Union: Culture, Nature and Covered Bridges

Union combines cultural history, nature experiences and the distinctive landscape of Union County. The blend of historical discoveries and outdoor activities is particularly appealing: you can learn about Honda's development, explore covered bridges, stroll through parks or plan a trip around cycling, fishing and regional specialties.

History in Marysville and Union County

A notable point of interest is the Honda Heritage Center in Marysville. The exhibits focus on Honda's development and manufacturing presence in the United States, which began in Central Ohio in 1979. For specific day planning, the opening hours are Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; on Wednesdays, the center is open until 5:00 p.m. Admission is free.

Smaller institutions also give Union its own historical character. Weller Cabin is a pioneer museum with objects from the era of the early frontier settlements and offers educational programs for residents and visitors. The 1905 Brennan automobile also represents an unusual piece of regional history: it is considered the first automobile built in Union County and one of the first automobiles built in the state of Ohio. Those who would like to engage creatively with the area can find art classes at the Marysville Art League.

Covered Bridges as a Distinctive Travel Theme

Union County's seven covered bridges offer insight into the past and provide a picturesque setting for exploring the landscape. The Covered Bridge Trail provides directions to each bridge. This allows visitors to incorporate the individual structures into their plans and navigate from one bridge to the next.

Notable examples include Buck Run Covered Bridge, which is currently considered the longest single-span wooden bridge in Ohio. Spain Creek Covered Bridge is the smallest covered bridge in Union County. Streng Road Bridge provides a different historical note: it is the only uncovered bridge officially listed as a historic bridge in Ohio. Pottersburg Covered Bridge is now part of a 1.9-mile paved multi-use trail.

Nature, Recreation and Regional Impressions

For a stay with more time outdoors, there are different areas of focus. Glacier Ridge covers 1,032 acres and features a boardwalk through the Honda Wetlands Area as well as a 25-foot-high observation tower. From there, visitors can observe waterfowl and other animals. Marysville's city parks cover more than 300 acres and include, among other things, a municipal swimming pool, a dog park, a disc golf course, a splash pad and miles of walking trails.

In Richwood, Richwood Lake Park has been used for fishing for many years. Cyclists will find scenic roads, appealing small towns and relaxed rides through gently rolling landscapes to historic covered bridges and local attractions in Union County. Farmers' markets round out the regional experience with sales events and fresh, sustainably produced goods.

Which Accommodation Suits Your Travel Plans

When looking for a vacation rental in Union, it is worth determining your preferred travel rhythm first. Those focusing on museums and bridges can organize their sightseeing days around the Honda Heritage Center, Weller Cabin and the Covered Bridge Trail. Parks, cycling routes and Richwood Lake Park offer different highlights for active days. A trolley tour of the covered bridges combines visits to historic bridges with lunch or dinner made from regional ingredients, entertainment and craft beverages at local breweries and wineries.

Union Station 1820 provides information about Marysville and the Union County region, as well as maps, visitor guides and information about covered bridges. For further orientation, you can also look at Milford Center and Plain City. You can find other destinations from the same overarching selection at Muskingum, Lucas County, Delaware County and Jackson.

For the overarching travel overview: Ohio.