23 Best & Fun Things to Do in Newark (Ohio)

Newark is a city and the county seat of Licking County, Ohio, United States. It is located in East Central Ohio, about 40 miles east of Columbus. 

The Hopewell Culture was the first indigenous settlers to live in the area, and they constructed the iconic ancient complex Newark Earthworks.

This city is famous for its many historical markers, old manufacturing establishments, gorgeous recreational trails, and lots more.

You can have a great time with your friends playing golf in one of the city’s top-tier golf courses, going shopping at any of its classic boutiques, or having a superb dining experience at restaurants in its downtown area.

Let’s explore the best and fun things to do in Newark, Ohio

Things to Do in Newark, Ohio

1. World’s Largest Basket

Wondering what to do in Newark, Ohio? Check out the world’s largest basket. For about 20 years, this city has accommodated one of the most unusual structures in the world today.

The basket was primarily constructed to serve as the headquarters of the basket-producing Longaberger Company.

This self-named company was founded in 1973 by Dave Longaberger. It was the largest manufacturer of locally crafted baskets in the country at one time. 

The initial building of the company was in an unsafe situation. So Longaberger wanted a building that was quite different from the old one. To achieve this, he gathered a group of builders and architects to create a large Longaberger basket. 

This building is seven stories high with a width of over 200 feet. Despite being an odd building, it is still a beautiful masterpiece.

Although this building might likely be an ideal space for a business, the Longaberger Company had deserted the building for a new office elsewhere for some time now, leaving the future of the basket-shaped building unknown.

Address: 1500 E Main St, Newark, OH 43055, United States

2. Fork Whitetails

Rocky Fork Whitetails is an expert hunting outfitter that has been offering hunting services for many years. Hunting with them is one of the fun things to do in Newark, Ohio.

This hunting outfitter is situated on Fallsburg Road Northeast and has 283 acres of land for every hunter level.

Bow hunters can have a great time at the outfitter’s free range. It features 120 acres of a tree nursery in its operation property.

They have a 5-star lodge where you can stay. After many hours of hunting, the lodge serves tasty dishes and a relaxing environment. Their hunting package includes permits, hunting tools, tags, expert guides, and a lodge.

There is a taxidermist to help out in deboning your game. The experience at Rocky Fork Whitefalls is the best of its kind and should be a must-see attraction for you.

Address: 6529 Fallsburg Rd NE, Newark, OH 43055, United States

3. Road Coffee House

River Road Coffee Houses is an indigenous-owned private establishment with branches in Newark, Granville, and Gambier.

Enjoy a tasty morning coffee from River Road Coffee House. It offers one of the finest coffee and espresso in this part of the country, and you do not want to miss out on this.

The River Road Coffee House uses a ton of quality roasters to roast its beans, resulting in top-notch coffee served in Central Ohio.

Besides the tasty coffee offered in the shop, it still sells delicious pastries, baked edibles, tasty boba, and tea. The Coffee House was established in 2003 through the collaboration of father and son Mark Forman and David.

Address: 973 N 21st St, Newark, OH 43055, United States

4. The Dawes Arboretum

The Dawes Arboretum is one of the best places to visit in Newark, Ohio, to experience nature. It has a massive collection of ornamental plants, trees, shrubs, and more.

The Arboretum comprises gardens and natural spaces, a native bald-cypress swamp, a Japanese garden, a museum, and wetlands. The brains behind this place are Beman and Bertie Dawes, who are a couple.

Their love for nature led them to establish the Dawes Arboretum in 1929. The Arboretum has a landmass of 2,000 acres. It accommodated three nationally recognized trees and had played host to over 100 trees in honor of prominent individuals in Ohio.

Fall is another perfect time to visit the conservatory. You will be amazed by the beautiful foliage and stunning botanical collection in the Dawes Arboretum. 

Address: 7770 Jacksontown Rd, Newark, OH 43056, United States

5. Heisey Glass Museum

Before shutting down in 1957, the Heisey Glass Company are part of the oldest producers of decorative figurine and table glassware in the globe.

Heisey Glass Company was established in 1895 and currently has a museum known as the National Heisey Glass Museum on West Church Street.

The Heisey Glass Museum exhibits an extensive, well-preserved collection of the Heisey Glass Company or the A.H. Heisey Company.

The Heisey Collectors of America maintains the museum to promote and showcase the glass products of the Heisey Glass Company. 

The museum also has a store for visitors to make purchases of specialty gifts, unique glass products, classic Heisey products, jewelry, and tee shirts.

Address: 169 W Church St, Newark, OH 43055, United States

6. Buckeye Winery

If you love great wine, one of the best places to visit in Newark, Ohio, is the Buckeye Winery in the downtown area of Newark.

The Buckeye Winery contains over 50 different types of wine, together with its famous Jalapeno Wine produced with white grapes and Jalapeno.

All their wines are produced on-site using high-quality juices from the United States, France, Italy, and South America.

Visitors can enjoy a bottle or glass of wine and make their wine for an affordable price. The winery is also perfect for hosting special occasions, including birthday parties, luncheons, receptors, and others.

