Lancaster, Ohio, is in Fairfield County in the central part of the state, about 27 miles east of the capitol city of Columbus. Residents and visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities, both indoors and out, in and around the town.
Shoppers have a choice between shopping in a modern mall or in the town’s historic downtown district. The mall offers stores with the usual assortment of clothing, shoes, house wares, jewelry and sporting goods, along with a food court. Those looking for antiques or unusual gifts will want to check out the downtown area with its assortment of art galleries and gift shops.
River Valley Mall
1635 River Valley Circle S.
Lancaster, OH 43130
740-653-9733
rivervalleymall.com
If you’re in town during the last part of July, you won’t want to miss the Lancaster Festival. This is a celebration of the arts, both visual and musical, with hundreds of artists and musicians from around the country exhibiting their works and performing. Music lovers can choose performances from a wide range of genres; art lovers will enjoy the great mix of visual media displayed around the town.
Lancaster Festival Offices
127 W. Wheeling Street
Lancaster, OH 43130
740-687-4808
lancasterfestival.org
The AHA! Children’s Museum is a great place for kids, as it is especially set up for those seven years and younger. The museum’s exhibits and activities were designed for hands-on learning. They include a climbing structure, laser harp, sand table, craft area, fire engine and ball mountain.
AHA! Children’s Museum
315 S. Broad Street
Lancaster, OH 43130
740-653-1010
aha4kids.org
Architecture enthusiasts will want to check out the Georgian Museum, a house dating back to 1832, when it was built for Samuel and Sarah MacCracken. It is a fine example of American and Georgian architecture with Regency features and is furnished with some original furniture from the household. Take a guided tour and learn about life in Lancaster during the early 1800s.
The Georgian Museum
105 East Wheeling Street
Lancaster, OH 43130
740-654-9923
thegeorgianmuseum.org
Another house dating back to the early 1800s is the Sherman House Museum, the childhood home of American Civil War General William T. Sherman. The original house was built in 1811, with additions made in 1816 and 1870. The house is furnished with items and memorabilia from the Sherman household. There are also exhibits of guns and artifacts from the Civil War. An admission fee is charged, and guided tours are available.
Sherman House Museum
137 East Main Street
Lancaster, OH 43130
740-687-5891
shermanhouse.org
In addition to stores and museums, Lancaster’s numerous municipal parks provide a plethora of outdoor recreational opportunities. Depending on the park, you can choose from baseball, softball or soccer fields; tennis or basketball courts; playgrounds; swimming pools; fishing ponds and hiking trails.
Lancaster Parks and Recreation Department
1507 E. Main Street
Lancaster, OH 43130
740-687-6651
visitfairfieldcounty.org
For more information about things to do in Lancaster, Ohio, visit the Fairfield County Visitor and Convention Bureau website, or contact them by mail or phone.
Fairfield County Visitor and Convention Bureau
124 W. Main Street, Suite 200
Lancaster, OH 43130
740-654-5929 or 800-626-1296
visitfairfieldcounty.org
