Discover Union: Bridges, Museums, and Nature

Union brings together automotive history, covered bridges, and nature experiences. Museums, trails, and recreational activities offer a range of options: you can explore the region’s history, discover the landscape, or spend time outdoors.

Automotive History and Early Settlements

The Honda Heritage Center in Marysville explores Honda’s development and manufacturing presence in the United States, which began in Central Ohio in 1979. Admission is free. The center is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; on Wednesdays, it stays open until 5 p.m. Check the hours again before your visit.

The Weller Cabin offers a different historical perspective: it is a pioneer museum featuring artifacts from the era of early frontier settlements. It also offers educational programs for residents and visitors. The Union County Historical Society Museum has been restored to its original condition from the period when the Morey family lived there in the early 20th century. The 1905 Brennan automobile is also part of the region’s history: it is considered the first car built in Union County and one of the first automobiles built in Ohio.

Covered Bridges and Trails

Seven covered bridges offer a glimpse into the past and provide a picturesque setting for exploring the Union County landscape. The structures also vary in size: the Buck Run Covered Bridge is currently considered the longest single-span wooden bridge in Ohio, while the Spain Creek Covered Bridge is the smallest covered bridge in Union County. The Streng Road Bridge stands out for another reason: it is the only non-covered bridge officially listed as a historic bridge in Ohio.

The Covered Bridge Trail provides directions to each bridge and helps visitors navigate from one to the next. This makes it easy to plan your bridge exploration around the route you choose. The Pottersburg Covered Bridge is now part of a 1.9-mile paved multi-use trail. A trolley tour of the bridges combines sightseeing with lunch or dinner made with local ingredients, entertainment, and craft beverages at local breweries and wineries.

Nature and Outdoor Activities

Glacier Ridge is a 1,032-acre park. A boardwalk runs through the Honda Wetlands Area, and a 25-foot observation tower offers views of waterfowl and other wildlife. If you prefer to get around on two wheels, Union County has scenic roads, small towns, and leisurely rides through gently rolling countryside. Cycling guides highlight historic covered bridges and local attractions as destinations.

Marysville’s city parks also offer a variety of recreational activities. Together, they cover more than 300 acres and include a municipal swimming pool, a dog park, a disc golf course, a splash pad, and miles of walking trails. Fishing has been a popular activity at Richwood Lake Park for many years. These varied options let you combine culture, wildlife viewing, and recreation according to the focus you want for your trip.

Art, Markets, and Visitor Information

The Marysville Art League offers art classes; dates may change. Farmers’ markets in Union County bring people together at sales events featuring fresh, sustainably produced goods. Market dates may also vary.

For information about Marysville and the Union County region, Union Station 1820 has maps, visitor guides, and information about the covered bridges. These resources can help you navigate the region’s different travel themes, especially if you want to include bridges, museums, or outdoor activities in your plans.

Discover more destinations: Marysville, Richwood, Milford Center, Plain City, Clark, Ashland County, Greene, Harrison County.

See the full travel overview: Ohio.