If you are looking for a historic and fun place to visit in Ohio, consider spending a day in Zoar Village. This charming town in Northeast Ohio has something for everyone including history, beautiful gardens and delicious food. Today, I am sharing details on our recent visit to Zoar Village and why you should add this spot to your summer bucket list!
Thank you to Ohio History Connection and Ohio. Find It Here for sponsoring this post.
What is Zoar Village?
Before I share details on our recent trip to Zoar Village, it is important to understand a bit about the history. Zoar Village was founded in 1817 by German Separatists and thrived as a communal settlement for over 80 years. It was recognized as one of the most successful communal settlements of the time and while the settlement ended in 1898, much of the village structures remain intact.
Home of the Founder of Zoar Village privately owned
When visiting Zoar Village, you can see where the people worked, had meals and gathered. The Zoar community worked hard and everyone from children to adults had a specific role in the village. It did not sound like an easy life but you can appreciate the sense of community.
Clothing worn by people of Zoar Village
Visiting Zoar Village
A few weeks ago, my son and I had the opportunity to go on an adventure and visit Zoar Village. It is just about an hour away from Cleveland and very close to Canton, Ohio. It was the perfect one tank trip!
We went into this trip knowing very little about Zoar Village. Fortunately, we had a friendly tour guide that was so informative. As we were the only ones on the tour, we could ask a lot of questions and get a bit of the inside scoop.
When visiting Zoar Village, you can either take a self guided tour or follow along with a tour guide which are run throughout the day. We really found the tour guide to be so helpful but certainly you can walk through Zoar Village on your own.
You will want to walk through the Zoar garden. We learned that this is a popular spot for wedding photos and prom pictures. The garden was beautiful and so peaceful!
Garden looking to the Greenhouse
The Zoar settlement had a full time gardener who lived and worked in the greenhouse.
On the weekends, there is a plant sale at the Greenhouse. I wish we could have purchased some of the plants and flowers but we were visiting on a weekday.
Whether you walk around Zoar with a tour guide or take a self guided tour, you will want to stop into the many village buildings. This is the tin shop where many of the tools and supplies for the village were made.
The Zoar Hotel is still intact and is awaiting renovation. The hotel was the centerpiece of the town and several U.S. presidents stayed here.
Be sure to stop into the Zoar Village gift shop. You find locally made items and Zoar souvenirs. We brought home a Molasses Cookie Mix.
Where to Eat
While you are visiting Zoar Village, you will want to grab a bite to eat. There are several great restaurant options. The Canal Street Diner was recommended to us and it did not disappoint.
The Canal Street Diner is less than a 10 minute drive from Zoar Village. There are other cute shops and restaurants right by the diner.
You MUST try the homemade pie! We learned that one of the waitresses makes the pies daily in her home. Everything on the menu is made from scratch. We will definitely be back to eat here!
Ohio History Connection
Zoar Village is a great place to take the kids! My son and I had the best time together. I was surprised at how captivated my son was on the tour. It was fun to get a bit of history about something we did not know about plus spend time outdoors at a really beautiful place. Now that we got a taste of Ohio history, we are interested in visiting more historic landmarks.
We got this free Passport to Your Ohio History that you can stamp after you visit each Ohio landmark. We have another fun trip planned in August to visit Ft. Meigs.
Whether you are a history buff or a family looking for a fun day trip, be sure to add Zoar Village to your Ohio bucket list!
Are you ready to visit Zoar Village?
Zoar Village is located:
198 Main Street
Zoar, OH 44697
Tours and the Museum are open Wednesday-Saturday. You can check here for exact hours. There are special events throughout the year including Ghost Tours in the Fall and Christmas in Zoar.
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Sounds interesting! We have some places that are similar by us too.
Another awesome and historic trip for your kids- you are amazing!
Welcome to my hometown. You reminded me why I love it so. My classmate’s daughter owns the Canal Diner and is the maker of this amazing pies and my second grade teacher’s son owns the Sublime Smoke. Generations stay in this area. ❤️
It is a beautiful town! I can see why families would stay in this town. It has so much to offer. I am still thinking about those homemade pies!