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Newark is a city of about 50,000 people and the county seat of Licking County, Ohio, about 40 miles east of Columbus. It grew in the 1800s along the Ohio and Erie Canal and later railroads and glass works, and its downtown square around the ornate Licking County Courthouse still reflects that prosperous era.
Newark is famous for the Newark Earthworks, the largest set of geometric earthen enclosures in the world, built by people of the Hopewell culture around 2,000 years ago. The Great Circle and the Octagon earthworks are part of the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks UNESCO World Heritage Site, listed in 2023.
Downtown has the restored Midland Theatre, The Works museum of history, art and technology, and the Canal Market District farmers market. The Thomas J. Evans Trail starts here, the Dawes Arboretum lies just south, and the giant basket-shaped former Longaberger headquarters stands on the east side of town. Granville and Buckeye Lake are short drives away.
A huge circular enclosure built by the Hopewell culture around 2,000 years ago, with tall earthen walls and an inner ditch surrounding a central mound. It is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A small museum explains its history, and the grounds are free and open daily for a walk around the walls.
A Hopewell earthwork joining an octagon to a perfect circle, aligned with the 18.6-year cycle of moonrises and moonsets. It is part of the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks World Heritage Site. An observation platform overlooks the walls; check the Ohio History Connection for days with full public access.
A downtown museum set in restored 19th-century industrial buildings with exhibits on local history and industry, a glass-blowing studio with live demonstrations, art galleries and a hands-on science center for kids. Allow two to three hours, and check the schedule for glass-blowing demonstrations.
An 1815 Federal-style home moved to Veterans Park and run as a house museum by the Licking County Historical Society, with period rooms and furnishings from the 1800s. It gives a glimpse of life in early Newark. Opening days are limited, so contact the historical society before you go.
A richly decorated Second Empire courthouse completed in the 1870s, standing in the middle of Newark's downtown square with a tall clock tower topped by a statue of Justice. It is surrounded by historic commercial blocks and shops. It looks especially festive during the holiday lights display in winter.
The seven-story former headquarters of the Longaberger basket company, built in the 1990s in the shape of a giant picnic basket complete with handles. It is privately owned and not open to visitors, but it is a fun roadside photo stop on State Route 16 on the east side of Newark.
A restored 1928 movie palace on the downtown square with an ornate auditorium, now hosting touring concerts, comedy, classic films and community performances. Check the event calendar before your visit, and arrive early to admire the lobby and decorative plaster work.
A large arboretum just south of Newark with thousands of trees and plants, a Japanese garden, a cypress swamp, a hedge lettering that spells Dawes Arboretum, a scenic auto tour and miles of hiking trails. Admission is free. Spring blossoms and fall colors are the highlights.
A paved rail trail that runs from Newark through Granville to Johnstown, crossing farmland, woods and rivers along a former railroad line. It is popular for cycling, walking and running, with sculptures and benches along the way. Ride to Granville for lunch and come back the same way.
A downtown market pavilion near the courthouse square that hosts the Newark farmers market on Saturdays in season, with local produce, meat, baked goods and crafts. It also hosts concerts and community events in summer. Go early on market day for the best selection and free street parking.
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