We’re wrapping up our Springfield, Ohio series from last fall with 10 fun things we did on our last visit. To make it extra special, we’ve included two new photo galleries with never-before-published shots, along with a couple of videos that capture our time in the city. Whether you’re local or just passing through with a bit of free time, this post is packed with ideas you might enjoy.
Springfield has no shortage of beautiful old homes, but none compare to the Westcott House. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, this Prairie Style gem has been carefully restored after years of decline, and today it’s open for tours. From the thoughtful interior design to its connection with Springfield’s history, the Westcott House is one of the city’s must-see landmarks.
Just a short drive from Springfield, Cedar Bog turned out to be a surprising find. Despite the name, it’s technically a fen, fed by ancient groundwater from the long-gone Teays River. A raised boardwalk takes you on a peaceful loop through the wetlands, with signs pointing out the rare plants and animals that thrive here. It’s a quick and easy escape into nature, and one of those spots that makes you realize how much there is still to discover around Springfield.
Springfield’s downtown still carries the echoes of its glory days, and the best way to uncover them is on a walking tour with local historian Kevin Rose. We joined him for a stroll past landmarks like the Warder Library, the old Post Office, and the Bushnell Building, and left with a new appreciation for the city’s past. Even if you’ve walked these streets countless times, seeing them through Kevin’s eyes reveals a whole new side of Springfield.
When autumn hits Springfield, Wittenberg University might be the city’s most beautiful spot. We spent a sunny morning wandering the campus, past historic halls, shady courtyards, and even a copper-domed observatory. With the fall colors in full display, the university feels like a quiet oasis right in the middle of town. It’s a walk well worth taking.
A bit of a drive from Springfield, but absolutely worth it, Jungle Jim’s International Market near Cincinnati is like no grocery store you’ve ever seen. Part theme park, part foodie paradise, it’s packed with animatronics, quirky decor, and foods from all over the world. We thought we’d pop in for a quick look, and ended up exploring for hours.
One of Springfield’s most moving landmarks is the Gammon House, built in 1850 by a freed Black family and later used as a station on the Underground Railroad. Small and unassuming from the outside, it holds powerful stories about the people who risked everything to help enslaved men and women reach freedom. Tours are limited, but if you can time your visit right, it’s an unforgettable experience.
A short drive from Springfield, Yellow Springs feels like stepping into another world – colorful, eccentric, and unapologetically progressive. Home to Antioch College, indie restaurants, and the beloved Little Art Theater, the town bursts with creativity and inclusivity. Time your visit for the annual Street Fair, and you’ll find yourself swept up in music, food, and a joyful, anything-goes atmosphere.
Tucked into an ordinary Springfield neighborhood, the Hartman Rock Garden is anything but ordinary. What began as one man’s backyard project grew into a whimsical world of stone figures and miniature scenes — from Noah’s Ark to the Oregon Trail. Free to visit and open year-round, it’s the kind of quirky roadside attraction that rewards anyone willing to wander a little off the beaten path.
Practically next door to Springfield, Dayton has all the makings of a great city — rich history, impressive landmarks, and of course, its claim as the birthplace of aviation. But when we finally set aside a full day to explore, we found ourselves wandering nearly empty streets, marveling at beautiful buildings with hardly anyone around to enjoy them. Dayton left us curious, puzzled, and more than a little eager to come back and see if we’d just caught it on an off day.
About an hour south of Springfield, Caesar Creek State Park offers a perfect escape into Ohio’s outdoors. With scenic trails, a historic Pioneer Village, and peaceful lakeside walks, it’s a spot to slow down and enjoy the fall colors. Even a nearly dry waterfall couldn’t dampen the charm — and we left already planning our next visit to explore more of the park’s hidden corners.
