Clark: Culture, Nature and Trails along the Mad River

Clark combines American history, river landscapes, and diverse opportunities for active days on vacation. Those looking for a vacation rental or holiday home in Clark can plan their stay around different interests: museums and historic sites, hiking trails through prairie and wetlands, or activities on the water. Families with different interests can also find a variety of travel ideas here, without every day having to look the same.

Discover History and Architecture

Cultural history is a particular focus. The Pennsylvania House continues to be operated as a museum by the Lagonda Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The Heritage Center Museum is housed in an 1890 building that occupies an entire city block. Its collection conveys the history of the American heartland and the historic National Road. The Pennsylvania House Tavern & Inn was built on this road as early as 1839.

Architecture enthusiasts will find another notable point of interest at Frank Lloyd Wright's Westcott House. Completed in 1908, the house is considered Ohio's only Prairie-style house and was carefully restored stone by stone. Tours are led by a guide. The Daniel Hertzler House Museum, by contrast, shows what life was like before the American Civil War from the perspective of Mennonite pioneer and entrepreneur Daniel Hertzler. It opens on special tour dates.

The Battle of Peckuwe Historical Battlesite also offers insight into the region's history. It is located across from George Rogers Clark Park and behind the Davidson Interpretive Center. The Battle of Peckuwe was the largest battle of the American Revolution west of the Allegheny Mountains. Several memorials there commemorate Tecumseh and George Rogers Clark. The Gammon House was a station on the Underground Railroad and was owned by free African American citizens; tours take place on the first Saturday of each month from 1 to 3 p.m.

Hiking Trails, Wetlands, and River Landscapes

For active days, the 18-mile, paved Simon Kenton Trail runs from downtown Springfield to Urbana. The trail is ADA-accessible and has numerous access points for people with different abilities. At Spangler Nature Preserve, nearly two miles of trails run through the prairie. More than 200 documented plant species grow there, including the endangered Eastern Prairie Fringe Orchid. At Leadingham Prairie, visitors can observe birds and wildflowers.

Mad River Gorge & Nature Preserve provides access to the Mad River, a streamside forest with native wildflowers, and opportunities for bird-watching. An old railway path runs through the forest. There are also natural dolomite cliffs up to 50 feet high and opportunities for sport climbing. Estel Wenrick Wetland encompasses 145 acres of wetlands and forest; its trails are suited to hikers and bird-watchers. At Buck Creek Nature Park, wildflower gardens border Buck Creek.

Water, Art, and Local Experiences

Buck Creek State Park provides access to a 2,120-acre lake. Mad River Adventures offers canoe rentals on a scenic section of the Mad River in Clark County. The ECO Sports Corridor includes four recreational facilities for whitewater kayaking. Those who prefer a more relaxed pace can visit the Springfield Museum of Art. It is Ohio's only Smithsonian-affiliate art museum; its permanent collection includes works by Berenice Abbott, George Bellows, and Charley Harper.

Unusual attractions include the Hartman Rock Garden, a folk-art installation created from more than 250,000 stones that is free to access. The Springfield Antique Show takes place in May and September at the Clark County Fairgrounds and features more than 2,000 vendors. The Fair at New Boston offers entertainment in the style of bygone eras, selected artisans, a Native American Village, and a reenacted battle. In downtown Springfield, Mother Stewart's Brewing Company has a taproom and an outdoor beer garden.

Choose the Right Base for Your Stay

When searching for a vacation rental in Clark, it is worth deciding first what you want to focus on during your trip. For days centered on culture and history, museums, architecture, and historic sites take center stage. Those who prefer nature can plan their stay around hiking trails, wetlands, prairie, and river landscapes. For a varied itinerary, active days on the water or on the trail can be combined with more leisurely museum visits and local experiences. The choice of accommodation should match your own daily rhythm and the planned mix of activities.

More local pages can be found under South Vienna, Springfield, and Enon. Additional pages are available for Hamilton, Putnam County, Stark, Highland County, and Van Wert.

For the broader travel overview: Ohio.