Attractions

Visit Hardin County!

Hardin County is the hub of small town life where sophisticated culture and history collide.

Pick up your Hardin County map at the Hardin County Chamber & Business Alliance: 225 South Detroit Street, Kenton or at the Tax Map Office in the Hardin County Courthouse. (fee may apply)

Discover the Historical Markers of Hardin County.

Click here for marker listings.

Hardin County's Home for Performing Arts

The epicenter for arts and culture in the village of Ada is the Freed Center for the Performing Arts on the campus of Ohio Northern University.  The Freed Center is home to a 551-seat proscenium theatre and 136-seat studio theatre, an art gallery and theatre support facilities. Offering a wide range of performances, including theatre productions, musical concerts, staged dance shows, band concerts and festivals as well as the beloved ONU Holiday Spectacular.  The Freed Center is a premier destination for arts enthusiasts in Hardin County and beyond. Experience the excellence of the performing arts at the Freed Center for the Performing Arts – where art and culture thrive.

419-772-1900

onu.edu/freed

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Part of Ohio's Rail History

This unique and distinctive 2-story stick-built style depot was built in 1887. It was built on the lines of the Ohio and Indiana Railroad, then the Pennsylvania Railroad.  One of  the few surviving 19th century Pennsylvania passenger stations in Ohio.  In 1905, a rail speed record of more than126 mph was set near here.  A caboose sits on the grounds near the Ada Depot. Contact the Ada Village Office for more information.

419-634-4045

A LEGACY OF PRIDE

Consistency. Commitment. Attention to detail. Hallmarks of a tradition that dates back more than 70 years. Over 500,000 leather footballs are produced every year and are handmade in Ada, Ohio, by Wilson’s talented craftsmen and women since 1955.

They've built footballs for Super Bowl champs, MVPs and Hall of Famers. But they put the same love and passion into every ball, each step along the way – making milestones for youth leagues, Friday night hometown heroes, college All-Americans and the NFL’s elite. 

See the play-by-play of how our game balls are made by taking a factory tour, shopping the retail store and learn more about American sports history and heritage.

419-634-9901

https://www.wilson.com/en-us/explore/football/ada-ohio-factory 

A Bright Spot in the Country!

The Kellogg family offers Hardin County a cheerful gift of sunflowers each fall. The sunflower patch offers a great backdrop for photos and a tranquil location to spend time. The farm also features an Artesian well and painted wings on the north end of the barn.

937-935-3699

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Andreoff Wildlife Area, located on the Hardin and Wyandot County line, just 10 miles northeast of Kenton, has more than 700 acres of public land.  The wildlife area provides opportunities for people to hunt, trap, and view wildlife.  The wildlife area hosts approximately 86 species of breeding birds, and nearly 175 species are viewed on the property each year.

https://ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/andreoff-wildlife-area

Appreciate the unique culture of Hardin County's Old Order Amish by enjoying a biking or driving tour through the countryside.‍

Pick up a brochure at the Hardin County Chamber & Business Alliance: 225 South Detroit Street, Kenton Ohio

Old Order Amish Country Brochure

Solstice Salt Spa is a local wellness spa located in historic downtown Kenton, Ohio. They currently offer natural therapies including halotherapy, holy fire reiki, relaxation massages, energetic bodywork, embodiment sessions, BioMat and a variety of special events and workshops.

Dry Salt therapy is a holistic, drug-free, natural therapy using micro particles of salt to promote better breathing, sounder sleep, improved physical fitness, endurance and overall wellness.

Halotherapy has been practiced since the 18th century.

Reiki is a Japanese energy healing technique that promotes relaxation, stress reduction and anxiety.

An embodiment session consists of high energy bodywork that helps to restore balance and improve stress response.

Energetic bodywork includes acupressure, reflexology and breathwork. Book your appointments and/or any special small group events with us.

In their retail space, they offer natural Himalayan bath salt, essential oils, bath and body products, crystals, topical Hemp Seed and CBD products. Additionally, they offer locally handmade products such as handmade soaps and Ronna Making Scents car freshies and wax melts.

