New Philadelphia, Ohio is a quaint, rural town that offers tranquility and reflection to its visitors. Here you’ll enjoy nostalgic, relaxed family activities. You might combine New Philadelphia with a road trip through Dover, a 15-minute drive from Zoar and 30-minute drive from Canton. Relish the rolling hills framing the Tuscarawas River, a treat for the eyes and soul in Eastern Ohio.
But this little town hosts some of the finest farm-to-table restaurants and vibrates with a bustling wine scene and rich history.
New Philadelphia and Dover are both adorable places to visit with that quintessential quaint small-town feel and immense historic charm. But the devil’s in the details — these neighboring towns are
packed with hidden gems.
We’ll take you on a ride through everything New Philadelphia, Ohio, has to offer and unveil some of this tiny town’s unique locomotive history, too.
Tuscora Park
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ohlivialauren via Instagram[/caption]
Tuscora Park is a wonderful place to come with the kids — but if you’re an adult couple or individual simply excited for some good-old fashioned amusement rides, a carousel, and a mini-golf course, you’ll have a great time.
The mixed event and amusement park space features three pools, year-round pavilions, and outdoor shelters for a picnic or BBQ. Or, you can save your appetite for Uncle Primo’s nearby, one of the best
restaurants in New Philadelphia!
Tips from a local: There are free concerts every weekend during the summer at Tuscora Park. If you're visiting over the 4th of July there is the First Town Days Festival and fireworks.
The Norma Johnson Center
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mtim1744 via Instagram[/caption]
The Norma Johnson Center in Tuscarawas County is the ideal place to get outside and stretch your legs on your vacation to New Philadelphia. Home to 300 acres and 3 walking trails, you’ll be able to fully soak up the tranquility of the area from here. Plus, the entire park is pet-friendly so don’t leave your pup at home!
The three trails in the nature center vary in length but are all relatively flat, making them great options for a nice outing with your friends and family. All trails offer great opportunities for bird watching, with even a bird watching post for your comfort. The trails are:
- Conservation Loop: 1.23 miles, primarily wooded with some open areas.
- Preservation Loop: 1.23 miles, primarily open with meadow views.
- Johnson Loop: 1.31 miles, through a variety of different landscapes.
While fishing is also allowed at The Norma Johnson Center, remember it’s catch and release only so don’t plan to fish for dinner from here!
Tips From a Local: The Conservation Loop is our favorite because it goes through the woods. You will go over a suspension bridge, find a hidden lake, and come across hidden cabins in the woods.
Amish Country
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thelawnsauce via Instagram[/caption]
No visit to this area is complete without a stop in Ohio’s Amish Country. Ideal for a day trip to relish in the simple things in life, a visit to Amish Country is ideal for family-friendly fun.
From cultural activities, handmade souvenirs, and delicious, fresh food, you won’t quickly run out of things to do while in Amish Country. Take a tour to experience the true Amish way of life or simply pop into town to browse the shops and grab a bite to eat. Whether you decide to spend an entire day here or just make a stopover, Amish Country has a little something for everyone.
Tips from a Local: Combine learning about the Amish with an animal park at The Farm at Walnut Creek. Pay for the wagon ride instead of driving your car. The wagon is driven by very friendly and knowledgeable Amish gentlemen who are happy to answer any questions.
Atwood Lake Park
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pumpkinnation via Instagram[/caption]
- Address: 9500 Lakeview Rd, Mineral City, OH 44656
- Best for: Outdoor enthusiasts
- Website: https://atwoodpark.mwcd.org/
Located only 20 minutes away from New Philadelphia in Mineral City, Atwood Lake Park is another great place for you and your family to spend quality time outdoors. Unlike at The Norma Johnson Center, at Atwood Lake, you can fish for your dinner. With a
wide variety of species to catch, fishing at this beautiful lake is an exciting experience.
Alongside fishing, at Atwood Lake park, visitors can swim and sunbathe on the wide sandy beach, rent or bring your own boat to get out on the water, go hunting, or take advantage of the numerous hiking trails.
No matter how you decide to spend your day at Atwood Lake Park, you’re sure to have a great time spent in the fresh, breezy air.
Tips From a Local: In the summer there are special deals to enter the park and use the beach area. The beach is wide and has lots of large inflatables in the water. In the fall you can visit the Atwood Fall Festival.
Zoar Historic Village
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andydphotography via Instagram[/caption]
- Best for: History buffs and families
- Website: https://historiczoarvillage.com/
Also located in Tuscarawas County, Zoar is only a short 15 minute drive from New Philadelphia. The entire small town is a destination within itself, ideal for those interested in soaking up art, history, and architecture.
While well-preserved history certainly rules the area, Zoar still has plenty of modern day amenities to attract its visitors. Take a break from shopping to grab a bite at Donnie’s Tavern, one of the tastiest restaurants in the area. Zoar is a great example of small town America that uniquely intertwines old-world charm, making Zoar such an integral part of East Central Ohio.
Tips From a Local: Grab a pastry from the bakery and enjoy it in the Public Gardens. Walk to the center and sit on the benches under the tree. Come at Christmas and get a unique Christmas postmark from the post office.
Uhrichsville Water Park
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- Address: 401 E 12th St, Uhrichsville, OH 44683
- Best for: Family fun
- Website: http://uhrichsvillewaterpark.com/
If you visit New Philadelphia in the summer, you can’t miss some time under the sun at Uhrichsville Water Park. One of the best family-friendly things to do in the area, children and adults alike love splashing around here.
