Clark Between History and Nature

The 18-mile Simon Kenton Trail runs from downtown Springfield to Urbana. The area also has prairie areas, memorial sites, and museums. This lets you focus on different interests during your trip through Clark—from trails and wildlife watching to architecture and history.

Trails, Prairie, and Wildlife Watching

The Simon Kenton Trail is paved, ADA-accessible, and has numerous access points for people with different abilities. At Spangler Nature Preserve, nearly two miles of trails wind through the prairie. These figures reflect different scales: a longer paved route between Springfield and Urbana, and shorter trails in a prairie landscape.

More than 200 plant species have been recorded at Spangler Nature Preserve, including the endangered Eastern Prairie Fringe Orchid. At Leadingham Prairie, visitors can watch birds and wildflowers. Mad River Gorge & Nature Preserve provides access to the Mad River. An old rail trail there winds through a streamside forest with native wildflowers and birdwatching opportunities. Natural dolomite cliffs reach up to 50 feet high; there are also opportunities for sport climbing.

Estel Wenrick Wetland encompasses 145 acres of wetlands and woodland. It is a wildlife refuge for species including Great Blue Heron and Wood Duck, and has trails for hikers and birdwatchers. Buck Creek State Park provides access to a 2,120-acre lake. Mad River Adventures offers canoe rentals on a scenic stretch of the Mad River in Clark County; the ECO Sports Corridor includes four recreational facilities for whitewater kayaking.

History and Architecture

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Westcott House is Ohio’s only Prairie-style house. Completed in 1908, it was carefully restored stone by stone. Tours are led by a guide; as tour availability can change, advance booking is recommended. The Pennsylvania House Tavern & Inn was built in 1839 along the Historic National Road. The Lagonda Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution continues to own and operate Pennsylvania House as a museum.

The Heritage Center Museum is housed in a building constructed in 1890 that spans an entire city block. Its collection explores the history of the American heartland and the Historic National Road. The Daniel Hertzler House Museum shows what life was like before the American Civil War from the perspective of Mennonite pioneer and entrepreneur Daniel Hertzler. It opens for special tour dates; check the schedule before you arrive.

Memorial Sites and Events

The Battle of Peckuwe Historical Battlesite is across from George Rogers Clark Park and behind the Davidson Interpretive Center. The Battle of Peckuwe was the largest battle of the American Revolution west of the Allegheny Mountains. Several memorials there honor Tecumseh and George Rogers Clark. The Davidson Interpretive Center offers free interpretive exhibits and educational programs. The Gammon House was a station on the Underground Railroad and was owned by free African American citizens.

The Fair at New Boston offers period-style entertainment, selected artisans, a Native American Village, and a reenactment battle. Program details may change. If events like these are part of your travel interests, check the dates and current program before planning your visit.

Arts, Neighborhoods, and Recreation

The Springfield Museum of Art is Ohio’s only Smithsonian-affiliated art museum. Its permanent collection includes works by Berenice Abbott, George Bellows, and Charley Harper. The Hartman Rock Garden showcases a different form of regional art: this folk art installation was created from more than 250,000 stones. The 114-acre campus of Wittenberg University features 19th-century architecture and is ideal for an afternoon stroll.

South Fountain is a walkable neighborhood with medium-sized vernacular houses and grand Victorian mansions. For other recreational interests, Locust Hills Golf Club offers 36 holes of public golf. Mother Stewart’s Brewing Company has a taproom and an outdoor beer garden in downtown Springfield.

Discover more destinations: South Vienna, Springfield, Enon, Lawrence, Licking, Shelby County, Guernsey and Wyandot County.

For the full travel overview: Ohio.