Fun Friday
Good Morning we have made it through another week and now it's time to go on our weekly Friday adventure.
Can you guess where we are going this week? We are going to visit the state of Ohio home of the Buckeyes
1.) The National Museum of the US Air Force located in Dayton hours of operation are 9-5pm If you love aviation and its history then you're not going to want to miss this spot. Admission and parking are free but there are a few things you can pay for while inside. You could easily spend a few days here with all the fascinating things to see. If you're in the area please stop by and see what they have to offer.
2.) Rock & Roll Hall of Fame located in Cleveland Price of Admission is about $36 Headquartered in a boldly designed building on Lake Erie's shore, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a 150,000-square-foot museum featuring ever-changing exhibits documenting the history of rock and roll, from Elvis to our days. You’ll see hundreds of original artifacts, from Jimi Hendrix outfits to The Beatles’ handwritten lyrics. Experience the excitement of a Rock Hall induction night at the Power of Rock Experience or have your very own jam session at the Garage.
3.) Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden hours of operation 10-5pm This second oldest zoo in the U.S., considered one of the best in the country, is most renowned for its endangered species and birthing programs, particularly for gorillas and white tigers, and has a wonderful collection of felines and a delightful manatees exhibit.
4.) Columbus Zoo and Aquarium located in Powell hours of operation are 9-5pm Home to more than 11,000 animals representing nearly 600 species from around the globe, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium leads and inspires by connecting people and wildlife. The Zoo complex is a recreational and education destination that includes the 22-acre Zoombezi Bay water park and 18-hole Safari Golf Course. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium also operates the Wilds, a 10,000-acre conservation center and safari park located in southeastern Ohio. The Zoo is a regional attraction with global impact; annually contributing $4 million of privately raised funds to support conservation projects worldwide. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Columbus Zoo has earned Charity Navigator’s prestigious 4-star rating.
5.) A Christmas Story House located in Cleveland hours of operation are 10-5pm A Christmas Story House, now restored to its movie splendor, is open year round to the public for tours. Directly across the street from the house is the official A Christmas Story House Museum, which features original props, costumes and memorabilia from the film, as well as hundreds of rare behind-the-scenes photos. Among the props and costumes are the toys from the Higbee's window, Randy's snowsuit, the chalkboard from Miss Shields' classroom and the family car. After reliving A Christmas Story at Ralphie's house don't forget to visit the museum gift shop for your own Major Award Leg Lamp and other great movie memorabilia.
6.) Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens located in Columbus hours of operation are 10-5pm A botanical landmark just two miles east of downtown Columbus, Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens features exotic plant collections and displays, seasonal exhibitions, outdoor gardens (including community and culinary gardens) and a variety of educational programming. All set within the 88-acre Franklin Park. Inspired by horticulture, Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens elevates quality of life and connects the community through educational, cultural and social experiences. All ages can partake in a variety of special events and activities throughout the year. A full menu of classes, workshops and camps are offered in gardening, cooking, fine art and wellness. With its natural surroundings, both indoors and out, the Conservatory serves as a premier venue for special events and corporate gatherings.
7.) Pro Football Hall of Fame located in Canton hours of operation are 9-8pm Visit the Pro Football Hall of Fame and create unforgettable family memories. Teach your kids about the Legends of the Game in the historic Bronze Bust Gallery. Make the call in our interactive replay booth. Take a family photo next to the iconic Lombardi Trophy. Witness the Super Bowl like never before in our Super Bowl Theater and see the full collection of all the Super Bowl rings.
8.) Cincinnati Museum Center hours of operation are 10-5pm Thursday -Monday Seniors and Children admission price is $15 adults are $22 Cincinnati Museum Center is a one-of-a-kind, multi-museum complex housed in Union Terminal, a historic Art Deco train station and National Historic Landmark. Museum Center's major offerings at Union Terminal include the Cincinnati History Museum, the Cincinnati History Library and Archives, The Children's Museum, the Museum of Natural History & Science and the Robert D. Lindner Family OMNIMAX® Theater. Museum Center is the largest cultural institution in the city of Cincinnati, with more than 1.4 million visitors per year. Our permanent and temporary exhibits are supported and complemented by a state-of-the-art collections and research facility, the Geier Collections and Research Center, educational programs, professional development programs for teachers, day and overnight camps, public lectures and programs, tours of historic sites and community-wide cultural events. Museum Center’s collection encompasses more than 1.8 million artifacts, art works and archives and is incorporated into our exhibition, research and education programs.
