Heritage
The hottest topic in travel and tourism across the United States and in Ohio too is Heritage Tourism. Heritage Tourism is traveling to authentically experience the historical, environmental and cultural offerings of a people or place. The Center City Association and the Springfield-Clark County Convention and Visitors Bureau have joined forces to develop a long-range plan for Heritage Tourism development in the region.
A long-range planning task force was formed in spring 2002 and its recommendations will form the basis of a regional Heritage Tourism development plan. This comprehensive and collaborative and plan will increase communications among operators, increase awareness and pride in the community and dramatically increase the number of visitors and tours that visit these sites and contribute economically to the Springfield-Clark County region.
More and more, people want to connect to their roots, take shorter trips and experience interesting things closer to home. The Springfield-Clark County area has a rich list of Heritage Tourism options including the Heritage Center, to the Westcott House, the Pennsylvania House, the Fair at New Boston, and many others. Regionally we can draw upon Piatt Castles, Ohio Caverns, Clifton Gorge and much more.
Learn more about Heritage Tourism from the National Trust for Historic Preservation .
Area Listings
This list continues to grow. If you would like to see your Heritage Tourism site listed, please contact Jenny Baader at jbaader@center-city.org .
Historical
Gammon House
A house that was part of the Underground Railroad - a network of routes and safehouses that sheltered enslaved people escaping to freedom in Canada. Being developed as an education and historic site.
Madonna of the Trail Monument
In the late 1920's, the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) commissioned the design, casting and placement of twelve memorials commemorating the spirit of the woman pioneer. These memorials were placed along the route of the National Old Trails highway and extended from Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles, California.
The monument is located on U.S. Route 40, at the south end of Snyder's Park Golf Course on the west side of Springfield. This monument was dedicated on July 4, 1928. The keynote speaker was Judge Harry S Truman, President of the National Old Trails Association. The Springfield monument was the first of the twelve monuments to be dedicated.
Heritage Center of Clark County
http://www.heritagecenter.us/
A century-old City Hall and Marketplace has become the new home for Clark County/Springfield's heritage. Priceless mementos have been assembled to open an exciting window on seven generations of fascinating history.
Davidson Interpretive Center
http://nationaltrailparksandrec.org/DavidsonCenter.htm
The center includes interpretive displays and educational programs about the Revolutionary War's battle of Pekuwe (August 8, 1780) and the Shawnee Village of Pekuwe.
George Rogers Clark Park Heritage Association and the Fair at New Boston
http://nationaltrailparksandrec.org/events.htm
Labor Day Weekend Join the 1000 costumed participants as they help visitors learn about life in the years between 1790 and 1810.
Hertzler House
http://nationaltrailparksandrec.org/parks.htm
Built in 1854, a Pennsylvania Style Bank Home furnished in the 1850's and is nestled in George Rogers Clark Park.
The Pennsylvania House Museum
http://www.springfield-clarkcountyohio.info/the_pennsylvania_house.htm
This house is a must see for those who love to be transformed into the early days of Ohio's frontier. It is open to the public on the first Sunday of each month, except New Year's Day and Easter. Closed January and February except by appointment. Tours scheduled on a daily basis by appointment (minimum of 10 people). Built in about 1820, it served as a tavern on one of the main trails of the westward bound pioneers during the development of the early 1800's.
Crabill Homestead
http://www.geocities.com/Pentagon/Bunker/7349/page36.html
David Crabill built the two-story brick farmhouse in 1826. Restored to its mid-nineteenth century state, the Crabill Homestead is now one of Ohio's best-kept preservation secrets. Administered by the Clark County Historical Society with grounds assistance from the Army Corps of Engineers, the Crabill Homestead is host to the 49th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, a Civil War living history group. The 49th presents several Civil War Living History weekends every year.
Natural
Enon Adena Mound
http://www.shakerwssg.org/enon_moundan_adena_burial_mound.htm
The Enon Adena burial mound is considered the second biggest Adena mound in Ohio.