The water park offers:
- A kid-friendly splash pad
- Massive swimming pool with shallows and a deep end
- Two waterslides
During your visit to the park, you can choose to pay general admission to simply enjoy the pool and sun chairs or get some extra coverage from the sun and rent a cabana. For extra fun on the waterslides, take advantage of the provided tubes.
Tips from a Local: Want to have fun at the waterpark, but don't want to be there too long? It's half price admissions after 4pm and the park closes at 6. That's just the right amount of time for our family!
School House Winery
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_plant.aunt_ via Instagram[/caption]
Located in Dover, OH, School House Winery sits in a one-room schoolhouse built in 1886. The building itself housed students until 1941, when it was shut down and sold. Imagine youthful pupils on their way to school on horseback and sharing one expansive room for a class spanning eight grades!
Now, it’s a historically rich spot with a wide range of sweet and dry wines. Unfortunately, School House Winery doesn’t offer extensive menu items; however, they
do offer select charcuterie boards and pizzas to pair with your wine. They also host regular events like painting classes and live music. Make sure to check out their
schedule to see what is going on when you are in town!
Tips from a Local: Check their schedule to enjoy live music on the weekends.
Schoenbrunn Village
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barbarakulisek via Instagram[/caption]
Any history buffs in your party? Schoenbrunn Village is an amazing restored village from 1772 — a must-visit spot in New Philadelphia, OH!
This is where the Moravian Christian settlers established themselves in Ohio among Delaware indigenous people. David Zeisberger founded the village, along with five Indigenous families.
But the village still houses the original cemetery and has 16 reconstructed log structures, which transport visitors back in time. Admission is only $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, and $4 for children (7-17). Just make sure they’re open before you visit. Schoenbrunn Village is closed Sundays and Mondays and closed entirely between November and mid-May.
Tips from a Local: Spring and fall evening Lantern Tours and the most magic night at the village.
Performing Arts Center
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mandyharbold via Instagram[/caption]
Ready to appreciate New Philadelphia’s modest yet thriving art scene? The Performing Arts Center is beautifully constructed with a curved, modern design, and features winding balcony seating. The in-person box office is open Monday through Friday, 8 am-5 pm, but performances take place any day of the week.
Classics such as Riverdance and the Nutcracker are commonplace at the Performing Arts Center. However, the event center features more “new-aged” shows like
Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience.
Tips From a Local: Big, national acts perform here monthly and ticket prices are way lower than in the large cities.
Silver Moon Winery
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silvermoonwinery via Instagram[/caption]
Located in Dover, OH, the Silver Moon Winery opened in 2004. It now sells over 40 styles of wines, including whites, reds, and dessert wines! This winery in the Ohio Amish country offers tastings, a gift shop, and a bottle shop — but they’re especially popular for wine tastings.
One of their most popular tasting packages is six tastes with a complimentary souvenir tasting glass. This lovely winery also offers specials throughout the week, such as 10% off insulated wine sleeves or $1 off a large tasting special (usually $6).
Paul Green’s “Trumpet in the Land”
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andydphotography via Instagram[/caption]
Trumpet in the Land is a play written by Pulitzer-prize winner, Paul Green. Considered Ohio’s State Play, this drama is acted out at an outdoor theater and details Ohio’s frontier during the Revolutionary War.
Remember the missionary in Schoenbrunn Village? Now in its 53rd season, this play depicts their story. Make sure you monitor seasonal sales like Half Off Tuesday, where you can buy one adult ticket at full price and get the second one half-off.
Tips From A Local: They offer more than one play, so check their schedule for more options. In the fall, they do a full production of Dracula.
Warther Museum and Gardens
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ernestwarthermuseum via Instagram[/caption]
The Warther Museum and Gardens is a delightful family-owned museum and garden, located in Dover, OH. This museum sits on the original location of the Mooney’s family home, Ernest and his wife Frieda. Ernest Warther was a master carver, and hand sculpted over 60 works focused on the steam engine. Today, the museum is run by their third- and fourth-generation family members.
Curious about early 20th-century living? Tour the original family home, peppered with gems of the past and wooden finishes. Then, make your way to the Button Room, with tens of thousands of buttons formed into geometric patterns. Finally, explore the Dave Warther Arboretum for endless tree species and the infamous early 20th-century caboose!
Guided tours at the museum occur daily, and admissions range between $6-18 for different age groups.
Tips From A Local: Visit in the weeks before Thanksgiving and the museum is full of expertly decorated Christmas trees.
Beer and Ale Traveler Tours
If you have extra dough to spend, Beer and Ale Traveler Tours offer full-day, 6-8-hour bus tours, either in a bus or stylish limo. These tours can either bring you to the area’s local breweries or wineries in Amish country.
While you’re on the tour, you’ll sample juicy tasters of beer or wine, learn about the fermenting process, and even learn how to pair these drinks with food! The tours are $750 for the day, so this would be the best for large groups.
Relish New Philadelphia at Your Family’s Place!
Whether you love beer and wine, museums, or the arts, New Philadelphia will pique your curiosity.
With so many distractions in our world, it’s easy to forget how quickly time passes. We can’t reverse that reality, but we
can help you slow it down by creating soft, nostalgic spaces for you to unplug and reconnect with the people who mean the most to you.
Indulge in a delightful cabin or lodge, with handpicked details to offer you every bit of comfort.
Book your New Philadelphia getaway today!
by dev
