Imagine taking a break from the hassle of life, relaxing in some fancy green park with family and friends, having the time of your life with nothing to stress you, and forgetting about all your worries.
Well, imagine no more as you are in luck; our checklist of things to do in Chillicothe (OH) has got you covered as you prepare for your trip.
Chillicothe is a beautiful city in Ross County, Ohio, United States.
It is the county seat of Ross County and the only city in Ross County.
This city is also the first and third capital of Ohio, located south of Columbus, along the Scioto River.
The earliest settlers of Chillicothe were Virginians who settled there in 1796, and in 1802, the town of Chillicothe was officially incorporated.
The name Chillicothe was derived from a Shawnee word meaning “capital,” indicating that Chillicothe was the first and only town in Ross County.
Chillicothe is known for having some of the best preserved Indian earthworks in the state and is also filled with many historical sites and monuments.
Read on and find out some of the best things to do in Chillicothe (OH):
Fun Things to Do in Chillicothe (OH)
1. Catch Some Fun at Tecumseh! Outdoor Historical Drama

One of the highlights of Chillicothe is an outdoor historical drama called “Tecumseh.”
If you haven’t experienced watching live drama outdoors, then take this opportunity to be one of the show crowd.
The drama’s plot revolves around the story of Native Americans and the main character Tecumseh, a famous Indian leader who led the tribe to success.
At Tecumseh, you can learn something about history and at the same time be entertained by the excellent performance and exciting story of the historical drama.
Spend a night watching Tecumseh, an outdoor historical drama, with your kids and friends, and remember this unforgettable experience forever.
2. Experience the Thrill of Go Free Yourself Escape Room

This is a game where the goal is to escape from rooms by correctly solving riddles and puzzles using hints and clues given.
It consists of four to six players, and you will coordinate with each other and help each other find these hints.
An experience at Go Free Yourself Escape Room is the perfect bonding and team-building practice for friends and families.
Each room has different difficulty levels, ranging from simple to advanced.
3. Go on a Ride on Waters Edge Canoe Livery

Start your water adventures with the Waters Edge Canoe Livery and enjoy the exhilarating experience of drifting down the creek waters.
You can take a canoe trip down the river, pitch a tent and camp, or have a nice picnic with family and friends on the island.
In addition to canoeing, you also have the opportunity to hunt a variety of species available here.
Waters Edge Canoe Livery also offers snacks at its “Snack Shack” to fill your empty stomach if you should get hungry.
Things to Do in Chillicothe (OH) at Night
1. Shop at Chillicothe Mall

Do you love shopping? Would you like to explore the different shops in Chillicothe and buy the items you want? If so, then you should visit the Chillicothe Mall.
Chillicothe Mall has a variety of shops and outlets within the mall and is a one-stop shop for the essentials and luxury items you may need.
The mall has beautiful fabric boutiques, accessory stores, bookstores, restaurants, grocery stores, beauty stores, toy stores, and much more.
The shops in the mall are full of different items for everyone.
So take your family or friends to the Chillicothe Mall for an exciting shopping spree. Shopping at the Chillicothe Mall is one of the fun things to do in Chillicothe, Ohio.
2. See a Movie at Danbarry Cinema – Chillicothe

Danbarry Cinema is a modern movie theater with comfortable seats and a great concession stand.
Choose snacks and food from various booth options before or after the show.
Grab your cinema tickets and get ready to get lost in the movies on the screen.
The concession stand offers a variety of special combo deals for kids, individuals, and the whole family.
Danbarry cinema staff offer excellent customer service and are customer friendly.
Take your family to the cinema for an exciting movie date.
3. Have Beer With Friends at Steiner’s Speakeasy

Do you like to drink beer with friends? Are you a big fan of craft beers? If so, then you should visit Steiner’s Speakeasy in Chillicothe.
Steiner’s Speakeasy specializes in craft beer, premium wines, and other beverages. Enjoy every moment at Steiner’s Speakeasy, sampling various craft beers and, best of all, with friends.
Steiner’s Speakeasy has a wide selection of craft beers to explore and Prohibition-style cocktails to try.
The bar has a relaxed atmosphere, friendly staff, and music playing around. Live music plays from Thursday to Saturday.
Watch local artists and also artists from around the country perform while enjoying a drink at Steiner’s Speakeasy.
Getting together with friends or colleagues at Steiner’s Speakeasy is one of the fun things to do in Chillicothe (OH) that you can add to your checklist.
Things to Do in Chillicothe (OH) For Couples
1. Go Shopping at American Vintage Warehouse