419-679-1130

solsticesaltspa.com

facebook.com/solstice.salt.spa

The Centerpiece of the County

The Hardin County Courthouse was designed by the architectural firm of Richards, McCarty & Bulford and built in 1915. Located at One Courthouse Square in the county seat of Kenton, the building is still in use and today houses the Hardin County Court of Common Pleas and its probate and juvenile divisions.

The courthouse features neo-classical style architecture and is constructed of Indian gray limestone. The courthouse is unique because it houses Veteran Hall, which commemorates Hardin County patriots. One of the patriots honored is Jacob Parrott, the first recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor. Parrott was a Union soldier during the American Civil War and was awarded the Medal of Honor for his participation in a military operation called “The Great Locomotive Chase” that included the destruction of bridges and train tracks between Chattanooga and Atlanta.

Hardin County is named after John Hardin, who was sent in 1792 to negotiate a treaty with the Miami Indians and was subsequently executed by them.

The courthouse was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

Contact the Hardin County Commissioners' Office to arrange a tour.

419-674-2205

co.hardin.oh.us/index.php

Home of Hardin County's Historical Museums

The Sullivan-Johnson House was built for Kenton businessman D.W. Sullivan, a saddler, harness maker, and banker.  The architecture of the home is unique because of its masonry construction and blending of Queen Anne and Richardson Romanesque styles. The interior features handcrafted woodwork, trim, parquet flooring, tile work, stained glass, and inlay. It serves as an example of Victorian extravagance.  The chandeliers are original, having been plumbed for gas as well as wired for electricity.  In the late 1890s, people were skeptical of the viability of electricity, so they often built homes to accommodate both gas and electric.  The home includes some original furnishings belonging to three generations of the Sullivan family.  D.W. Sullivan's granddaughter, Mary Lou Johnson, founded the Hardin County district library.  She lived in the home until her death in 1977, when it became a museum.

The Hardin County Historical Museums mission is to collect and preserve the history of Hardin County and its people. Through their wide and varied collection, they share the importance of preserving our history so that future generations are able to gain an understanding of where we have been and to think critically about how these events shape our future.

The museum exhibits are continually changing to provide new and fresh looks at history. Guests are encouraged to come and spend time with the collections and to ask questions.

419-673-7147

hardinmuseums.org

Gene Autry Mural, Kenton

In 2004, artist Keith Hasenbalg created this work that pays tribute to Gene Autry’s ties to the town.

SEPTEMBER 2019
BY FRANCES KILLEA | PHOTO BY BRUCE WICKS

There’s no rodeo in Kenton, Ohio. There is no dusty desert just beyond the downtown, no tumbleweeds or sun-drenched mine shafts. But there is a cowboy — just one — and he’s larger than life.

Gene Autry, better known to some as the Singing Cowboy, sits atop his famed horse, Champion, offering a wave and smile from a mural that covers the entirety of a 30-by-80-foot brick wall. Autry, who made his fame as a singer and actor, has a bit of a reputation in town.

“He appeared onstage at the theater here,” explains Rose Zuchetto, who was involved with the local committee that planned the mural.

Autry was also tangentially responsible for keeping the town afloat during the Great Depression. A toy cap gun named after him — the Gene Autry Repeating Cap Pistol — was made at the Kenton Hardware Co., the town’s now-defunct toy factory.

“It was the economy booster that helped Hardin County and the Kenton area grow, and provided jobs,” Zuchetto explains.

In fact, Autry’s influence was so appreciated that members of the chamber of commerce formulated the idea of hosting a Gene Autry festival in 1994. It was that annual festival that led to the creation of a more permanent tribute.

“They wanted to make sure the cap guns were involved, and the toy company was involved, and Gene Autry was involved. So, I just put it together,” says Keith Hasenbalg, the artist who designed and painted the mural. The committee held raffles to raise money for the project, and Hasenbalg was able to complete the project in time for the 2004 festival. “It actually took me 15 days to paint,” he recalls. “I got it done pretty quick.”

