Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Canton to Hilliard

Are you planning a road trip from Canton, Ohio to Hilliard, Ohio and looking for some unique places to check out along the way? We’ve got you covered with our list of “Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Canton to Hilliard.” This scenic route will take you through charming small towns, beautiful countryside, and surprising attractions that are sure to make for a memorable trip.

Halfway Point: Mansfield, OH

Before we dive into the five unexpected places, let's talk about the halfway point on this road trip-- Mansfield, Ohio. This city may not be as famous as Cleveland or Columbus, but it has a rich history and a lot to offer visitors. One of the highlights of Mansfield is the Ohio State Reformatory, a historic prison-turned-museum that also served as the filming location for the movie "The Shawshank Redemption." Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the prison and learn about its history and its famous Hollywood ties. In addition, the city boasts several beautiful parks, including South Park and North Lake Park, which offer scenic trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds for families with children.

Now that you’ve reached the halfway point, it’s time to embark on the rest of your journey, filled with unexpected surprises!

1. Chippewa Lake, OH: Explore Ohio’s Oldest Amusement Park

Located just off of Route 71, Chippewa Lake Amusement Park is Ohio’s oldest amusement park and has been closed for over 40 years. Although the park is now abandoned, visitors can still explore what remains of the park and its rides, including the famous “Big Dipper” wooden roller coaster. The park is open to the public, and visitors can take a self-guided walking tour, snap some photos for social media, and reminisce about their own childhood visits to amusement parks.

Food to Try: Pack a picnic lunch from home and enjoy it on the picnic tables located throughout the park.

2. Millersburg, OH: Discover Amish Country

Millersburg is located in the heart of Ohio's Amish Country, making for a unique and educational stop along your road trip. Visitors can explore the Amish and Mennonite cultures through a variety of tours, including Amish farm tours, buggy rides, and quilt shops, to name just a few. The Amish and Mennonite communities are known for their simple, agricultural lifestyle, and visitors can learn about how they farm, cook, and crafts.

Food to Try: Head to the Dutchman Hospitality Restaurant for some traditional Amish cuisine, including homemade noodles, fried chicken, and shoofly pie.

3. Big Prairie, OH: Visit the End of the World

If you’re looking for a quirky and unusual stop, look no further than the End of the World, located just outside of Big Prairie. This roadside attraction is essentially a giant hole in the ground that’s been artfully dubbed the “end of the world.” Visitors can climb to the bottom of the hole and take photos, or enjoy a picnic lunch in the surrounding park. It’s a fun and unexpected stop that’s sure to be a welcome break during a long road trip.

Food to Try: Grab some pizza to go from Slice of Paradise in town and enjoy it at the park surrounding the “End of the World.”

4. Dublin, OH: Explore Irish History

Dublin, Ohio is home to a surprising amount of Irish history within its boundaries, including the Irish Festival and the Dublin Arts Council. Visitors can learn about Irish culture, music, and dance at these events, or take a walking tour of the city’s historic Irish district. In addition, Dublin has several beautiful parks and nature preserves, including Indian Run Falls and Glacier Ridge Metro Park, which are perfect for a scenic walk or hike.

Food to Try: Grab a Guinness and some traditional pub fare at Brazenhead Irish Pub.

5. London, OH: Step into a World of Antique Cars

Last but not least, the city of London is home to the Turtle Creek Restoration Antique and Classic Car Museum. With over 140 cars on display, this museum is a must-visit for any car enthusiast or history buff. The museum features cars from the early 1900s through the 1960s, including rare and unique models. Visitors can take a guided tour or explore the museum at their leisure.

Food to Try: Head to Old 40 Tavern for some classic American food and a cold beer in a historic setting.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are plenty of unexpected and unique places to stop during a road trip from Canton to Hilliard. From abandoned amusement parks to historic prisons, from Amish Country to Irish culture, this route has it all. So what are you waiting for? Pack up the car, grab some snacks, and hit the road for a one-of-a-kind adventure that you won’t soon forget.