This is one of the antique malls in historic Chillicothe, where you can choose from a wide variety of vintage items.
You should visit the American Vintage Warehouse, browse the different booths and see the beautiful antiques.
You will find the best bargains and high-quality antiques at American Vintage Warehouse.
No matter what you’re looking for, American Vintage Warehouse has something for everyone.
2. Explore Adena Mansion and Gardens Historic Site

This is a stunning mansion built in the early eighteenth century that was once the home of Ohio’s sixth governor, Thomas Worthington.
Adena Mansion has been completely renovated to look like it did when the Worthington family lived there and still has the family’s original furnishings.
The sprawling 300-acre remaining fields are home to five buildings and gardens where you can stroll and see the gardens full of beautiful flowers and vegetables and walk through the estate’s bushes and trees.
From the northern grounds of the mansion, you can glimpse the Scioto River Valley and the Logan Mountains, which inspired Ohio’s Great Seal.
The Adena Mansion and Gardens Historic Site also have a museum and visitor center where you can learn about the building’s history and story.
3. Visit the Mound City

Mound City is a 13-acre rectangular earthwork containing 23 ceremonial barrows.
The area of this historic mound city takes you back in time to two thousand years ago (200 BC and 500 AD).
Enjoy walking through these ceremonial sites and touching the mud walls; the earthen walls surrounding Mound City are about 3-4 feet high, with a gate on the east and west sides of the building.
The Mound City depicts how early Native American tribes socialized.
In Mound City, you will find various mounds; these hills are dome-shaped except for one, which is elliptical in shape.
Check out the giant cairn in Mound City; it is stunning and very tall.
Touring Mound City is one of the best things to do in Chillicothe, Ohio.
Things to Do in Chillicothe (OH) For Kids
1. Take Them to Yoctangee Park

Yoctangee Park is a city public park located next to the Historic First Capital District.
This 48-acre park provides a recreational area and a place to be active.
The park offers several enjoyable facilities, such as basketball and tennis courts, baseball fields, picnic areas, restrooms, and handicap-accessible playgrounds.
Yoctangee Park has a small pond where you can watch and feed the ducks and a gazebo where you can plan special occasions like weddings.
You can also relax and think under the shade provided by the numerous trees in the park.
With its beautiful scenery, areas for recreation and sports activities, and plenty of wildlife to be found in the area, Yoctangee Park is a must-see when visiting Chillicothe.
2. Let Them Play at Triple Crown Family Fun Center

This is an indoor facility that offers a variety of activities for families and their children.
The fun center is ideal for children to learn how to socialize with other children and learn about the spirit of teamwork.
Popular activities at the Triple Crown Family Fun Center include soccer, arcades, and inflatables.
For young children, there are tournaments, leagues, and lessons where they can form a team and make friends.
Arcades are also a favorite here at Triple Crown Family Fun Center because of the latest fun games and exciting prizes to be won.
The family center also boasts its ‘Super Inflatable Island’ where children can bounce and slide down inflatable slides.
3. Visit Lloyd’s Sweet Shoppe

When visiting Chillicothe with the family, treat your kids to a special treat at Lloyd’s Sweet Shoppe.
Lloyd’s Sweet Shoppe offers a variety of sweets, candies, and beverages. Let your kids browse the store and pick out any of these sweets they will love.
You will also find some sweets for adults who do not take much sugar; there is good candy for everyone.
They also offer cakes, drinks, and other snacks, so make sure you stop by the shop when you visit Chillicothe.
For kids, visiting Lloyd’s Sweet Shoppe is one of the best things to do in Chillicothe (OH).
Indoor Activities to Do in Chillicothe (OH) For Adults
1. Appreciate Art at Pump House Center for the Arts

The Pump House Art Center welcomes all art enthusiasts, visitors, and anyone who wants to appreciate the artists’ works on display in the gallery.
In 1883, a pumping station was built, serving as a pump station for water distribution in the village.
The water pump station is now restored and serves as an art gallery where artists can exhibit their works.
Interesting art exhibits can be found in the renovated pump house, which changes from time to time, so you will find something new every time you visit the Pump House Center for the Arts.
In addition to the art displays, the building is worth visiting as it is one of Chillicothe’s historic sites.
You can discover talented local artists at the Pump House Center for the Arts and visit the gift shop for some art supplies.
2. Don’t Miss a Thing at the Majestic Theater