Their backroom can host 20 to 24 people for any party or meeting. If your number is more than 24, you can reserve seating in their main room.

Address: 25 N 3rd St, Newark, OH 43055, United States

7. The Works

Are you looking for what to do in Newark, Ohio, with kids? Then, one place you should visit in this city is The Works.

Howard LeFevre founded the Works in 1996. He was an indigenous businessman who was greatly interested in assisting in preserving the industrial history of Licking County.

Your kids will have fun with the many hands-on interactive toys and the Lincoln Logs and Mega Blocks.

The Works is also an ideal place for science geeks as this place displays science and technology, like planetarium events and glass-blowing exhibitions.

There are many amazing things to learn in this place ranging from the rich history of Ohio technology, innovation, and interactive artistic successes.

Address: 55 S 1st St, Newark, OH 43055, United States

8. Gallery of Dreams

Visit the Gallery of Dreams to purchase unique gift items for your loved ones to bring home as souvenirs.

The Gallery of Dreams was established in 2010. It comprises a great selection of varieties of fashionable clothing and accessories such as sunglasses, hats, and lots more.

The owner of this enterprise has her personal jewelry collection that you will love to see, making it an ideal place to drop by when you are on vacation in Newark. 

The Gallery of Dreams is highly recommended for shopping.

Address: 37 N 3rd St, Newark, OH 43055, United States

Planning a road trip to Ohio, here is a list of Wooster attractions, and Bowling Green attractions, for a fun Ohio road trip.

9. Newark Earthworks

Newark Earthworks is an outstanding artistry of the original pioneers who lived in Newark, Ohio. Exploring these earthworks is one of the top things to do in Newark, Ohio.

The Newark historical complex was constructed between 100 BCE and 400 CE as a hub for the Hopewell Culture. The people come together to perform various ceremonies, trade, worship, and other activities.

The Newark Earthworks initially occupied over four square miles. As the years went by with the development of Newark, many of the Newark Earthworks were destroyed. However, three main segments are still standing to this day because of the efforts of interested locals.

These preserved earthworks include the Wright, Great Circle, and Octagon Earthworks.

The historic complex, which encompasses 3,000 acres, is listed as a National Historic Landmark and the “formal prehistoric monument of the State of Ohio.” It is an excellent location to picnic, even as you enjoy the gorgeous scenery.

Address: 455 Hebron Rd, Heath, OH 43056, United States

10. Licking County Historic Jail

The Licking County Historic Jail is the perfect place to visit if you want to partake in an unusual activity or paranormal adventure.

This adventure is not for the weak or people who lack the courage to face nightmares and terror because that is what you get at the Light County Historic Jail. Rumour has it that the former inmates still haunt the Licking County Historic Jail.

An excursion to the historic jail allows you to learn about its history and check out the Richardson-Romanesque architecture adopted for the prison. It has a history stretching back to 1889.

Visitors’ favorite tours are the Jail of Terror and the Flashlight Tour. Ensure to have them on your list when purchasing a ticket.

Address: 46 S 3rd St, Newark, OH 43055, United States

11. Shooting Center

The Buckeye Shooting Center was established in 2021 by two retired US military men, Zack and Zim.

It has an ultra-modern indoor shooting range where people can hone their shooting skills or enjoy several rounds of ammo from their guns.

If you have a licensed ammo or gun, you can use it at the shooting range, although there are some rules to follow. For visitors who have not used a gun before, they offer beginner classes for people in this category.

Therefore, whether you are a novice or an expert shooter, this center is your sure bet to have a great shooting experience.

Do well to book at most an hour of shooting time when you visit this place.

Address: 1350 E Main St, Newark, OH 43055, United States

12. Barrel & Boar Newark

Barrel and Boar in Newark is a popular restaurant in Newark. Visitors will be delighted at the excellent services of the restaurant. They serve well-smoked meat in a welcoming, family-friendly, and countryside ambiance.

If you love eating meat, try not to miss their brisket, wings, ribs, and the famous shrimp and grits flavors. You can complement your barbecue with locally made beers and homemade cocktails.

The restaurant began in 1983 as Yoho’s Catering. Shortly after, it transformed into Barrel and Boar due to the various restorations done in 2011.

Currently, Barrel and Boar have different locations spread across Ohio, including this one in Newark. It also has a tap room on Cherry Valley Road in Southeast Newark.

Address: 5 N 3rd St, Newark, OH 43055, United States

13. Wood-Fired Kitchen & Tap

Visit Elliot’s Wood-Fired Kitchen & Tap to have a taste of the very best of wood-fired pizzas around Newark, Ohio.

Elliot’s Wood-Fired Kitchen & Tap provides visitors a complete menu of unique flavors, delicious treats, and various drinks from their full bar.

When you visit, make sure to have a bite of their signature pizza, known as “Bomb.” It is prepared with tasty sriracha sauce, mozzarella cheese, diced tomatoes, banana peppers, jalapenos, and sausage.

You might want to try the street tacos and their 16 classic draft beers. If you are searching for a place to enjoy a fantastic dining experience with family and friends, do well to drop by.

