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Westerville, Ohio: Where Fun and Adventure Meet! Best Places to Visit and Things to Do

Blendon Woods Metro Park runs over 600 acres of woodland and meadow and wetland with three ponds in it. Towers Hall went up on the Otterbein University campus in 1871 as a dormitory for female students. The Westerville Anti-Slavery Society was formed here in 1836 and it was one of the earliest in the whole country. Hoover Reservoir runs a lazy river that people tube and kayak on all summer. Donuts.

Welcome to Westerville, Ohio, a suburb of Columbus that runs a broad spread of activities to keep you entertained. Nature lover, history person or somebody who came for family fun, Westerville has a version of it. Outdoor recreation through to shopping and food options, this destination holds up.

For the great outdoors, Westerville runs plenty of options. Take a stroll through one of the many parks and nature reserves, or hit the trails for a hike or bike ride. Historical sites turn up all over Westerville as well, with landmarks like the Hanby House and the Anti-Saloon League Museum giving you the area’s past directly.

Whatever your interests, Westerville runs a set of indoor activities to keep you entertained. Museums and art galleries through to escape rooms and trampoline parks, the rainy day fills itself. And when it is time to wind down, Westerville runs plenty of cozy accommodations to choose from. So pack your bags and get ready for an adventure in this Ohio town.

Key Takeaways

• Westerville, Ohio is a destination with something for everyone, from outdoor recreation to historical landmarks and indoor activities.
• Nature lovers will appreciate the many parks and nature reserves in the area, while history buffs can explore landmarks like the Hanby House and Anti-Saloon League Museum.
• When it’s time to wind down, Westerville offers a variety of cozy accommodations to choose from.

The Great Outdoors

Ah, the great outdoors. Westerville, Ohio is packed with fun and exciting activities to enjoy in nature. Hike, bike or paddle, there is a version here. These are the best outdoor activities to try in Westerville.

Parks and Trails

Westerville is home to many beautiful parks and hiking trails. One of the most popular is Blendon Woods Metro Park, which runs over 600 acres of woodland, meadows and wetlands. Take a hike on one of the park’s many trails, have a picnic in one of the designated picnic areas, or go fishing in one of the park’s three ponds.

Water Activities

To cool off on a hot day, head to the lazy river at the Hoover Reservoir. This 2.8-mile-long river is a popular spot for tubing and kayaking. You can also rent a boat and explore the reservoir’s many coves and inlets. For birdwatchers, the Walden Waterfowl Refuge is the stop. This 50-acre wetland is home to over 100 species of birds, ducks and geese and swans among them.

Sports and Games

Westerville runs plenty of sports and games in the great outdoors. Play a round of disc golf at the Hoover Mudflats Disc Golf Course, or challenge your friends to a game of basketball or volleyball at one of the city’s many playgrounds. And for something more adventurous, try your hand at fishing in one of the city’s many lakes and ponds.

So get out there and enjoy all that Westerville’s great outdoors has to offer.

Historical Sites

Westerville, Ohio carries a long history, and for a history person the various historical sites in the area are the reason to come. These are the historical sites in Westerville to see first.

Underground Railroad

Westerville was a stop on the Underground Railroad. People fleeing slavery in the South made their way here and stayed at safe houses in the area. The Westerville Anti-Slavery Society was formed in 1836. It was one of the earliest abolitionist societies in the country. The Westerville History Museum holds the record of the Underground Railroad and the part Westerville played in it.

Benjamin Hanby’s House

Benjamin Hanby, a composer and abolitionist, lived in Westerville and wrote the famous Christmas song “Up on the Housetop” while living here. You can visit his house, which has been turned into a museum, and pick up his life and the mark he left on the community.

Towers Hall

Towers Hall is a historic building on the campus of Otterbein University. It was built in 1871 and originally served as a dormitory for female students. Today it houses administrative offices and classrooms. The building is known for its architecture and it is the stop for anyone interested in local history.

Other historical sites in Westerville include the Everal Barn and Homestead, which dates back to the early 19th century and has been restored to its original condition, and Sharon Woods, a park whose own history goes back to the Civil War.

History person or somebody who just wants to learn more about the local area, Westerville runs plenty of historical sites to explore. So grab your camera and get ready to step back in time.

Indoor Activities

When the weather is not cooperating, or you just want to stay indoors, Westerville runs plenty of options. These are a few indoor activities you can enjoy in the city.