The establishment of the Majestic Theater was the beginning of the entertainment industry in Chillicothe.
The Majestic Theater combines a ballroom, a box office, and a stage theater in one place.
It is characterized by a cozy environment, comfortable seats, and classic architecture, which completes the elegant atmosphere of the theater.
You can visit the theater and catch live performances by talented artists that can only be found at the Majestic Theatre.
When visiting the Majestic Theater in Chillicothe, be sure to check out the theater’s rich facilities.
3. Go for a Massage at Brick Haven Spa

Treat yourself to a pleasant, relaxing day at the Brick Haven Spa, where you can take advantage of professional massage services.
Brick Haven Spa is a family-run business in Chillicothe, Ohio, that offers a comfortable and peaceful atmosphere so you can relax and unwind.
The spa provides full body massages, hair and nail services, skincare, and other pampering services.
Brick Haven Spa guarantees that you will receive the services you paid for.
You deserve to be pampered, so head to the Brick Haven Spa and treat yourself to luxurious services provided by professionals.
Romantic Things to Do in Chillicothe (OH)
1. Explore Southern Ohio Hunting Preserve

The Southern Ohio Game Reserve is just a 35-minute drive from Chillicothe, Ohio.
Located on Goosecreek Road, McArthur, Ohio, the Southern Ohio Hunting Preserve is a designated area for wild boar and deer hunting.
The game reserve offers guided tours, point-to-point transportation, and landscaping.
They also provide accommodation with complete facilities such as satellite TV, Wi-Fi connection, dining area, hot showers, and much more so you can have a comfortable stay.
The hunting grounds of the reserve consist of rolling hills and ravines, making it exciting.
2. Don’t Miss a Thing at Scioto Trail State Park

The Scioto Trail State Park is a natural park created especially for hiking or cycling.
Enjoy a pleasant hike on the Scioto Trail State Park while hiking with friends or family.
The park’s beautiful forests and ridge tops make the park the perfect place to escape the city and spend time with nature.
Standing on top of the ridges, the garden offers breathtaking views of the Scioto River Valley.
Take a leisurely hike through a peaceful forest full of dense oaks, wildflowers, mushrooms, and ferns.
There are a variety of wildflowers to look out for, such as spring beauties, dutch pants, and wild blue phlox.
3. Go for an Evening Walk at the Great Seal State Park

Great Sea State Park is a 1,862-acre multi-use park with a variety of trails for hiking, biking, and simply walking, and the park is also a blessed nature park with lots of trees and beautiful scenic views.
The park is one of the main attractions in Chillicothe and draws visitors from various areas in Ross County and beyond.
While at the Great Sea State Park, you can also choose to have a picnic with your friends or family and enjoy a relaxed day in nature.
If you enjoy hiking, you can also join some hiking challenges held in the park and make new friends.
The name of the park, “The Great Seal,” comes from the national emblem, “The Great Seal of the State of Ohio,” as the park served as an inspiration for the creation of the national emblem.
Having a picnic at Great Seal State Park is one of Chillicothe’s best activities.
Free Things to Do in Chillicothe (OH)
1. Experience Freedom at Hopewell Culture National Historical Park

Hopewell Culture National Historical Park is a place to step back in time.
It is thirteen-acre earth consisting of twenty-three dome-shaped hills and one ellipse-shaped one.
You can walk around the area and reflect on the preserved history of Mound City’s first inhabitants.
These mounds were once used for burials, feasts, and celebrations by the American Indian religious movement.
There is also a hiking trail where you can walk and enjoy scenic views of the park.
If you visit Hopewell Culture National Historical Park, please consider your surroundings and treat the sacred site with respect.
2. Go Hiking at Tar Hollow State Park

Tar Hollow National Park is a thirty-seven-minute drive from Chillicothe.
This public state park offers a hiking trail that connects Tar Hollow State Park with the state forest.
Other recreational activities in the area include water, such as swimming, fishing, and boating on the fifteen-acre lake.
You can enjoy a nice day outside, relaxing in the shade of the trees in the Tar Hollow State Forest woods.
3. Check Out Wheatberry Books

