Holmes County: Nature, Trails and History

The Killbuck Valley stretches from north to south through the center of Holmes County and is one of Ohio’s largest wetlands. Together with its wooded areas, wildlife and views from the edge of the Appalachian foothills, it shapes the county’s landscape. You can tailor your trip to your interests, with different combinations of wildlife watching, outdoor activities and regional culture.

Wetlands and Trails

At Killbuck Marsh Wildlife Area, a four-mile trail passes through different habitats and offers opportunities to observe wildlife. It is accessible on foot only. If you plan to hike this trail, check local conditions before your visit.

The Holmes County Trail is described as 29 miles long in total, with 22 miles open. Its paved sections include the routes from Fredericksburg to Killbuck and from Glenmont to Brinkhaven. Restrooms are available year-round at Millersburg Depot. Open trail sections may change, so it is a good idea to check the latest information before cycling or walking.

Art and Regional History

The Holmes County Open Air Art Museum brings together art and nature in a landscape of lush woodland and gently rolling hills. It features original works by regional artists from diverse backgrounds, working in a variety of media and disciplines. A visit can therefore appeal both to those interested in art and to those who want to take in the surrounding landscape.

Behalt serves as an eastern information center for visitors interested in learning about the faith, culture and way of life of the Amish, Mennonites and Hutterites. An interpretive tour focuses on a 265-foot-long circular mural depicting Amish and Mennonite history; videos and exhibits complement the experience. For another perspective on local history, the Holmes County Historical Society maintains a historical research center with a searchable newspaper collection dating back to 1845, as well as a research library devoted to regional history.

The Millersburg Glass Museum displays more than 200 pieces of Millersburg Carnival Glass and Crystal Glass, made between 1909 and 1912. Tours and group tours are available by appointment; arrange your visit in advance. Historic Millersburg is also home to the Victorian House Museum, a 28-room Victorian mansion listed on the National Historic Registry.

Museums, Craft and Everyday Life

The Killbuck Valley Museum explores the natural and cultural history of the Killbuck area and Holmes County. The German Culture Museum offers another focus: it covers the history and settlement of Holmes County and Walnut Creek Township, and displays regional memorabilia and exhibits on Amish, German and Swiss heritage. Period room displays illustrate everyday life in the past. Together, the museums’ varied subjects offer different ways to explore how the region’s landscape, settlement and cultural heritage are told.

The Farm at Walnut Creek features a non-electrified Amish farmhouse. Staff demonstrate baking, canning and sewing; demonstrations may be scheduled at specific times, so check the schedule in advance.

More Experiences for Your Stay

A tour of the Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum includes a faithfully reconstructed brick roundhouse with 18 stalls. The museum also has a fully operational workshop where steam locomotives are maintained, restored and repaired. The roundhouse and the work on the locomotives offer different points of interest for visitors interested in railroad history.

The Amish Country Theater presents live music, ventriloquists, musical parodies, comic characters and other performances; the program may vary by season. In Trail, the Troyer family has been making beef bologna since 1912. If you are interested in purchasing it or in a luncheon offering, check availability in advance. Amish Country Riding Stables offers guided rides at the Guggisberg Swiss Inn; in winter, sleigh rides may also be available when weather conditions permit. The season and weather will affect what you can plan for your visit.

Explore more destinations: Millersburg, Dundee, Washington, Fairfield, Erie County, Defiance, Richland, Pike County.

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