Westerville Public Library

The Westerville Public Library is a good place to spend a rainy day. The library holds a vast collection of books, movies and music that you can borrow for free. You can also attend the events and programs the library hosts throughout the year. Storytime for kids through to book clubs for adults, the library covers the whole household. And the library runs comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi and plenty of outlets, which makes it an ideal spot to work or study.

Community Center Activities

The Westerville Community Center is another place to spend a day indoors. The center runs fitness classes, swimming and indoor sports. You can also take advantage of the center’s amenities, the sauna and the hot tub and the indoor track among them. The community center also runs programs for kids, summer camps and after-school activities among them.

Shopping and Dining

Westerville runs plenty of shops, restaurants and bars that you can visit on a rainy day. The city has a walkable downtown area with boutiques, antique shops and art galleries in it. For more extensive shopping options, head to Easton Town Center, which is just a short drive away. Easton runs over 200 stores, restaurants and entertainment options, which makes it the destination for a day of indoor fun.

In conclusion, whether you want to read a good book, get some exercise or do some shopping, Westerville runs plenty of indoor activities to keep you entertained. So the next time it is raining outside, do not worry. You will not be bored in Westerville.

Family Fun

Westerville, Ohio runs plenty of fun activities for the whole family. Outdoor adventures or indoor entertainment, there is a version here. These are a few family-friendly options to consider.

Boundless Playground

For a playground accessible to children of all abilities, the Boundless Playground is the one. This playground runs equipment designed to be inclusive and fun for everyone. Swings through to slides through to climbing structures, there is plenty to keep kids entertained. And the playground sits inside the larger Huber Village Park, which has plenty of green space for running around and playing games.

Millstone Creek Park

For a more natural setting, head to Millstone Creek Park. This park runs a nature play area where kids can explore and learn about the environment. There are also hiking trails, a fishing pond and picnic areas. And if you are lucky, you might even spot some wildlife, deer or birds.

Mini Golf and Snack Bar

For a fun and low-key activity, check out the mini golf course and snack bar at Westerville Mini Golf & Batting Cages. The course is well-maintained and runs fun obstacles and challenges. After you have worked up an appetite, head to the snack bar for some refreshments. They run everything from hot dogs and nachos to ice cream and slushies.

Whatever your family’s interests are, there are plenty of options for fun in Westerville, Ohio. Exploring nature, playing on a playground or trying to sink a hole-in-one, the day works out.

Westerville is not a stop on the way to Columbus, it is the town that formed an anti-slavery society in 1836. The Anti-Saloon League Museum is not a footnote, it is one of the sites people come here for. Blendon Woods Metro Park is not a lawn, it is over 600 acres. And the donut trail is not a joke.

Music and Concerts

Looking for musical entertainment in Westerville, you are in luck. This Ohio town runs a music scene that will get your toes tapping and your head nodding. These are the best places to catch a concert or enjoy live music in Westerville.

Musician’s Corner

For a musician looking to jam with other talented folks, head over to the Musician’s Corner. This community music store runs lessons, workshops and open mic nights for musicians of all skill levels. Seasoned pro or somebody just starting out, you will find like-minded musicians to play with at the Musician’s Corner.

Local Concerts

Westerville runs local concerts throughout the year. The Sounds of Summer Concert Series at Alum Creek Park North Amphitheater through to the Westerville Music & Arts Festival, there is always something on in this town. Check out the Visit Westerville website for a full list of upcoming concerts and events.

For a music venue in Westerville, check out Fenders Renaissance Columbus Westerville-Polaris. This intimate venue hosts local and national acts throughout the year, and runs a full bar and menu for your dining and drinking pleasure.

So a musician looking to jam with others or a music lover looking for a concert, Westerville runs plenty. Get out there and enjoy the sounds of this Ohio town.

Where to Stay

Hotels and Inns

For a luxurious stay in Westerville, you will find plenty of options to choose from. The Renaissance Columbus Westerville-Polaris Hotel is a good choice for anyone who wants a modern and stylish hotel. It runs spacious rooms, an indoor pool, a fitness center and a restaurant. Another option is the Hilton Columbus/Polaris, which sits near some of the city’s top attractions. It runs elegant rooms, a fitness center and an indoor pool.

For a more intimate and cozy atmosphere, you can stay at one of the many inns in the area. The Inn at Westerville is a beautiful bed and breakfast that runs comfortable rooms, a good breakfast and a lovely garden. The 50 Lincoln-Short North Bed and Breakfast is another option, sitting in the heart of the Short North Arts District.

