be respectful. The sunflowers bloom in Ohio in late summer or early autumn – and they only stay in bloom for about two weeks.
Pro Tip: Find up-to-date information about the field and when the flowers will bloom on their Facebook Page.
#9 Pick Your Own Flowers at Village Flower Farm
With an aim to bring happiness into the world, Village Flower Farm offers visitors a unique opportunity to stroll through fields and pick their own bouquets. It’s one of the romantic things to do in Yellow Springs, Ohio – but it can also be a fun activity for friends and families.
Pro Tip: Check the farm website for opening hours and tips on what to expect.
#10 Pedal along the Yellow Springs Bike Trail
The Little Miami Scenic Trail is a 78-mile multi-use paved path that runs right through town. Cycling, rollerblading, and walking on the trail is one of the best things to do outside in Yellow Springs. If you don’t have your own bike, Village Cyclery is a good place to get a Yellow Springs bike rental.
Pro Tip: Find specific details and maps on the official trail website.
#11 Visit Antioch College
Antioch College has a fascinating history and beautiful campus of historic red brick buildings. Established in 1850, the university opened as a politically liberal institution that was led by education reformer Horace Mann.
Historically, the college was one of the first to take a stance on gender and racial equality in higher education. Today, it’s a private liberal arts college with an enrollment of about 100 students.
Pro Tip: Antioch College has a handful of famous grads – including Nobel Prize winner Mario Capecchi and civil rights activist Coretta Scott King.
#12 Sip and Swirl at a Yellow Springs Winery
Spending an afternoon tasting locally-made wine is one of the fun things to do in Yellow Springs, Ohio!
Tuck-n-Red’s Spirits & Wines is a relatively new distillery in Yellow Springs that makes interesting wines and moonshine. Their simple, down-to-earth approach makes visitors feel welcome.
Brandeberry Winery, located in nearby Enon, makes small batch wines. Specializing in fruit wines, the blackberry is said to be the best. The casual winery has plenty of outdoor space, where they host live music and encourage people to come and hang out.
Pro Tip: Emporium Wines and Underdog Café is a favorite community gathering space that sells local wine and hosts tasting events.
#13 Cross the Hyde Road Covered Bridge
If you are looking for cool, free things to do in Yellow Springs, Ohio, go check out the Richard Eastman Covered Bridge on Hyde Road. The one-lane red bridge crosses the Little Miami Scenic Trail.
Although it looks historic, the classic-looking covered bridge is actually new. The bridge was built in 2014 to honor Richard Eastman, a man who served as the Greene County Engineer and worked for many years to save the covered bridges in the area.
Pro Tip: Take the stairs next to the bridge down to the bike path for a better view!
#14 Watch a Film at the Little Art Theatre
Looking for things to do in Yellow Springs this weekend? Go to the movies! The Little Art Theater is a small community venue that plays a unique line up. This includes cinematic shows and documentaries – plus they offer fun events relating to the films. While at the movies, guests can eat buttered popcorn and drink cocktails, wine and beer.
Pro Tip: If the Little Art Theatre is on your Yellow Springs To Do list, make sure to check the movie times online before your trip!
#15 Relax in a Field of Lavender
One of the cool attractions near Yellow Springs is the Sunset Ridge Lavender Farm. Located just 4 miles west of Young’s Jersey Dairy, the farm welcomes visitors into their lavender fields. Guests can gather you-pick-it lavender bunches, pose for fun photos in the field and relax on the porch with a cool glass of Lavender Lemonade.
Yellow Springs visitors can also join one of the yoga classes at the farm! Find all the details on their website.
Pro Tip: The lavender fields are one of the free Yellow Springs things to do – but visitors are only allowed during opening hours and there is a small fee to pick lavender.