In addition, Museum Center has been working with our collaborative partner, the Ohio Chapter of the Nature Conservancy, to protect the Richard & Lucille Durrell Edge of Appalachia Preserve System for more than 50 years. The Preserve is the largest privately-owned protected natural area in Ohio at 16,000 acres. It provides critical habitats for more than 100 rare plant and animal species. The Eulett Center is the Museum Center's research and education facility at the Preserve. It has increased staff research capabilities, greatly expanded opportunities for educational programming and has enhanced the Preserve's relationship with the Adams County community.
9.) Toledo Zoo hours of operation are 3-9pm Enjoy making memories as you and your family explore indoor and outdoor exhibits that feature more than 10,000 individual animals representing over 720 species! Find adventure for the whole family between the Aquarium, ProMedica Museum of Natural History, and interactive Nancy L. and Martin Davidson Barnyard.
10.) Carillon Historical Park located in Dayton hours of operation are 9:30-5pm Carillon Historical Park inspires generations by connecting them with the unique people, places, and events that changed Dayton and the world. With more than 30 museum exhibits onsite, Carillon Historical Park showcases Dayton’s rich heritage of creativity, invention, and milestones in innovation that changed the nation and the world! The park houses the John W. Berry, Sr. Wright Brothers National Museum featuring the original 1905 Wright Flyer III, an impressive collection of NCR cash registers, the Carousel of Dayton Innovation, Gem City Letterpress (NEW!), and so much more!
11.) Lake View Cemetery located in CLeveland As a tourist destination, The Lake View Cemetery offers a variety of walking, bus, and self-guided tours. Among the tour topics are geology, architecture, horticulture, nature, animals, and history. In addition, there are picnic sites and hiking trails. Some of the well-known points of interest include: The Garfield Monument Open April 1 - November 19, seven days a week, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm. Both buildings are staffed with interpretive guides during open hours. Dedicated in 1890 to honor James A. Garfield, 20th President of the United States 180' tall, 154 steps Architect — George Keller Caskets of the President and his wife, Lucretia, are displayed for viewing Listed on the National Register of Historic Places Wade Chapel Open April 1 - November 19, seven days a week, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm. Both buildings are staffed with interpretive guides during open hours. Built in honor of Jeptha Wade, founder of the Western Union Telegraph Company and first president of The Lake View Cemetery Association Made of granite from Barre, VT with an interior and window by Louis Comfort Tiffany studios Architect — Hubbell & Benes Listed on the National Register of Historic Places Rockefeller Monument Erected to honor the family of John Davison Rockefeller, financier and philanthropist, founder of Standard Oil Company 65' tall; 357,680 lbs. Made of one piece of granite, the largest piece ever quarried for memorialization purposes in Barre, Vermont Community Mausoleum Dedicated in April, 1990 1148 crypts, 928 niches Contemporary architecture Architects — Harley Ellington Pierce Yee Associates, Inc., Southfield, Michigan Builders — Carbone Construction Lake View Cemetery Dam (Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District Project) Dedicated in 1978 The largest concrete-poured dam east of the Mississippi at the time 500' across, 60' above grade, 30' below grade Holds 80M gallons storm water
12.) Cleveland Metroparks Zoo hours of operation are 10-5pm Don't miss this exciting metropolitan zoo best known for having the largest collection of primates in the United States and for its Rainforest exhibit, which features a thrilling simulated tropical rain storm.
13.) Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens located in Akron Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens is open for tours Tues.-Sun from April 1 - Dec. 30; it is closed on Mondays. The historic estate includes 64,500 sq. ft. Manor House, historic gardens and grounds. Hours change the day after Thanksgiving through 12/30 for the holiday event, DECK THE HALL. Visit stanhywet.org for complete info. Completed in 1915, Stan Hywet Hall was built for the family of F.A. Seiberling, co-founder of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. It was named Stan Hywet, Old English for stone quarry, after the property’s most prominent natural feature. The 65-room Manor House is one of the finest examples of Tudor Revival architecture in America, and the sixth largest home open to the public. The Gate Lodge at the entrance to the estate has its own historic significance. In 1935, two admitted alcoholics met there and talked long into the night, when the principles that still serve as the cornerstone of Alcoholics Anonymous were identified.
