Discover Austinburg Township

When planning a trip to Austinburg Township, you can choose among several different focal points: the history of the United Church of Christ and the annual Austinburg Country Days celebration. Upper Grand River Metropark adds a river landscape in the nearby area. There are also nearby activities, from private farm tours to creative classes. When looking for a hotel for your trip, you can first consider whether a festival, church history, or nature experiences matter most to you; the topics below offer specific points of reference.

River Landscape and Nature

Upper Grand River Metropark preserves a three-quarter-mile stretch of riverbank along the Grand River, within a bend in the river designated as a State Scenic River. The park’s natural features include forests, wetlands, wildflowers, and abundant wildlife. Its natural setting encompasses both the river landscape and its habitats and plant life. This combination gives a stay a different focus from church history or the community festival.

Church History in Austinburg

The history of the United Church of Christ congregation in Austinburg began on October 24, 1801. On that day, Reverend Joseph Badger established the first United Church of Christ congregation in the Western Reserve and the second in the state of Ohio. Construction of the present church building began in 1874. It was dedicated on September 27, 1877, at which time it had been fully paid for. The founding of the congregation and the history of the present building thus mark two distinct milestones.

The history of a pipe organ is also among the church-related topics in the nearby area: The organ at Austinburg United Church of Christ was rebuilt with 800 pipes and 16 stops and dedicated on October 12, 1969. The date and technical details give this part of local history a distinct and precisely defined connection.

Austinburg Country Days

Austinburg Country Days is held annually at Austinburg Township Park, behind the United Church of Christ. Generations of Austinburg families have celebrated the festival for more than 40 years. The two-day event includes food, entertainment, lawn games, and competitions. Alongside the historical topics, it is a recurring community event on the calendar of the local community. If you would like to combine your trip with the festival, check the dates and program for the relevant year before setting out.

Farm Tours and Creative Activities

Nearby, Purple Goat Gardens offers private farm tours by appointment year-round. The tours are tailored to the interests of the visiting group, which can include up to 20 adults and children. After meeting the animals, visitors can also take guided walks on more than two miles of trails and learn about native trees and plants. The season and conditions on the farm may affect the activities.

Purple Goat Gardens’ Art Barn has pottery and painting studios. Classes include pottery wheel throwing and hand-building techniques. Visitors can also glaze a mug and pick it up on their next visit. If you would like to include a class in your travel plans, arrange the date with the business in advance.

A Regional Wine Connection

In the wider region, Rosabella Winery is located on the Vines & Wines Wine Trail in the Grand River Valley. If you would like to include this in your travel plans, check the business’s current listing on the trail before setting out.

Discover more destinations: North Kingsville, Conneaut, Geneva-On-The-Lake, Ashtabula.

View the county-level travel guide: Ashtabula County.