#16 See a Historic Mill (and Yellow Springs Christmas Lights)
The historic Clifton Mill dates to the year 1802 – and the water-powered grist mill is still in operation. The mill is powered by the Little Miami River and for a small fee visitors can tour the inner workings (call in advance). Guests can also walk across a covered bridge and visit the throw-back 1940s Gas Station Museum.
In the wintertime they add another attraction: A legendary light display. The Clifton Mill Christmas lights in Yellow Springs, Ohio have earned numerous honors – including USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Travel Award!
The mill is decorated with more than 4 million lights – plus there is a miniature village, a Santa Clause Museum and a toy collection. The famous Yellow Springs, Ohio Christmas lights are on display from the end of November through December 30.
Pro Tip: One of the best things to do year-round is to sit down for a meal at Clifton Mill. The charming restaurant serves country-style breakfast and lunch – but be sure to save room for pie!
#17 Eat at Yellow Springs Restaurants
We have already mentioned a few of the top spots, but there are so many places to eat in Yellow Springs that we wanted to highlight a few other popular picks.
The Winds Cafe
The Winds Yellow Springs is an atmospheric spot featuring a seasonal menu and local artwork.
Sunrise Cafe
One of the best restaurants in Yellow Springs, OH for organic food and vegan options, Sunrise Cafe specializes in ‘From Scratch’ cooking and is dedicated to ‘Keeping it Local’.
Peach’s Grill
A local eatery serving up burgers and classic American fare alongside beers and specialty cocktails, Peach’s features an old-school bar, live music and a big outdoor space.
Ye Olde Trail Tavern
A historic gem, Ye Olde Trail is the oldest tavern in Ohio dating to 1827…and it is said to be haunted by ghosts. The tavern features a big selection of beers and serves German-inspired pub fare.
Ha Ha Pizza
A long-time local favorite for pizza in Yellow Springs, Ha Ha has been in business since 1975. Their specialty is pizza on a whole wheat crust (which gets rave reviews!).
#18 Partake in Yellow Springs, Ohio Events
Throughout the year the community hosts festivals and fairs that are fun for all!
YS Firehouse
Owned by comedian Dave Chappelle, YS Firehouse is located in the former Miami Township Fire Station in downtown Yellow Springs. The comedy club host a variety of events.
Yellow Springs Street Fair
This free community gathering includes more than 250 vendors and numerous local shops. The twice-a-year, one-day event – which is held the second Saturday of June and October – is highlighted by music, beer and fun!
Art on the Lawn Festival
The annual Yellow Springs Art Festival that takes place in August. Featuring works from more than 100 artists, the Yellow Springs Art Fair is free and also includes local food and live music.
Historic Yellow Springs Art Show
A springtime Ohio festival, this event features displays from 200 artists. Additional activities include an Opening Gala, Happy Hour and the Art Around the Village outdoor event.
Tips for Visiting Yellow Springs, OH
Now that you know what to do in Yellow Springs, we have some advice to help you plan your trip.
Day Trip to Yellow Springs
Yellow Spring is a great day trip destination in Ohio. The only problem is, with so much going on, you will likely want to stay longer!
Pro Tip: Get and stay organized for your vacation to Ohio by using our Travel Planning Printables!
How To Get to Yellow Springs
Yellow Springs is located in the vicinity of several major highways, so it is fairly easy to get to by car. Below we share the approximate time it takes to drive between Yellow Springs and nearby cities.
Yellow Springs-Dayton, Ohio: The Dayton-Yellow Springs route is about 18 miles and takes approximately 30 minutes.
Cincinnati-Yellow Springs: The distance between Cincinnati and Yellow Springs is about 70 miles and the drive takes roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Columbus-Yellow Springs: From Columbus, the drive to Yellow Springs is a straight shot across I-70. The distance is about 55 miles, which takes 1 hour to drive.
Yellow Springs-Cleveland: The city of Cleveland is 195 miles from Yellow Springs and driving between the cities takes about 3 hours.
