Discover Warren: Nature, History and Recreation

Fort Ancient brings together archaeology and a landscape that can also be explored on foot. Add river activities, recreational options and seasonal events to the mix. When planning your trip, consider whether history, nature or a particular experience will shape your stay—that will also give your hotel search a clear focus.

Explore Archaeology and History

Fort Ancient is part of the serial UNESCO World Heritage Site Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks. This designation includes eight sites in Ohio. Fort Ancient Earthworks & Nature Preserve’s earthworks were built on a ridge 2,000 years ago. On-site, a museum, a reconstructed Native American garden and three miles of hiking trails with scenic viewpoints round out the visit. The Third Friday Archaeology Tour takes place on the third Friday of each month; check the date as you plan.

Other attractions also offer ways to explore the region’s history. The Harmon Museum houses the largest collection of Shaker artifacts in the United States. At Caesar's Creek Pioneer Village, you can visit original Quaker buildings that were built in the 18th and early 19th centuries. The village’s interactive activities include Maple Sugar Camp, Harvest Festival and Civil War Encampment. Each offers its own focus—collections, architecture and themed activities are different ways to engage with the past.

Parks, Rivers and Outdoor Activities

Hisey Park spans 158 acres of wooded slopes and floodplain. A scenic overlook offers views of the picturesque river valley. Simpson Creek runs along the north side of Landen-Deerfield Park; the creek is a tributary of the Little Miami. These park landscapes offer different natural settings to consider when planning your trip, from wooded slopes to riverbanks.

There are several ways to enjoy water activities on the Little Miami River. Morrow Veterans Park lies between the Little Miami River and the Little Miami Scenic Trail, and has a canoe and kayak launch for paddling trips on the Little Miami Scenic River. Little Miami Canoe and Campground offers canoe, kayak, raft and inner-tube trips of up to 18 miles on the Little Miami River. If you’d rather look out over the water than paddle, consider the options at the lakes: boating, fishing and water skiing are available at Caesar Creek Lake. Armco Park combines a 110-acre lake for fishing and boating with an 18-hole executive golf course.

Another way to experience nature is Ozone Zipline Adventures’ canopy zipline tour through the forests along the scenic Little Miami River. Tours include up to seven ziplines, with trained guides sharing information about nature and science. The options differ not only in activity, but also in whether you’d like to include a treetop tour, time on the water or a round of golf in your plans.

Recreation and Seasonal Events

Kings Island has more than 80 rides and attractions, including Planet Snoopy. The Kings Island water park, Soak City, features more than 50 slides and pools. For a ride on the rails, Lebanon, Mason & Monroe Railroad offers one-hour train rides along a scenic six-mile route, as well as seasonal themed rides. Train rides run every weekend from Easter through Christmas; check seasonal schedules before your trip.

Events can also provide the perfect reason to visit. The seasonal Ohio Renaissance Festival takes place at Renaissance Park, a 30-acre English village near Harveysburg and Waynesville. The festival features a full-armored joust, shopping for handmade leather goods, historic clothing and freshly forged swords, as well as food such as turkey legs and other entertainment. Dates vary from year to year, so check before planning your trip.

The Ohio Sauerkraut Festival takes place annually on the second full weekend in October in historic downtown Waynesville. More than 30 nonprofit food booths serve sauerkraut prepared in a variety of ways; details may change from year to year. In December, the Lebanon Horse Drawn Carriage Parade & Christmas Festival features a daytime parade and a candlelight parade, and is always held on the first Saturday of the month. Confirm event dates before planning your trip around them. La Comedia offers live Broadway-style entertainment in a professional dinner theater. The Cincinnati Open is held at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason.

Warren as a Home Base

Warren County is accessible via Interstates 71 and 75. Whether archaeology, an event date, golf or time by the river is the deciding factor, choosing a clear focus will help you plan a trip that suits your interests.

Explore more destinations: Maineville, Mason, Springboro, Adams County, Ottawa County, Washington, Montgomery, Scioto County.

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