Featured Northcentral Ohio Highlights

Popcorn Festival (MARION County) Marion's Annual Popcorn Festival is one of the largest three-day festivals in Ohio. It attracts a half million people each September to the city's Town Center. A three-hour parade with more than 250 floats and bands kicks off the festival's activities. Other attractions include arts, crafts, food, and entertainment by such nationally recognized stars as the Pointer Sisters, Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine, REO Speedwagon, Smokey Robinson, and Michael McDonald. Rides, games, concessions and displays line the downtown city streets. FOR MORE than a quarter-century, the sounds and pageantry of the U.S. Open Junior Drum and Bugle Corps competition has been a popular Marion drawing card. Corps from throughout the United States and Canada come to compete vying for cash prizes and an all-important national championship trophy.

Auto Sports (MARION County) Experience the thrill and excitement of thundering championship quarter mile drag racing at Marion County International Raceway. Featured annual events include the 7-Up Pro Am Nationals and the Sunoco IHRA World Bracket Finals.

Killdeer and Big Island Wildlife Areas (MARION County) These two facilities comprise many thousands of acres of wetlands and prairie areas. Bird watchers use both areas to locate sometimes rare birds and prairie owls. Migrations of water fowl and birds take place yearly. Hunting and fishing are also among the major interests of those visiting here. The Killdeer Wildlife Area is on the northwestern edge of Marion County and west of Harpster. The Big Island Wildlife Area is west of Marion five miles. The northern border runs off of State Route 95. A large ponded area is just west of Elgin High School on the LaRue Green Camp Road.

Harding Memorial (MARION County) The Harding Presidential Memorial was dedicated in 1931 by President Herbert Hoover. The memorial is the tomb for the remains of President and Mrs. Warren G. Harding. Built of Georgian marble, the Harding Memorial was partially funded by the school children of the United States. Providing a small amount of shade at various times of the year is a lone Japanese maple tree which was planted near the tombs. Viewing of the Memorial is from dawn to dusk throughout the year.

Harding Home & Museum (MARION County) Just before the marriage of Florence Kling and Warren G. Harding, the couple had this beautiful home erected in the year of 1891. The Hardings occupied this house up until the time they left for Washington and the inaugural of Warren G. Harding as the 29th President of the United States. The home has had one major architectural change since it was built. Since the original porch floor could not withstand the pressure of thousands of guests, Warren copied a porch design from down the street with a mosaic floor. Never again would the famous front porch collapse under the weight of visitors. Al Jolson appeared on the porch alongside Mr. Harding to sing campaign songs for the thousands gathered on the lawn. Inside the home is President Harding's White House china along with the original furnishings of the home. Behind the home is the original press corps building used during the Presidential campaign. This structure contains Harding memorabilia.

Grand Central Grill (MARION County) By 1900, the interurban fever had struck the people of Ohio. Capitalists in all the larger cities were building electric railways just about everywhere. Marion at one time could boast of having one of the finest interurban passenger systems operating. Several cars a day would leave this interurban station downtown and make runs to Prospect, Richwood, Delaware and Columbus. Today, the railway cars are all gone, however this unique piece of Marion's history, has been restored and is the current site of the The Grand Central Grill. This theme restaurant is known locally as 'Where to go whe you're hungry for fun' and features Freight House Dining. It has a banquet room that seats up to 250 people and welcomes individuals or groups. Open seven days a week, drop in for a visit at 320 West Center Street, downtown. For more information call 614-387-8124.

Mysterious Revolving Ball (MARION County) In 1896 the Merchant family of Marion erected what they thought would be a beautiful and fitting grave monument for their plot in the Marion Cemetery. Within two years after its erection, someone noticed that the 5200 pound polished granite ball atop the Merchant pedestal had begun to rotate. The only unpolished spot on the ball was now visible indicating the ball was on the move. The Merchant family being concerned about this, brought the erection crew back to the site to re-set the ball. It was not long before the ball again began its now continuous movement. There have been many speculations, but there is no scientific explanation for this to happen. In 1929 it was featured in 'Ripley's Believe It or Not' famous newspaper cartoons and the monument soon gained international recognition. Come take a look and perhaps you will discover the solution to 'Marion's Unsolved Mystery'.

Old German Reformed Log Church (MARION County) Church Built in 1868 by German imigrants, this newly restored log building served as the church where in the olden days folks walked through the woods, rode horse back or in wagons to hear a circuit riding preacher at the German Reformed Meetings. It is completely furnished with the old pews and an altar along with a display case for souvenirs. Rental is available for meetings, weddings, or other special occassions by donations. Feel free to walk the grounds outside, look in the windows, or call (614-528-2245) for an appointment to tour inside. The structure is located at 4234 Green Camp Essex Road (St. Rt. 739) West of Green Camp.