Budget Accommodations

On a tight budget, do not worry, because there are plenty of affordable options in Westerville. The Red Roof Inn Columbus Northeast-Westerville is a good choice for anyone who wants to save some money without sacrificing comfort. It runs clean and cozy rooms, free Wi-Fi and a pet-friendly policy.

Another budget-friendly option is the Motel 6 Columbus – Westerville. It is a simple hotel that runs basic amenities, free Wi-Fi and free parking and cable TV among them. It is a good choice for anyone who just needs a place to sleep and does not want to spend a lot of money.

Whatever your budget or preferences are, you will find the right place to stay in Westerville.

Traveler Tips

Best Time to Visit

Westerville works any time of the year. However, for the best weather, the months of May through September are the ones. The summer months take the outdoor activities, hiking and biking and swimming among them. And if you are not a fan of hot weather, you might want to avoid the months of July and August, because they can get pretty steamy.

To save some money on your trip, consider visiting Westerville in February. The winter months are the off-season in this part of Ohio, so you can often find good deals on lodging and activities. And the snow-covered landscape is worth looking at on its own.

Traveler Favorites

According to TripAdvisor, the top things to do in Westerville include visiting Sharon Woods Metro Park, exploring Inniswood Metro Gardens and taking a tour of the Anti-Saloon League Museum. For a history person, a visit to the Hanby House Historic Site is the other one, because it was once home to the composer of the Christmas carol “Up on the Housetop.”

For something more active, consider checking out the Alum Creek State Park, where you can go boating, fishing and hiking. Or head to the Westerville Community Center, which runs a pool, a fitness center and an indoor track.

Whatever you decide to do in Westerville, bring comfortable shoes and a sense of humor. You never know what kind of adventures you might have in this Ohio town.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of trouble can I get into in Westerville, Ohio?

Well, we do not condone any troublemaking here in Westerville, but we do run plenty of fun activities to keep you out of trouble. You can check out our local breweries, wineries and distilleries for some adult beverages, or head to one of our many parks for some outdoor adventures. Just remember to follow the rules and be respectful of others.

Are there any secret underground tunnels in Westerville?

We hate to burst your bubble, but there are no secret underground tunnels in Westerville. However, we do run plenty of interesting historical sites and museums to explore, the Hanby House Historic Site and the Anti-Saloon League Museum among them.

Can I find Bigfoot in Westerville?

While we cannot confirm or deny the existence of Bigfoot in Westerville, we do run plenty of wildlife to observe in our parks and nature reserves. Keep your eyes peeled for deer, foxes and maybe even a bald eagle if you are lucky.

What’s the best way to annoy the locals in Westerville?

We do not encourage you to annoy the locals in any way, shape or form. We are a friendly community here in Westerville, and we want everyone to feel welcome. Instead, why not strike up a conversation with a local and learn more about our town?

Is it true that Westerville has a donut trail?

Yes, it is true. We have a donut trail that takes you to some of the best donut shops in town. Bring your sweet tooth and try some of our flavors, maple bacon and s’mores among them.

What’s the most ridiculous thing to do in Westerville?

We do not condone any ridiculous behavior, but we do run plenty of fun and quirky activities to keep you entertained. You can check out our annual Duck Derby, where thousands of rubber ducks race down the river, or take part in the Westerville Bike Race, where you can dress up in ridiculous costumes and race your bike through town. Just remember to have fun and be safe.

Frequently asked questions about Westerville, Ohio

Where do you go in Westerville, Ohio when the afternoon is all you have?

Start at Blendon Woods Metro Park, where over 600 acres of woodland and meadow and wetland open up around the trails. Cut back into the downtown for the boutiques and the antique shops and the art galleries. The Hanby House and the Anti-Saloon League Museum are both close in. Donut trail after.

Where should you eat and drink around Westerville, Ohio after a day outside?

Westerville Mini Golf & Batting Cages runs a snack bar with hot dogs and nachos and ice cream and slushies out of it. The local breweries and wineries and distilleries handle the adult end of the evening. The donut trail runs the maple bacon and the s’mores among its flavors. Bring the sweet tooth.

Where do you find the actual history in Westerville, Ohio if you want it?

Towers Hall sits on the Otterbein University campus and the building went up in 1871 as a dormitory for the female students. The Westerville History Museum carries the Underground Railroad story and the safe houses in this area. The Everal Barn and Homestead goes back to the early 19th century. Sharon Woods too.

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