14.) German Village A highway bridge over Interstate 70 is all that separates the German Village Historic District from downtown Columbus, but as one looks east from the interstate, the difference between old and new is glaring. A 20+ story structure sits just north of the interstate bridge, and just south, in German Village, no structure is higher than three stories. Five blocks south, the spire of St. Mary Church stands 197’ off the sidewalk and towers over everything around it. Structures and sidewalks are orange masonry, and many streets (about half) are still brick pavers. German Village does not have a recreated sense of history or kitschy Bavarian feel ~ rather, it is a neighborhood with architecture dating from the 1840s-1890s that has been preserved, and its use as a shared residential and commercial neighborhood has been maintained. People walk to their destinations, park on the street due to the overwhelming absence of driveways, and live life at a very pedestrian level. The neighborhood is extremely dense ~ very often only inches separate neighboring structures, and many structures were built for multi-family use. German Village is notably different because its appearance has changed so little.
15.) American Sign Museum located in Cincinnati hours of operation are 10-4pm We are home to a visual history of American Signage from 1870 through 1970. Hand carved wooden signs, gold leaf, electric light bulbs, and neon all grace our walls and tell amazing stories, especially when told by our founder and avid collector Tod. Take a trip down memory lane and visit us in the Camp Washington neighborhood of Cincinnati!
16.) National Underground Railroad Freedom Center hours are 10-5pm Located in Cincinnati, Ohio, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center stands as the nation's newest monument to freedom. It brings to life the importance - and relevance - of struggles for freedom around the world and throughout history, including today.
17.) USS Cod Submarine Memorial located in Cleveland hours of operation are 10-5pm Self-guided tour of the submarine responsible for the sinking of more than 30,000 tons of Japanese shipping during WWII. She also performed history's only international sub to sub rescue when she saved the crew of a grounded Dutch submarine in WWII. Cod is a National Historic Landmark and among the finest submarine restorations in the world.
18.) Marblehead Lighthouse One of the oldest lighthouses on the Great Lakes, it towers 65 feet into the air.
19.) Ohio Caverns located in West Liberty hours of operation are 10-4pm Tours take guests through two different parts of the cavern. The Historic Tour begins at the site of discovery and includes the part that was originally explored from 1897 to 1925. The Natural Wonder Tour takes guests on a 1 mile walk through parts discovered after 1925. It includes the largest stalactite in Ohio, The Crystal King, along with many other marvelous formations and colors. The Winter Tour is the only tour offered from October 1st through April 30th. It is a hybrid tour, showing guests highlights from both the Natural Wonder and Historic tours.
20.) Warther Museum located in Dover hours of operation are 9-5pm The Warther Museum is home of the world famous wood carvings of steam engines by Ernest Mooney Warther carved out of ivory, ebony, and walnut. Mrs. Warther's button collection numbers over 73,000 buttons in patterns, and her Swiss style gardens still bloom seasonally to this day. The Warther Museum is more than you can imagine as you see what two people created in just one lifetime.
21.) Castle Noel located in Medina See it all at America’s Largest Indoor Year-roundChristmas Entertainment Attraction featuring “Holly”wood Christmas Movieland, “I Had That” Toyland Experience, NYC Christmas Windowland. Experience flying with Santa in the simulator ride and receive a DVD. Hold on as you enter our magical world through the North Pole Blizzard Vortex tunnel. In a wheelchair? Santa set it up to be wheelchair accessible. Go through Santa’s Squeeze and find out how Santa feels going down a chimney. Climb Santa Klaus mountain, see Santa and get “The Best Santa Photo Ever” then, Slide back down like Ralphie. Simply Amazing! Directly from Hollywood: The entire “Holly”wood Christmas Movieland prop and costume collection. The world’s largest privately owned collection of Hollywood Christmas movie props and costumes used in the movies: “Elf”, “Grinch”, “Turboman”, “Santa Claus 1, 2 and 3” and much more.PLUS, over $2 million in NYC Christmas window displays from Saks Fifth Avenue, Lord & Taylor, Bloomingdales and more. America’s #1 Christmas Fun Place.
22.) James A. Garfield National Historic Site located in Mentor hours of operation are 10-5pm The site is made up of a visitors' center, as well as the 20-room farmhouse Garfield lived in with his wife and five children.
