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From the top of Mount Pleasant, a sandstone knob rising above Rising Park, all of Lancaster spreads out below: church spires, brick mansions and the Hocking River valley. The town was laid out in 1800 where Zane's Trace crossed the Hocking, and it soon became the seat of Fairfield County, about 30 miles southeast of Columbus.
Lancaster produced an unusual number of famous names. General William Tecumseh Sherman and his brother, Senator John Sherman, were born in the house now run as the Sherman House Museum, and the Square 13 Historic District around them is lined with Federal and Greek Revival homes such as the Georgian and the Ewing House. Glassmaking later shaped the town, a story told at the Ohio Glass Museum downtown.
Summer brings the Lancaster Festival of concerts and art, and October closes the county fair season at the Fairfield County Fairgrounds. The sandstone gorges of the Hocking Hills are a short drive south, making Lancaster a calm base for a weekend in the hills.
The modest frame house where William Tecumseh Sherman and his brother John were born now holds period rooms and a Civil War exhibit with Sherman's personal items and a recreated field tent. It is run by the Fairfield Heritage Association. Buy a combined ticket with the Georgian Museum nearby.
A historic camp meeting ground on the edge of town, dating from the late 1800s, where rows of small cottages and an open-air tabernacle still host summer gatherings. The wooded setting feels like stepping back a century. Respect residents' privacy and visit during summer events for the full atmosphere.
A sheer sandstone outcrop rising about 250 feet above Rising Park, reached by a steep wooded trail with steps. From the top you can see across the whole town and the Hocking valley. The climb takes about 20 minutes; wear good shoes and keep children close at the unfenced edges.
The city park at the foot of Mount Pleasant has open lawns, a pond, playgrounds and picnic shelters, plus the start of the trail to the summit. It is shaded and quiet on weekdays. Pack a picnic and climb Mount Pleasant first, then relax by the water at the bottom afterward.
This compact historic district on Main Hill holds some of the finest early 19th century homes in Ohio, built by lawyers, judges and politicians of the young state, including the Ewing and Stanbery houses. Most are private, so admire them from the brick sidewalks. A self-guided walk takes about 30 minutes.
Main and Broad streets meet at the heart of a compact downtown with 19th century commercial buildings, the Fairfield County Courthouse, local shops, coffee houses and restaurants. Seasonal events and First Friday gatherings bring people out. Park in a public lot and explore on foot.
A stately 1832 Federal-style house with a columned portico, furnished with period antiques and decorative arts from Lancaster's early families. Guided tours explain the house's history and the lives of the people who built it. It sits a short walk from the Sherman House, so plan to see both.
Housed in the Greek Revival Reese-Peters House on Main Street, this center hosts changing exhibitions of fine and decorative art, from furniture and textiles to paintings and photography, often with Ohio connections. Admission is usually free. Exhibits rotate several times a year, so check what is on.
Lancaster was long a center of glassmaking, and this downtown museum displays thousands of pieces from local factories, from pressed tableware to art glass. A working hot shop lets you watch glassblowers and sometimes make your own piece. Book a glassblowing session ahead on busy weekends.
For about ten days each July, the Lancaster Festival fills the town with orchestral concerts, big-name performers, art exhibits and community events at venues around town. Many smaller events are free. Book tickets for headline shows early and bring a lawn chair for outdoor performances.
Held each October at the fairgrounds below Mount Pleasant, this traditional county fair is among the last in Ohio each season, with livestock shows, harness racing, rides and fair food. Fall color on the hillside adds to the scene. Go on a weekday afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds.
West of Lancaster, this small state nature preserve protects Allen Knob, a wooded sandstone hill with oak and hemlock forest and spring wildflowers. A loop trail of under two miles climbs to the top. There are no facilities, so bring water, and visit in April or May for the wildflowers.
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