Snyder Park
http://nationaltrailparksandrec.org/snyder_park.htm
This 212-acre park includes an 18 hole golf course, restaurant, 12 lighted tennis courts (6 soft / 6 hard), picnicking areas, shelter houses, ball diamonds, horseshoe pits, wooded preserves, fishing without a license, and the Old Stone Bridge. The park was a gift to the people of Springfield from brothers John and David Snyder in 1895.
George Rogers Clark Park
http://nationaltrailparksandrec.org/george_rodgers_clark_park.htm
A 248 acre park & historic site of the largest Revolutionary War Battle Site west of Alleghenies. The park includes: picnicking, hiking, fishing, without a license (Hosterman Lake), and non-motorized boating. Accessible fishing is available at the Accessible Observation Deck on Hosterman Lake.
Clifton Gorge
http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/dnap/natural_areas/clifton.html
Clifton Gorge is a spectacular limestone/dolomite gorge of breathtaking beauty. This preserve was registered as a National Natural Landmark in 1968. Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve encompasses a two-mile stretch of the Little Miami State and National Scenic River just east of John Bryan State Park. Geologically, it is an outstanding example of interglacial and post-glacial canyon cutting.
Mad River
http://www.flyshop.com/Centers/Midwest/7-98Mad/madmap.html
The Mad River, a spring creek, flows from north of West Liberty down through Springfield in eastern Ohio.
John Bryan State Park
http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/parks/parks/jhnbryan.htm
John Bryan is the most scenic state park in western Ohio. The park contains a remarkable limestone gorge cut by the Little Miami River which is designated as a state and national scenic river. A portion of the gorge itself is designated as a national natural landmark.
Buck Creek State Park
http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/parks/parks/buckck.htm
Buck Creek State Park lies in a fertile agricultural area, rich in Ohio's history. The park's recreational facilities center around the 2,120-acre lake, offering endless water-related opportunities. Visitors enjoy the many wetlands, broad meadows and wildlife at this diverse park.
Estel Wenrick Wetlands
http://www.springfield-clarkcountyohio.info/parks&lakes.htm
The National Trail Parks and Recreation District manages the 145-acre Estel Wenrick Wetland. Located at Lower Valley Pike and Spangler Road in Springfield, the park features wet meadows, woods and trails.
Little Miami Scenic Trail and Buck Creek Trail
http://www.intellweb.com/trails/buck.htm
Cultural
Springfield Arts Council Summer Festival
http://www.springfieldartscouncil.org/
The decades-old Festival is more than a month of cultural performances, featuring community, local and national entertainment.
Holiday in the City
Holiday in the City is a Springfield-Clark County tradition that is growing each year. In addition to the theme parade with Disney-like costumed characters, the event features Santa's arrival, a tree lighting, holiday-light displays, strolling entertainers, live performances, festive food, youth activities and a magical "Santaland" for children to visit the jolly elf. It's a fun family event that will brighten eyes of all ages. Plans are underway to develop an even larger event. First weekend following Thanksgiving Weekend.
Springfield Symphony
http://www.springfieldsym.org/
The Springfield Symphony Orchestra currently produces and presents more than 125 events each season, including a five-concert subscription series, small ensemble visits to area schools, Concerts for Young People, the Springfield Youth Symphony and Springfield Youth String Ensemble, free outreach performances and two fundraisers. The 2002-2003 season will mark the 59th year of the organization.
Greek Festival
A celebration of Greek culture and local contributions by community members of Greek descent. Features Greek food, gift shops, church tour, and Greek dancing. Mid-June each year. Contact Fr. Michael Petrider at 937/322-8169 or 937/899-1951 for more information.
The Clark County Fairgrounds
http://www.clarkcountyfair.org
4401 South Charleston Pike
Springfield, Ohio 45502
Phone: (937) 323-3090
Fax: (937) 323-8951
The Clark County Fairgrounds hosts the annual Clark County Fair the last full week of July and has since 1948. This full week of family fun features rides, games and contests, livestock displays, a demolition derby, tractor pull, and other attractions. Fairgoers also enjoy entertainment ranging from local performers to chart topping recording artists.
The Fairgrounds also host many other events of national reputation including the Springfield Antique Show and Flea Market, the Cars & Parts Magazine Swap Meet three times a year, and many other outstanding events.
Hartman Rock Garden http://www.clarkcountyfair.org/
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