Featured Northcentral Ohio Businesses
BED AND BREAKFASTS
	HOLIDAY HOUSE VICTORIAN BED & BREAKFAST - (MORROW County)  Mt. Gilead - Restored 1895 Victorian located in a small village. Center of state, County seat. Attractions: Mid-Ohio Raceway, State Park, Amish Country, Golf, Fishing, Skiing, Auctions....
	INDIAN BEAR LODGE - (KNOX County)  Walhonding - Poised on a hill overlooking 100 acres of nature, Indian Bear Lodge offers 6 private suites and private cabin rentals in the woods. All suites in the lodge come with private bath and lounging area. A...
	THE BLACKFORK INN - (ASHLAND County)  Loudonville - Luxurious accommodations in 1865 Victorian, two blocks from shops and restaurants. Two parlors, library, porch, and gardens for lounging. Superior breakfasts, with just-picked red raspberries and Amis...
	ANGELWOODS HIDEAWAY - (RICHLAND County)  Lucas - Get away...walk in the woods, sun on the deck, indulge in a massage, soak in a hot tub, take a nap, read by the fire, watch a movie, talk with guests and enjoy a sumptuous breakfast and dinner. Come,...
	RED FOX COUNTRY INN - (KNOX County)  Danville - Bed & Breakfast loacated on 15 rolling acres in scenic central Ohio. Originally built in the 1830s to house travelers on the Danville-Amity wagon road. The Inn offers a quite unique relaxing vacation ...
	THE ROSE OF SHERRON BED & BREAKFAST - (CRAWFORD County)  Galion - Antique-filled Victorian, private baths, cable TV, A/C, continental breakfast. Close to shopping, fine restaurants, historic attractions, skiing & Mid-Ohio Raceway. Award-winning!...
CAMPGROUNDS
	AUBURN LAKE PARK - (CRAWFORD County)  New Washington
	BACK 40 CAMPGROUND - (MORROW County)  Rushsylvania
	ARROWPOINT CAMPGROUND & CANOEING - (ASHLAND County)  Loudonville - Scenic river edge sites with water and electric hookups, pavilion for large groups, canoeing available from campground, store, playground, firewood, ice, and dump station. Daily, weekly, or season. W...
	MOHICAN RESERVATION CAMPGROUNDS & CANOEING - (ASHLAND County)  Loudonville - Our 38th season. Offers Ohio￿s most scenic, rustic river front sites. Electric, water, primitives, showers, laundry, live entertainment, fishing, canoeing, tent, cabins, & tipi rentals available. Home...
	BLUE LAGOON CAMPGROUND - (RICHLAND County)  Butler - Open 5/1 to 10/15, 44 sites, 1-sleep cabin, motor homes to tents. Family camping on the trout stocked Clear Fork River. Next to 18-mile paved Richland B&O Bike Trail....
	BUTLER-MOHICAN KOA KAMPGROUND - (RICHLAND County)  Butler - New owners ￿ large swimming pool, spring-fed fishing lake, electric/water/sewer hookups, clean & modern restrooms with hot showers, laundry, store, game room, planned activities & good old-fashioned F...
	CAMP TOODIK FAMILY CAMPING, CABINS, AND CANOEING - (ASHLAND County)  Loudonville - Mohican Area's cleanest Family Campground. Shaded river edge and main area campsites. Big Rigs & tenters welcome. Heated pool and daily activities. Rentals: 2 Bdrm Deluxe Cabins & Cottage with gas...
	RIVER RUN FAMILY CAMPGROUND - (ASHLAND County)  Loudonville - Large, beautiful riverfront sites. Electric/water, dump station, rec hall, store, snack bar, hot showers, flush toilets, pavilion, club area, swimming, canoe discounts. Canoe with us! Open May 1 -...
	MOHICAN VALLEY CAMPGROUND & CANOE LIVERY - (ASHLAND County)  Loudonville - First Campground, Canoe Livery north of Mohican State Park. We have our own On-Premises Canoe Livery, offering 6, 12, and 18 mile Canoe and Kayak trips on the Beautiful Mohican River. Family Oriente...
	HICKORY LAKES CAMPGROUND - (ASHLAND County)  Ashland - Family campground under new ownership featuring: 30/50 Amp pull-thrus, 3 fishing lakes, sanded swimming lake, hot showers, flush toilets, rental cabins, camp store. Family reunions, church picnics & ...
	RAINBOW SPRINGS CAMPGROUND - (ASHLAND County)  Loudonville - Catering to families and groups who are looking for a spacious, peaceful setting with nature's beauty all around. 100 scenic acres provide ample space for the largest RV's and primitive sites for ten...
