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Grain elevators and a rail line still mark the heart of Hilliard, a fast-growing suburb on the northwest edge of Columbus that began in 1853 as Hilliard's Station, a stop laid out by John Reed Hilliard beside the new railroad. The old depot district, now called Old Hilliard, keeps its small-town grid of brick storefronts, breweries and cafes, and the former rail corridor has become the Heritage Rail Trail, a paved path that runs out toward Plain City through farmland.
The town's oddest treasure is the Early Television Museum, a volunteer-run collection of mechanical sets, prewar receivers and studio cameras that tells the story of TV before color. Local history is gathered at Weaver Park, where the historical society has assembled a depot, a caboose, a one-room school and a chapel into a small pioneer village.
West of town the land opens up along Big Darby Creek, where Prairie Oaks Metro Park offers prairie trails, fishing lakes and herons. Each July the Franklin County Fair fills the fairgrounds in Hilliard, and downtown Columbus is about a 20-minute drive east.
A volunteer-run museum with one of the largest collections of early television equipment anywhere, from 1920s mechanical sets with spinning discs to postwar consoles, British prewar receivers and studio cameras. Guides explain how each set worked. Opening days are limited, so check the schedule before driving out.
The original railroad village around Main Street and Center Street, with brick storefronts, coffee shops, breweries and restaurants beside the tracks. Grain elevators still stand near the line. Summer brings outdoor concerts and a weekly farmers market, and it is the natural start for a walk or ride on the Heritage Rail Trail.
A linear Metro Park built on an old railroad bed that runs northwest from Old Hilliard toward Plain City. The paved path crosses farm fields, wetlands and small woodlots, and the trailhead area has restrooms and a playground. It suits easy bike rides, runs and stroller walks; bring water for the longer open stretches.
The Hilliard Ohio Historical Society's collection of rescued buildings, including a train station, a red caboose, a one-room schoolhouse, a chapel and other early buildings. Volunteers open the buildings on select weekends and for seasonal events such as the Halloween open house. The grounds are pleasant to walk even when doors are closed.
A small but moving park on the edge of Old Hilliard built to honor police officers, firefighters, paramedics and other first responders. Walkways lead past memorial walls, sculptures and quiet gardens, and there is seating for reflection. It is an easy stop on foot from the downtown restaurants and is lit in the evening.
A large community park on Cosgray Road known for its themed playground, a small covered bridge, a gazebo, ponds and a summer splash pad. Paved loops wind through the grounds and there are picnic shelters you can reserve. Families come for the playground; arrive early on summer weekends when shelters fill up.
Hilliard's central municipal park, with a pond, walking paths, ball diamonds, tennis courts, a playground and shaded picnic areas. The lake path is pretty at dusk, and the park hosts community events through the year. It is a handy stop for a picnic between visits to Old Hilliard and the Metro Parks.
Held every July at the Franklin County Fairgrounds in Hilliard, the fair brings livestock shows, 4-H exhibits, harness racing, rides, a midway and plenty of fair food. Evenings feature grandstand events such as tractor pulls and demolition derbies. Weekday afternoons are the least crowded time to see the barns.
A large Metro Park west of Hilliard spread along Big Darby Creek, with restored tallgrass prairie, woods and the Darby Bend Lakes, former gravel pits now used for fishing and paddling. Trails range from short loops to longer bridle and bike paths. Herons and egrets are common; bring binoculars in spring and fall.
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Photo: Moocraft, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Moocraft, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Sixflashphoto, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