23.) Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums located in Fremont hours of operation are 9-5pm The Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums is dedicated to 19th U.S. President Rutherford B. Hayes and First Lady Lucy Hayes. The site houses their 25-acre wooded estate, known as Spiegel Grove; their 31-room Victorian mansion; the presidential library; a museum; the tomb; and a mile of paved walking trails. There are fees to tour the museum and the home. Use of the presidential library, which has a massive genealogy and local history collections, is free. The museum was renovated in early 2016 and includes interactive exhibits that tell the story of Rutherford and Lucy, the issues they faced and what they thought about those issues. Sit at a replica of the Resolute Desk - the original was given to President Hayes and still sits in the Oval Office of the White House - try on a Civil War soldier's haversack and more. The Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums is America's first presidential library and the forerunner for the federal presidential library system.
24.) Imagination Station located in Toledo hours of operation are 10-5pm Make Imagination Station, Toledo's Science Center, your family's destination. In addition to your favorite exhibits and attractions, we always have something new. In 2014, a new simulator film, Over the Edge!, joined the High Wire Cycle, the BOYO, the Gravity Room, eight Learning Worlds and hundreds of interactive exhibits, activities and demonstrations!
25.) Merry-Go-Round Museum located in Sandusky admission price included a ride on Merry Go Round. It is small but looking at all the amazing carvings of the different animals was worth it. There are many hand carved animals from the turn of the century. From all over the US, many survived different disasters like hurricanes. Worth the stop if you want something off the beaten path to do for around an hour. Friendly staff willing to answer questions and provide information. Little gift shop too.
26.) African Safari Wildlife Park located in Port Clinton hours of operation are 10-6pm Have you ever fed a Camel? Been nose-to-nose with a Bison? If not, you will be at African Safari Wildlife Park! From Alpaca to Zebra, we have hundreds of exotic animals awaiting your arrival. The Park is celebrating its 55th WILD Season in 2023. We can’t wait to see you at THE Ohio Safari Park!
27.) Armstrong Air & Space Museum located in Wapakoneta hours of operation are 10-5pm The year was 1969 and the mood was as high as the man on the moon. Neil A. Armstrong had done what no man had done before him. From his hometown of Wapakoneta, across the United States, and around the world, people wanted to honor his feat.The Apollo 11 crew had completed the greatest journey in human history putting men on the moon and setting the course for the future of the nation's space program.The impact of that journey is still felt in Wapakoneta today. Businesses and streets in the community reflect the pride the city has in its native son, the first person to walk on the moon.On July 20, 1969, Ohio governor James Rhodes proposed a museum as a monument to the achievements of not only Armstrong but "all Ohioans who have attempted to defy gravity," as well as to the history of the space program itself.After the state of Ohio pledged $500,000 for the museum, Governor Rhodes challenged the local community to match, dollar for dollar, the funds to build the facility. "Neil Armstrong is the man of the century and we want to perpetuate his achievements here in Ohio," Rhodes said.Wapakoneta residents met that challenge head on. Businesses and individuals alike donated to the cause. Even school children saved their pennies and nickels in order to take part in this once-in-a-lifetime project.When the governor returned to Wapakoneta, he was presented with a check for $528,313.55. Citizens of Wapakoneta had raised over half of the total cost.Plans for the museum were unveiled during the groundbreaking ceremony in 1970. The design was unique. Earth was mounded around the steel-reinforced concrete building, giving the building the semblance of being underground. Designed to accommodate the Astro Theater for multimedia film and sound presentations, the central sphere dominates the entire complex. The fifty-six feet wide dome enhances the futuristic moon-base design.On July 20, 1972, three years to the day after Neil Armstrong's walk on the moon, the Armstrong Air and Space Museum opened to much fanfare. Armstrong himself was present to help open the facility, and Tricia Nixon Cox, standing in for the President, presented moon rocks brought back to Earth from the Apollo 11 mission.As space exploration has evolved, so have the exhibits at the Armstrong Air & Space Museum. But the focus has remained the same: to stand not only as a repository of Ohio's aeronautical history and a monument to Ohio's contribution to aviation and space exploration, but also as a tribute to Ohioan Neil Armstrong, whose "one small step for a man" was indeed a "giant leap for mankind."
28.) Loveland Castle The castle was built by an amazing man, be sure to watch the short video offered on site. We thoroughly enjoyed the castle, the landscaped grounds, everything. $5 admission. Friendly volunteers on site to provide info and answer questions. $5 admission. Then go to downtown Loveland for lunch, shopping, train ride & more. Love this area!