Today, a tiny park abuts the mural, and a bench decked out with wagon wheels faces Autry and Champion. Although Autry’s performances in town were before Hasenbalg’s time, he’s well aware of the performer’s place in pop culture.

“I’m old enough to know that he was the Singing Cowboy,” Hasenbalg says.

Source: ohiomagazine.com/travel/small-towns/article/gene-autry-mural-kenton

One of the oldest armories in Ohio, the Hardin County Armory was completed in 1894 and dedicated by then-governor and future President William McKinley.

The building served as a place for troops to train with spaces like a shooting gallery in addition to a hardwood auditorium which allowed it to also serve as a center for community events.

Today, after extensive renovations, the building is once again available for community events and can be rented for private events such as weddings.

567-674-5618

https://www.hardinarmory.org/

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Old Time Appeal

In 1883, the Pfeiffer Station General Store was built by John Pfeiffer with the intentions of it being a post office and railroad depot for the Chicago and Atlantic Railroad. The railroad relocated their depot to another location.

‍Although Pfeiffer Station never became a thriving town, the Pfeiffer Station General Store has survived throughout the years by catering to farmers in Dudley and other area townships, the Amish community and people who are simply passing through the area.

Over the past 125 years, the store basics have remained. You can still buy penny candy, as well as scoop your own treats from a variety of candy bins. They also offer groceries, spices, cheeses, bologna, flours, sugars, and other bulk goods. They also have a selection of hand-dipped ice cream, sandwiches, crafts, and Amish baked goods.

The store was purchased by Rebecca Whitaker in 2014 and since then we have added delicious, homemade lunch specials and made- from-scratch baked goods, all of which are prepared fresh daily in the store!

The store transferred to owners in 2024, and many exciting additional offerings are planned.

419-674-4103

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Open Air Movies

The Hi-Road Drive-in is a twin screen drive-in movie theater located in Kenton, Ohio. It was opened back in 1949 and has been operating continuously ever since. It was refurbished in 1999 and received several improvements such as a new marquee and a larger screen.

They are open seasonally May thru October. The Hi-Road Drive-in does allow you to bring in outside food and drink but only with the purchase of a food permit. Movie audio is broadcast over 101.9 FM and 87.9 FM for the two screens.

419-675-0922

hiroaddrivein.com

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The gardens feature annual beds, butterfly garden, herb garden, rain garden, and so many other wonderful gardens and plants.  It is a great learning experience for all ages.  Plan your visit to explore the Friendship Gardens of Hardin County.

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We are more than just books!  Today's library offers many different types of materials besides books, newspapers, and magazines (we still offer those!).  We offer the traditional library items, paper copies, and in digital format.  Libby is a free, digitally downloadable book/magazine platform.  Programming for adults and children.

419-673-2278

https://www.mljlibrary.org/

https://www.facebook.com/MLJLibrary

The Lake of Lights is a drive-thru Christmas lighting event that celebrates the holiday season through a dazzling display of light and sound, all from the comfort of your car.  Lake of Lights is also featured as one of the 70 stops in the 2023 Ohio Holiday Lights Trail.  Plan a trip out to Saulisberry Park and take a drive through the Lake of Lights to enjoy the festive displays.

https://www.facebook.com/LakeOfLights

The Henry Martin Memorial Park was developed by the Mount Victory CIC after Martin's Supermarket building burned down in 1993.  The MVCIC bought the vacant lot and, with the help of many generous people, developed the park, naming it in honor of the supermarket's founder, Henry Martin.  A mural depicting the town's history was painted onto the building adjacent as a backdrop to the park.

https://mountvictory.com/henry-martin-memorial-park-mural/

Mount Victory is an historic village that was established in 1851.  There are more than eight antique, vintage and craft shops, all located within a 5-minute walk.

https://mountvictory.com