Best Places To Stay in Yellow Springs
Since there are so many things to do in Yellow Springs, you could easily spend a long weekend visiting the area. As a rather small town, there are limited options, but there are vacation rentals to nearby camping sites.
Mills Park Hotel
Mills Park, which opened in 2016, is situated in the heart of downtown and ranks as the most popular hotel in town. This property was modeled after a 19th century home even has a fitness center and a lounge. Check availability!
Jailhouse Suites
One of the unique places to stay in Yellow Springs, Jailhouse Inn and Suites occupy the town’s historic jail that dates to 1878. The inn features spacious, clean rooms with kitchenettes. Check rates!
Grinnell Mill Bed and Breakfast
Another creative place for lodging in Yellow Springs, the Grinnell Mill B&B offers a few rooms in a restored historic mill. A continental breakfast is provided – and the space is clean and comfortable. See if rooms are available!
Clifton Garden Cabin
We were surprised that there weren’t more options for cabins in Yellow Springs. However, if you don’t mind staying nearby, check at the Clifton Garden Cabin. The remodeled barn is situated about 3 miles from town and the quaint accommodations get rave reviews from fellow travelers!
Yellow Springs, Ohio Camping
The best place for camping is at John Bryan State Park. The area features 60 campsites, but only 10 with electricity. Find out more on the Ohio Camping Reservation Website.
What To Pack for Your Yellow Springs, OH Trip
We have a few final tips about what to bring along. You can find a complete packing list and other hacks on our Travel Packing page.
Comfortable Shoes
Whether you are hiking or shopping, you will want to do it in appropriate shoes! I like these casual sneakers, which are fantastic for exploring towns and hitting the trails. Kris prefers to wear Merrell Shoes for day trips. Use our tips and read reviews for the Best Shoes for Travel to find yourself a pair!
Travel Camera
Capture the beauty of the area with a real camera. For our adventures, we use a Canon Rebel with a 18-135mm lens. It takes wonderful photos and is a great budget DSLR camera for travelers!
Day Pack
With a proper day bag, you can carry everything you need – like a water bottle, car keys and camera – all in one place. We like these small backpacks – but have used Sling Bags and even hip packs in the past. Read our reviews to help you find the Best Day Bag for your trip!
Weather-Appropriate Gear
It’s always a good idea for a day trip or weekend away to be prepared for the weather. Bring sunscreen in the summertime, a lightweight jacket in the autumn and an umbrella if it’s calling for rain!
Map of Yellow Springs, Ohio
Use this Google Map for an online, interactive version of our Yellow Springs, Ohio Map below.
Start planning your trip to the USA! 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 tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
More Top USA Destinations
Our home country has an astounding number of locations to visit. Have a look at our Top US Weekend Getaways and our favorite Underrated US Travel Spots!
Travel in Ohio
Growing up in Dublin, Ohio, I have tons of tips for what to see and do in the Buckeye State! We share top tips on What To Do in Columbus, Where To Go in Cincinnati and Things To See in Cleveland or even Chillicothe.
Looking for more nature in Ohio? Read about all the Best Things To Do in Hocking Hills, including my Favorite Hocking Hikes!
More of the Midwest
There are so many fabulous Midwestern destinations! Check out our guides for A Weekend in Chicago or Indy, Things To Do in Pittsburgh, Top Activities in Covington, KY (including amazing Covington Food!) and What To See in Louisville (and where to drink great Louisville Craft Beer!).
US West and South
For us, heading out West is all about road trips! Find our top advice for Driving the Oregon Coast, an Epic California PCH Road Trip (including Malibu) and our guide to the Ultimate Montana Road Trip!
Also check out our city guides for San Diego, Denver, Austin and San Francisco. Been there? Done that? Okay, how about Bend, Portland, Phoenix or Seattle?
Looking for some Southern Hospitality? Gotcha! Check out our itineraries for Nashville, New Orleans and Savannah!
Pin it! See all of our travel pins on our JetSetting Fools Pinterest Board.