29.) Ghostly Manor Thrill Center located in Sandusky Multi Attraction Family Entertainment Center. Featured on The Travel Channel's "Best Places I've Ever Been." Experience the scariest haunted house you will ever encounter, ride the fastest virtual roller coaster in Ohio, experience a one-of-a-kind interactive 3D blacklight mini golf journey, bounce houses, an indoor play area or get your heart pumping some more with a whirl around the skating rink. Special Events in October (Lake Eerie FearFest) December (Winter Wonderland Walk Through) and in September (Lake Eerie Zombie Mud Run).
30.) Thomas Edison Birthplace Museum located in Milan hours of operation are 10-5pm Small brick Greek revival home set in the hill above the old Milan Canal where the inventor Thomas Edison was born.The museum features a collection of rare Edisonia, examples of many of Edison's early inventions, documents, & family mementos. Listen to Edison phonographs. See the rare Edison talking doll.
31.) MAPS Air Museum located in North Canton hours of operation are 9-4:30pm MAPS Air Museum is an internationally known museum of aviation and serves as a center of aviation history for Northeast Ohio. The museum features over 130 exciting educational displays in its collection of acquired artifacts, interactive exhibits and historical archives in its own library. The museum currently has over 50 aircraft in the inventory and is a War Memorial as we have a piece of the Battleship Arizona on display.
32.) Sherman House Museum located in Lancaster hours of operation are 12-4pm The Sherman House Museum in Lancaster, Ohio, is the birthplace of Civil War Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman and his younger brother U.S. Sen. John Sherman (Sherman Antitrust Act). The ground floor of the home is furnished much as it would have been when the Shermans lived there. The front parlor contains many furnishings from the general's home in New York City. The second floor houses a recreation of Sherman's Civil War tent; interactive exhibits and an array of war and GAR artifacts. The gift shop features Civil War and local history books as well as puzzles, games and more. Tours are offered at 12, 1, 2 & 3pm Tickets may be purchased in advance at the website or at the door if any tickets remain.
33.) Fort Meigs Ohio's War of 1812 Battlefield located in Perrysburg hours of operation are 9:30-5pm Built during the War of 1812 by William Henry Harrison, Fort Meigs successfully defended Ohio from a combined force of British and Native Americans during the spring and summer of 1813. It also served as the step-off point for General Harrison's invasion of Canada in the fall of that year. Reconstructed in the 1970s and again in 2000 on its original location, Fort Meigs stands today to tell the story of the thousands of soldiers who lived, fought, and died there over 200 years ago. In addition to the reconstructed fort, a visitor center and museum are also located on the site, housing hundreds of artifacts discovered during archaeological digs of the battlefield.
34.) Garst Museum located in Greenville hours of operation of 10-4pm The Garst Museum, a historical museum with roots in the American experience, houses over 300,000 artifacts on display in 35,000 square feet of exhibit space within six major and two minor venues. The Garst House, which earlier served as an inn, has six additional building wings. The house was donated to the Darke County Historical Society in 1946 by the Garst family. MUSEUM HOURS Tuesday thru Saturday 10 AM - 4 PM Sunday 1- 4PM Closed Mondays Closed: Easter, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day. The Museum is closed the month of January
35.) Serpent Mound located in Pebbles hours of operation are 10-5pm Nominated as a World Heritage Site, Serpent Mound is a prehistoric effigy mound that was constructed by Native Americans at least 900 years ago, possibly much earlier. The earthwork depicts a serpentine form, 1,348 feet long, and represents the pinnacle of a flourishing ancient culture. Visitors can walk around the Serpent earthwork, and view three other ancient burial mounds. A museum, open seasonally, contains examples of ancient Native American tools, interpretive information, and an orientation video. The gift shop features authentic Native American made items, local artwork, archaeology books, and many fun gifts for children.
With over 900 things to do in the state there really are tons of things to do in this state. The state parks are absolutely beautiful and readily available throughout the state as well as the state is full of such history from civil war to Amish culture. Please make sure that you check out the areas you will be visiting and see what might be around you for you to enjoy.
I hope that you have enjoyed this week's tour and come back next week for another amazing adventure. Remember to always be kind as it costs nothing and if you see someone without a smile stop and give them yours a smile is contagious.
Written by: BeautifulChaos318
