Discover Perry: Historic Squares, Museums, and Perry Lake

Perry offers a journey through different aspects of local history: from the historic Courthouse Square to museums and the Cherokee Strip Celebration, held every September. Perry Lake adds waterside recreation to the mix. If you’re looking for a hotel in Perry, first consider which of these facets you’d like to shape your stay.

Historic Downtown and Courthouse Square

The Perry Courthouse Square Historic District covers about thirteen city blocks around the Courthouse Square. The square is more than a single point in the cityscape: historically and to this day, the district represents the heart of commercial development in Perry and Noble County. The historic downtown is also distinguished by its preserved town square, one of the few authentic town squares still found in America. Together, these features give the downtown a distinct historical character.

Another historical landmark is the Perry Carnegie Library building, which has been in continuous use since 1909. For history enthusiasts, several perspectives come together here: the square and its role in the town’s development, as well as a library building with a long history of use. Perry Wrestling Monument Park adds a more recent date; it opened on May 14, 2016. These places represent different chapters in the town’s history, though they do not share the same historical function.

Museums: Agriculture, Craftsmanship, and Technology

The Cherokee Strip Museum complex covers five acres and includes exhibits, a blacksmith shop, a large building for agricultural equipment, and a one-room schoolhouse dating from 1895. The themes are distinct: craftsmanship, agriculture, and early education offer different ways to explore history. The complex is about a quarter mile east of I-35; take Exit 186 toward Perry.

In downtown Perry, the Heritage Center & The Ditch Witch Museum explores the history of Ditch Witch equipment, from its invention to the present day. The building that houses the museum was built shortly after the 1893 Land Run. Two historical periods thus come together here: the building’s origins and the technological development explored by the museum. Visitors who want to learn about Perry beyond its local history will find a dedicated focus on the history of technology here, alongside the agriculture- and craftsmanship-focused Cherokee Strip Museum.

Cherokee Strip Celebration in September

The Cherokee Strip Celebration has been held in Perry every September since 1893 to commemorate the founding of the community. The program includes live entertainment, food, and exhibitors. This recurring event combines a strong connection to the town’s founding with a varied program. If this event is the reason for your trip, check the exact dates for your travel year in advance. This lets you plan your stay around the actual event dates rather than relying solely on the month when it is held each year.

Perry Lake and Waterside Activities

Perry Lake is a reservoir in the Upper Black Bear Creek system. Activities there include boating, water skiing, swimming, and fishing. The lake offers a different focus from the historic sites downtown: here, activities on and by the water take center stage, while the Courthouse Square and museums focus on local history, buildings, and technology. When choosing the focus of your trip, consider whether you’d most like to discover Perry through its historic sites, an event, or recreation at the lake.

When comparing options, pay attention to the specific details of each hotel offer and choose travel dates that suit the activities or events that matter most to you.

Discover more destinations: Morrison

View the broader travel guide: Noble County.