Do you like to read? Do you want to buy books and browse books? If so, then you should visit Wheatberry Books in Chillicothe.
Wheatberry Books is an independent bookstore with an excellent selection of books for children and adults.
The bookstore also has old and new books, and if you don’t see the book you want, just ask the staff, and they will get it for you.
Wheatberry Books has different rooms for different categories of books.
For example, a children’s room contains books for different ages and genres. So take your kids to Wheatberry Books and get them some exciting books.
You can also buy books for yourself in the bookstore. Add exploring the book collections at Wheatberry Books to your list of things to do in Chillicothe, Ohio.
Cheap Things to Do in Chillicothe (OH)
1. Learn About the City at Ross County Heritage Center

As a tourist or a local resident of the city, you should learn more about the history of the community.
The Ross County Heritage Center is connected to the Ross County Historical Society’s main museum and the McKell Library, creating one massive area rich in historical information.
You can wander around the Heritage Center and see exhibits featuring culture, art, artifacts, ancient transportation, and all things related to Chillicothe’s past.
A tour at the Ross County Heritage Center includes visiting the Knoles Log House and the Franklin House, giving you a glimpse of life in the early twentieth century.
If you are interested in historical studies, you can visit the McKell Library, a research center full of journals, manuscripts, books, documents, and pictures.
2. Explore the Chillicothe Railroad Museum

The Chillicothe Railroad Museum combines a museum and train experience in one setting.
This unique museum houses several artifacts connected to the railroad’s history.
When you visit the Chillicothe Railroad Museum, you can step back in time and learn how trains served the villagers of the time.
The Railroad Museum is one of the places you must visit in Chillicothe because it is part of the exciting history of how the city became an industrial community.
You can view model trains at the Chillicothe Railroad Museum while learning about past stories.
3. Grab a Beer at Patrick’s Pub

Come with your friends and enjoy a fabulous evening of fun and drinks at Patrick’s Pub.
The pub environment is also great for a night out with friends.
Plenty of games at Patrick’s Pub keep you amused and entertained.
You might want to try bar trivia and other fun games. The pub also hosts live music from local artists and stand-up comedy from Chillicothe comedians.
Patrick’s pub is only open to those over 21, so please bring an identification card (I.D.) to enter the pub.
Hanging out with friends at Patrick’s Pub is one of the best things to do in Chillicothe (OH).
Cool Places to Visit in Chillicothe (OH)
1. (Earl Barnhart) Buzzards Roost Nature Preserve

(Earl Barnhart) Buzzards Roost Nature Preserve is a nature preserve in Ohio that covers over 1,200 acres of some of the country’s most rugged and scenic parts.
The reserve is a dense forest with pristine soil.
The nature preserve is a natural habitat for many of Ohio’s plants and animals.
The nature preserve also has a 5-mile trail that passes ponds, vernal pools, wooded ravines, and the remains of an old homestead.
Check out the South Point Lookout Trail while walking the trails of Buzzards Roost Nature Reserve.
This trail offers a mesmerizing view of the sandstone and shale cliffs that drop into the beautiful Paint Creek Gorge.
One Chillicothe activity to add to your bucket list is hiking the trails of Earl H. Barnhart’s “Buzzard’s Roost” Nature Preserve.
As you walk, keep a close eye on the area for unique species of plants and animals.
2. Ross-Chillicothe Convention & Visitors Bureau

At Ross-Chillicothe Convention & Visitors Bureau, you’ll get a Chillicothe guide with crucial information you’ll need about places and things to explore.
The guide also includes the contact details of these stores or businesses for further inquiries.
You can also attend exciting events at the Ross-Chillicothe Convention & Visitors Bureau.
The Visitor Center hosts several seminars, workshops, and exhibits in Chillicothe. The staff is friendly and kind as they are willing to help you have a pleasant stay in Chillicothe.
Visiting the Ross-Chillicothe Convention & Visitors Bureau when you get to Chillicothe is one of the best things to do in Chillicothe.
Always check out the schedule of special events, festivals, shopping, and other exciting Chillicothe events when you visit the visitor’s office.
3. Shawnee Lanes

This is a beautiful bowling center with lots of lighting in different corners.
At Shawnee Lanes, arrangements have been made for you to have fun with your family. There are bowling alleys for children and adults.
Children’s bowling lanes have plenty of bumpers to help them play. While adult bowling alleys are ideal for adult entertainment.
Shawnee Lanes also allows you to host birthday parties and other small events, not just bowling.
Conclusion
Wouldn’t you just want the perfect vacation destination where you get everything you want? Fun, comfort, nightlife, and so much more.
Well, Chillicothe is just the place for you. Follow our checklist of things to do in Chillicothe (OH) and have yourself the best vacation yet.