Often referred to as one of the best places to live in the state, Delaware, OH, is a charming little city located about 30 miles north of downtown Columbus. With a beautiful downtown area that can be easily explored on foot, as well as nearby parks and nature reserves, Delaware offers plenty of local attractions for visitors. Whether you are planning a day trip or a longer adventure, these are some spots you definitely don’t want to miss while in the area!
1. Downtown Delaware
Without a doubt, the first thing you should do once you get to the city is to go for a stroll along the charming streets of Delaware’s Historic Downtown. Featuring cobblestone sidewalks and late 19th-Century facades, this area is home to small cafés, local restaurants, cultural centers, and small shops where you can easily spend an afternoon exploring with your family or a group of friends. Most attractions are centered around Winter Street and Sandusky Street.
Although simply walking around the city center is a great way to explore the area, there are some important landmarks you should check out while in the Historic Downtown district. These include the Richard M. Ross Art Museum, Blue Limestone Park, The Arts Castle, and the Delaware City Hall. Once you’re done visiting these places, an excellent end to the day would be going for a walk along the banks of the nearby Olentangy River.
2. Delaware State Park
An expansive nature reserve with hiking trails and a large water reservoir open for water activities, Delaware State Park is a well-known day trip destination among visitors from all over the state. Established in 1952 and managed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, this state park is located a little under six miles north of downtown Delaware, making it possible to reach in less than 10 minutes by car along route US-23.
Covering an area of almost 1,700 acres, Delaware State Park is a place where you can easily spend an entire weekend exploring its different areas and playing your favorite outdoor sports. Some popular activities among visitors to this beautiful nature reserve include hiking, hunting, fishing, boating, and picnicking. Although Delaware State Park is an excellent spot for a day trip, the place also features fully equipped campgrounds for those wanting to stay overnight.
3. Alum Creek State Park
Another photogenic nature reserve located about eight miles east of downtown Delaware, Alum Creek State Park is a popular weekend destination. Featuring a large reservoir and covering a surface area of about 4,600 acres, this state park is a great choice for outdoor sports and recreational activities including swimming, fishing, picnicking, and wildlife watching. If you have the chance to visit the area in autumn, make sure to bring your camera and capture the beautiful scenery that the place offers, with all the leaves changing colors.
Start making your plans to visit one – or all! – of these beautiful locations when you’re in the mood to get out and about in the Delaware, OH area!
Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License
Connect with us
