4 minute read
Things to See and Do
Honda Heritage Center 24025 Honda Pkwy., Marysville 937.644.6888 | hondaheritagecenter.com Spanning 15,000 square feet, this museum is an inspiring celebration of Honda’s success in North America, one that highlights the mobility company’s many remarkable milestones. Enjoy a host of interactive exhibits and jaw dropping innovations, from the Honda Jet and 1983 Honda Accord to a 3-D racing game and a skeleton version of Asimo the robot. Combine your self-guided tour of the Honda Heritage Center with a guided tour of the Honda auto plant. Both tours are free. Reservations are required. Phoenix Bat Company 7801 Corporate Blvd., Plain City 614.873.7776 | phoenixbats.com Since 1996, Phoenix Bats has been crafting traditional wood bats for ball players from the little leagues to the big leagues. American, top-grade woods like maple, yellow birch and northern white ash are the foundation of these premium bats. Championed by Triple Crown Winner and American League MVP Miguel Cabrea of the Detroit Tigers, Phoenix Bats is the only professionally approved bat maker in the state of Ohio. Come for a tour and see how the bats are made on site using the most advanced bat-making machine in the world! Call ahead for tour information.
Union County Covered Bridges Take a trip back in time as you explore Union County’s historic covered bridges. Many of the bridges designed by renowned bridge builder Reuben Partridge, are still in use today. Mr. Partridge built nearly 200 bridges throughout his career. Today residents and visitors alike enjoy these amazing structures by car, bike, motorcycle, motor coach tour, or on a walking trail! These beautiful bridges make for a perfect family adventure, photo opp or a relaxing Sunday drive. The Pottersburg Bridge, which sits on a 1.9-mile multi-use trail, is the backdrop for special dining events annually in September.
Historic Union County Courthouse 215 W. Fifth St., Marysville The Union County Courthouse was designed by Toledo architect David W. Gibbs using elements of Italianate and Second Empire architectural styles. The building was constructed of brick and Berea stone and rises 168 feet high, four stories tall. Lady Justice stands ten feet tall and is surmounted atop the cupola. The tower is built entirely of wrought iron, originally containing a striking tower clock with illuminated dials, seven feet in diameter. The finished building was dedicated on January 27, 1883. The courthouse was renovated from 1992 to 1994 and still serves the citizens of Union County.
Big Darby Plains Scenic Byway The beautiful Big Darby Scenic Byway truly lives up to its name. Considered one of the most scenic views in the area, the byway gives travelers the chance to see not only the Big Darby Creek and farmland, but also historic sites, wildlife, and spectacular skies. The route has access to the scenic river, nature preserves, parks, covered bridges, century farms, pioneer cemeteries, and historic homes. The Big Darby Scenic Byway is a wonderful place to snap photos, have a picnic lunch, and learn about the history of Union County and surrounding areas. As part of the Ohio Scenic Byway, the route offers more than 40 miles of picturesque views. Swing by Union Station 1820 Welcome Center (109 E 5th St., Marysville) and pick up a map.
Plain City Historical Society Museum 105 W. Main St., Plain City 614.570.2962 | plaincityhistoricalsociety.org With a mission for “saving the past for the future,” the Plain City Historical Society is open to visitors traversing through Uptown Plain City. View the detailed displays of artifacts from the heart of Ohio farmland and riffle through the extensive photo library to visualize how life was back in the days of old. Visitors will be captivated by local stories such as the capture of Johnathan Alder by the Mingo Indian Tribe and how Pleasant Valley became an important station on the Underground Railroad. Expand your knowledge with the unexpected novelties of this quaint historical society in Plain City.
A hop, skip, and jump away…
COLUMBUS ZOO AND AQUARIUM 4850 W. Powell Rd., Powell 614.645.3400 | columbuszoo.org
MAD RIVER MOUNTAIN 1000 Snow Valley Rd., Zanesfield 937.599.1015 | skimadriver.com
MARMON VALLEY FARM 7754 St. Rt. 292 S., Zanesfield 937.593.8000 | marmonvalley.com
OHIO CAVERNS 2210 SR 254 East, West Liberty 937.465.4017 | ohiocaverns.com
Union County Historical Society Museum 246 W. Sixth St., Marysville 937.644.0568 | historyohio.com Visitors with a curiosity for history can tour the boyhood home of former Vice President Charles W. Franklin, now the Museum of the Union County Historical Society. Explore 14 rooms full of items of bygone eras, interesting collections and even a fully restored 1830s log cabin! Learn of local heroes and celebrities like Union County giant, Noah Orr and renowned covered bridge builder, Reuben Partridge. With a strong tradition in historical preservation, visitors can always find something new at the Union County Historical Society.