Ohio Village – A step back in Ohio History

Ohio Village is a living museum of the late 1800s with living characters that interact and teach you about the time period.

About Ohio Village

Ohio Village takes you on a journey through ancient to modern Ohio history. It is a living history museum. To describe Ohio Village in one sentence: It is a living museum of the late 1800s with living characters that interact and teach you about the time period.

Ohio Village works to spark discovery in Ohio’s history and stories. They work to share the past and transform the future. Experience Ohio’s past one step at a time. 

The turn of the century brought huge changes to things like politics, technology, and daily living.  Ohio Village does a great job of showcasing the changes and life of that period.

The Village Buildings

Ohio Village gives you a first-hand view of life in Ohio during the American Civil War and back to the 1890s.  In Ohio Village, you will find several building reproductions such as a period schoolhouse, town hall, telegraphic advertiser, emporium, hotel and tavern, church, bank, blacksmith, barber shop, and more. 

The residents are a huge part of what makes Ohio Village so great. Be sure to chat with town residents, they can provide you with a “first-hand” perspective of what life was like. Who would not want a sneak peek into life back then?

Ohio Village Video

All Hallow’s Eve at Ohio Village

All Hallow’s Eve is probably the most popular annual event held in the village. It is an 1860s-style celebration of Halloween that has taken place here since the mid-1980s.

At this event, you will find fortune-telling, costumed interpretations of beliefs and superstitions related to the Halloween season, and a parade for the dead. Oh and don’t forget the arrival of the Headless Horseman! 

Christmas at Ohio Village

Christmas is also another popular time here. You can experience Dickens of Christmas each December. This usually runs for 4 weekends through the holiday season. 

At this event, you will see live carolers, horse-drawn carriages (with rides available), Victorian Santa Clauses as well as Scrooge, Marley, and the Ghost of Christmas. 

As you wander through Ohio Village, you will also see period seasonal decorations, crafts, and even cooking demonstrations. Pre-registration is required for this event, there is no walk-up admission allowed for this event. Get your tickets in advance by calling 800-686-1541 or you can purchase online.

Ohio Village Muffins

Ohio Village is also home to an enthusiastic group of baseball lovers. This group takes on keeping the tradition of the sport alive as it was played during the mid-nineteenth century. 

The Ohio Village Muffins do everything as the players of 1860 did. They play by those rules, they dress in period uniforms and they are full of gentlemanly behavior. Oh, and they are pretty adamant that baseball is actually two words: base ball. 

The Ohio Village Muffins play games against other vintage teams from Ohio and across the country. They typically play about 40 matches each year. The home field for the Muffins is called Muffins Meadows. Everyone is welcome to come and cheer on all participants during these family-friendly games. 

Ohio Village Diamonds

Just like the men played on the Muffins team, there is a women’s team called the Diamonds. When women of that time period pursued higher education they also participated in physical education outdoors which was playing base ball. 

It was played in a secluded part of campus. At first, it was not seen as “ladylike” due to the strenuous nature of play, but it soon became popular. 

Where is Ohio Village Located?

• Address: 800 East 17th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43211
• Phone: 800-686-6124 | Website

Location Map for Ohio Village

Let’s Go to Ohio Village!

Have you been to Ohio Village? We would love to hear what you think. I have personally been several times. I have enjoyed Halloween with my family and loved it each time. We have visited during Christmas as well as summer. There are lots of events held at Ohio Village, it can be such a fun place to visit.

While you are there, be sure to check out the Ohio Historical Society as well! If you will be in the central Ohio area for a while and the weather is nice, we suggest you check out the Metro parks. We love heading to the metro parks like Glacier Ridge Metro Park, Scioto Grove Metro Park, Three Creeks Metro Park, Rocky Fork Metro Park, Blendon Woods, and more! The metro parks are a great place to explore the nature side of Ohio!