	LAKE WAPUSUN CAMPGROUND - (WAYNE County)  Shreve - 8 miles N. of Loudonville on St Rt 3, left on Snoddy Rd. Daily to seasonal camping. Showers, flush toilets, dumpstation, playgrounds, horseshoes, tennis & basketball courts, row and paddle boat rent...
COTTAGES AND CABINS
	KANDELIGHT KABINS - (ASHLAND County)  Loudonville - We provide fully equipped cabins with outdoor hot tubs, privacy and seclusion. Three cabins to choose from. Luxury cabin with jacuzzi and gas fireplace. 2 bedroom / 2 bath Cedar Cottage with woodburni...
	CEDAR CREEK CABINS - (ASHLAND County)  Loudonville - Real log cabins to choose from, fishing ponds, scenic setting w/river access. Cabins are air-conditioned, have electric, water spigot, fire ring, picnic table and covered porches. Over 50 acres to enj...
	INDIAN BEAR LODGE - (KNOX County)  Walhonding - Poised on a hill overlooking 100 acres of nature, Indian Bear Lodge offers 6 private suites and private cabin rentals in the woods. All suites in the lodge come with private bath and lounging area. A...
	GRANNY'S CABIN - (ASHLAND County)  Loudonville - "Where memories are made as the world passes by." Granny's Cabin is a log house situated on one private acre. You can warm yourself by the stone fireplace or cool your feet in the creek. Sit on the po...
INNS AND MOTELS
	MOHICAN STATE PARK RESORT & CONFERENCE CENTER - (ASHLAND County)  Perrysville - Year ￿round resort for business or pleasure. Bromfield￿s-casual dining restaurant and cocktail lounge overlooking a lake. Sunday brunch buffet. Fred Harvey Trading Company featuring StarbucksTM Coffee...
	LITTLE BROWN INN - (ASHLAND County)  Loudonville - Scenic, countryside view, at-door parking, air conditioned, cable TV, telephones. Within walking distance of canoe liveries, waterslides, horseback riding, and restaurants. Close to Mohican State Pa...
	LANDOLL'S MOHICAN CASTLE - (ASHLAND County)  Loudonville - Ohio's new luxury resort. Reserve one of the Castle's royally appointed suites for the ultimate getaway. The 1,100 acre estate features 30 miles of trails, pool, fitness center, and Legends at the Cas...
	SURREY INN - (ASHLAND County)  Ashland - Newly remodeled. 27 Air conditioned rooms, Complimentary continental breakfast. 1 block from Ashland University. ...
	BAYMONT INN & SUITES - (RICHLAND County)  Mansfield - NEW HOTEL... Upscale luxury budget hotel, free local phone calls, cable TV, Pay-per-View movies and games, Greenhouse pool & spa, free lobby breakfast, In-room coffee makers. Close to Snow Trails, Cl...
	AMERIHOST INN - MANSFIELD - (RICHLAND County)  Mansfield - Indoor pool, Whirlpool, Deluxe Continental Breakfast Bar, Seasonal Packages, Some rooms with micro-fridge, Jacuzzi Suites available, irons & ironing boards, hairdryers, in-room coffee service, in-room...
	HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS HOTEL & SUITES - (ASHLAND County)  Ashland - 89 rooms & suites, Complimentary Express Start￿ Breakfast Bar, heated indoor pool w/ whirlpool, high-speed internet, exercise & game rooms. 3000+ sq ft of meeting/banquet space, 24-hour business cent...
	COMFORT INN & SUITES BELLVILLE - (RICHLAND County)  Bellville - 100 deluxe guest rooms and king jaccuzi suites. Free breakfast. Tropical atrium with indoor swimming pool and spa. Cable TV, free HBO. Suites with large private whirlpool baths. Championship Golf...
AMUSEMENT
	MOHICAN HILLS WATERSLIDE & RIDING STABLES - (ASHLAND County)  Loudonville - Riding stable offers year 'round guided trail rides through beautiful scenic forest. Come ride early and see the most wildlife. Waterslide features, Four flume fiberglass waterslides. Also availabl...
	MOHICAN ADVENTURES CANOE LIVERY & FUN CENTER - (ASHLAND County)  Loudonville - Ohio's first & finest canoe livery, offering trips from 2 hours to 2 days on the popular Mohican River. Leasing canoes, kayaks, rafts and tubes to accommodate everyone's floating adventure. Discover ...
	CLEAR FORK SKI AREA - (RICHLAND County)  Butler - 9 slopes, 1 quad chair lift, 1 triple chair lift, 1 double chair lift. Beginners area/ 1 J-bar lift, 2 handle bar lifts. Snow making, night skiing, cafeteria, lounges. ...
CANOEING
	LOUDONVILLE CANOE LIVERY - (ASHLAND County)  Loudonville - The livery with a choice located on the Mohican River offers canoeing, kayaking, and tubing. Trips range from 1/2 hour to several days. We specialize in group, company and family outings. Ask about...
