Underground: Two Perspectives on the Ohio Caverns
At the Ohio Caverns, two tours combine cave visits with different perspectives. The Historic Tour covers the area originally explored from 1897 to 1925. On the Natural Wonder Tour, a one-mile loop leads to Crystal King, the largest stalactite in Ohio. This lets you compare a historical span of exploration with a tour that centers on a loop and a remarkable cave formation.
Nature Between Cedar Bog and Kiser Lake
At Cedar Bog Nature Preserve, the natural environment ranges from rare plants and animals to striking displays of flowers. The area is a National Natural Landmark and the largest and finest example of a boreal and prairie fen complex in Ohio. Notable plant communities include orchids as well as prairie and woodland flowers. Cedar Bog therefore offers several specific ways to experience nature: the significance of the wetland, its wildlife and the diversity of its plants.
At Kiser Lake State Park, other opportunities take center stage. Motorboats are not allowed on the lake, but there is a boat ramp and public docks. Four hiking trails provide a total of 4.5 scenic miles on foot. The combination of lake access and hiking trails makes the park appealing to travelers looking to choose among different outdoor activities, without needing to settle on a particular route.
Trails on Different Scales
The four hiking trails at Kiser Lake total 4.5 miles. The 35-mile Simon Kenton Trail, a multi-use trail, is on a different scale: it runs from Springfield through Urbana to Bellefontaine and connects Champaign and Logan Counties with a regional trail system. Comparing the total lengths shows two different trail options, from a manageable network of several hiking trails to a regional connection.
In Champaign County, parking and access points for the Simon Kenton Trail are located at County Line Road, Woodburn Road and State Route 55, as well as at the restored Urbana Depot. These specific access points help with planning; the trail itself extends beyond the county boundaries and continues through Urbana in both directions.
History and Collections in Urbana
The Champaign County Historical Society Museum in Urbana collects, preserves and interprets artifacts, documents and other resources related to the county's history. Another collection focuses on John “Appleseed” Chapman: the Johnny Appleseed Educational Center and Museum houses the world's largest collection of memorabilia and information about him. The museum also includes a memorial orchard with apple trees descended directly from trees planted by Johnny Appleseed. The collection and orchard thus offer two different connections to the same person.
Urbana also showcases the region's aviation history. The Grimes Flying Lab Museum presents the history of Warren Grimes and the Grimes Manufacturing Company, and houses the Grimes Flying Lab Beech 18 aircraft. The Mid America Flight Museum North restored the Travel Air 6000, which returned to flight in 2021. The Champaign Aviation Museum also offers flights in a fully restored World War II B-25J Mitchell, which seats seven people. If you are considering a flight, check availability in advance.
Historic Buildings and Events
In St. Paris, the Pony Wagon Museum is housed in the original Pennsylvania freight house. It displays artifacts from the St. Paris area, including Walborn & Riker pony wagons. In Mechanicsburg, the 1858 Meeting House is the city's oldest surviving public building. History here is more than a collection: the historic buildings themselves are also part of the story.
The Champaign County Historical Society Museum hosts a historical lecture every month; topics may vary. Its largest annual event is Oktoberfest, a fall fundraiser. If you plan to attend a particular lecture or Oktoberfest, check current dates and event details before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Urbana, Richland, Jackson, Monroe, Coshocton County, Geauga County, Holmes County, Defiance.
For the broader travel overview: Ohio.