	MOHICAN RESERVATION CAMPGROUNDS & CANOEING - (ASHLAND County)  Loudonville - Our 38th season. Offers Ohio￿s most scenic, rustic river front sites. Electric, water, primitives, showers, laundry, live entertainment, fishing, canoeing, tent, cabins, & tipi rentals available. Home...
	MOHICAN ADVENTURES CANOE LIVERY & FUN CENTER - (ASHLAND County)  Loudonville - Ohio's first & finest canoe livery, offering trips from 2 hours to 2 days on the popular Mohican River. Leasing canoes, kayaks, rafts and tubes to accommodate everyone's floating adventure. Discover ...
	MOHICAN VALLEY CAMPGROUND & CANOE LIVERY - (ASHLAND County)  Loudonville - First Campground, Canoe Livery north of Mohican State Park. We have our own On-Premises Canoe Livery, offering 6, 12, and 18 mile Canoe and Kayak trips on the Beautiful Mohican River. Family Oriente...
FAMILY OUTTING
	PRAIRIE PEDDLER FESTIVALS - (RICHLAND County)  Butler - Located at "Prairietown" on State Route 97 between Butler and Loudnville. Prairie Peddler Old West Festival - Oct. 1-2 & Oct. 8-9, 2005. 180 tradtional craftsmen in an outdoor setting. Old West the...
FISHING
	CHARLES MILL LAKE PARK - (ASHLAND County)  Ashland - Lakeshore camping on 1,350 acre lake with 511 sites, electric hookups, modern rest rooms, hot showers, picnic areas, playgrounds. Daily activities to public all year, full operation Memorial Day-Labo...
	LAKE WAPUSUN CAMPGROUND - (WAYNE County)  Shreve - 8 miles N. of Loudonville on St Rt 3, left on Snoddy Rd. Daily to seasonal camping. Showers, flush toilets, dumpstation, playgrounds, horseshoes, tennis & basketball courts, row and paddle boat rent...
HORSEBACK RIDING
	MOHICAN HILLS WATERSLIDE & RIDING STABLES - (ASHLAND County)  Loudonville - Riding stable offers year 'round guided trail rides through beautiful scenic forest. Come ride early and see the most wildlife. Waterslide features, Four flume fiberglass waterslides. Also availabl...
	BIT 'N BRIDLE STABLE - (ASHLAND County)  Perrysville - Finest horseback riding east of the Mississippi. Open April thru November, public guided horseback riding through the scenic Mohican and Memorial Forest. Visa-MasterCard accepted....
HISTORICAL
	JOHNNY APPLESEED HERITAGE CENTER, INC. - (ASHLAND County)  Ashland - America's newest outdoor drama open June 18 - Aug. 27. The magificent new 1,600 seat amphitheatre sits in the heart of the "Johnny Appleseed National Forest" adjoining the Charles Mill Lake 2 miles so...
OUTDOOR DRAMA
	JOHNNY APPLESEED HERITAGE CENTER, INC. - (ASHLAND County)  Ashland - America's newest outdoor drama open June 18 - Aug. 27. The magificent new 1,600 seat amphitheatre sits in the heart of the "Johnny Appleseed National Forest" adjoining the Charles Mill Lake 2 miles so...
	GREAT MOHICAN INDIAN POW WOW - (ASHLAND County)  Loudonville - 21st ANNUAL - One of the Top Shows in the US! One of the top shows in the U.S.! Come gather on the Mohican Reservation Festival Grounds to experience the Native American tribes and more. Food, music...
CAMPING SUPPLIES
	GRIBBLE'S IGA - (ASHLAND County)  Loudonville - Full-line supermarket featuring hot and cold deli, full-line bakery, wine and cold beer. State Liquor Agency. Fresh meats and produce. Wide selection of dollar items. Guaranteed quality, and reasonabl...
RESTAURANT
	DUTCH HERITAGE RESTAURANT - (RICHLAND County)  Bellville - We￿re committed to bringing you the finest in Amish-style cooking, just what our family of fine restaurants is famous for. Banquet facilities, large in-house bakery, elegant gift shop. Open Summer M...
	AMISH DOOR RESTAURANT OF WOOSTER - (WAYNE County)  Wooster - Discover "Amish Kitchen Cooking " at its best! Located on US 30 just east of Wooster, Choose bountiful family style or menu. Experience our farm fresh salad bar. Bakery overflowing with fresh baked go...
	RADER'S RESTAURANT - (ASHLAND County)  Loudonville - "House of Pies" Loudonville & Mohican Area's Largest Family Restaurant. Full menu, carry-out. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Daily specials. Groups and buses welcome. Open 7 days from 7 am to 8 pm...