Address: 16 W Main St, Newark, OH 43055, United States

14. Market Street Soda Works

Market Street Soda Works is the right place to enjoy great food and soft drinks. It is situated in the New Canal Market District in the downtown area of Newark, Ohio.

It is a non-alcoholic bar that provides visitors with a broad selection of over 150 various types of bottled soda from across the country, together with varieties of local draught sodas served on tap.

You can make your stay at this place even more worthwhile by having dinner from the several central Ohio food trucks outside the building, coupled with tasty draft root beer.

It is also imperative to note that the Market Street Soda Works is a seasonal restaurant. It is available from May to October and is open on Friday And Saturday nights.

Address: 14 E. Market St., Newark, OH 43055, United States

15. Red Oak Pub And Restaurant

Red Oak Pub And Restaurant is a beautiful Newark restaurant that offers the best dining experience.

Visit this restaurant with friends and family to enjoy delicious burgers and beer. As a result of its tasty burgers, they have become a popular spot around town.

Every of their specialty burgers is prepared to suit your taste. The burgers are stacked with fresh ingredients and served on tasty pretzel Buns or Kaiser rolls.

You can also try out their fine selection of entrees, salads, paninis, wraps, soups, and other favorite dishes that you will love to have. Be part of their daily happy hour to enjoy a fine selection of drinks in the area.

Address: 250 Goose Pond Rd, Newark, OH 43055, United States

Ohio has some cool cities to explore, do check out Perrysburg and Findlay for a fun exploration of this state.

16. Trout Club

Visiting Trout Club is one of the best things to do in Newark, Ohio. It is made up of beautiful terrain and an undulating hill.

It is an ideal place to visit to play some rounds of golf while you enjoy views of the area. It is a par 72, 18-hole golf course with a land mass of 164 acres.

The Trout Club has a Pro Shop, two indoor and outdoor bars, a full-service restaurant, nine separate dining spaces, numerous indoor and outdoor entertainment spaces, live music, and an event pavilion.

It holds live entertainment throughout the year ranging from live band parties to acoustic jams. The Trout Club is an excellent place to hang out with friends and loved ones.

Address: 2250 Horns Hill Rd NE, Newark, OH 43055, United States

17. Horns Hill Park

Horns Hill Park is the perfect place to be if you are a huge fan of biking. This park has one of the best biking trails in Ohio.

Whether you want to go solo biking or ride in your friend’s company, this place offers you the best biking experience.

Getting lost in Newark’s single-route biking trail is relatively easy, providing scintillating views of the park while enjoying your ride.

The park is also family-friendly and ideal for family gatherings, sightseeing, picnics, and disc golfing.

The park organizes different biking events, with participants being locals and visitors. The City of Newark maintains the park. Drop by, as you do not want to miss the fun.

Address: 1250 Horns Hill Rd NE, Newark, OH 43055, United States

18. The Midland Theatre

The Midland Theater has stood the effects of time with a history that dates back to 1928 when it was built. Numerous theatres from that era are all gone. Nevertheless, the city of Newark took it upon itself to restore this theatre to its original look.

The Theatre operated firstly as a movie theatre in Newark, Ohio, for 50 years until it shut down in 1978. At this time, it reopened as an adult theatre with viewing booths, not until it was closed due to public disapproval. 

The Theatre has a seating capacity of 1,800 people and is located in Newark’s Downtown Historic District. The Theatre was bought in 1992 by Dave Longaberger and The Longaberger Company. It was renovated after eight years and reopened in 2000.

The Theatre is managed by a non-profit organization known as Newark Midland Theatre Association. The Theatre currently holds musical performances that popular performers anchor. 

Address: 36 N Park Pl, Newark, OH 43055, United States

19. Weathervane Playhouse

The Weathervane Playhouse has a whole lot of history. It is the oldest professional summer stock theatre company in Ohio. It has drawn directors and actors from all over the country.

The Playhouse was founded in 1969 and was initially opened for operations in a barn in Heath, Ohio.

For some couple of years, the theatre company carried out its operations in the barn, a tent, and an outdoor pavilion. 

 Thomas J. Evans Foundation gave the Weathervane Playhouse land in Newark to build a home for itself. In that same year, the theatre relocated.

This historic theatre is a fantastic place to visit in Newark, Ohio. Ensure to come with your kids so that they can enjoy the fun and entertainment in this place.

Address: 100 Price Rd, Newark, OH 43055, United States

20 Cherry Valley Hotel

Cherry Valley Hotel is close to many popular attractions in the city. The hotel has an arboretum, an indoor pool, and 60,000 square feet of event and meeting space.

The Cherry Valley Hotel is located on a land area of 16 acres, with a beautiful outdoor space and lush gardens registered under the National Garden Association. It is the only hotel in the country with a certified arboretum.

Their hotel rooms feature a well-decorated outdoor space where visitors can relax and enjoy coffee in the morning. Their courtyard spaces provide beautiful views of the gazebo and pond.

Because of its ample event space, it is an ideal place to host large conferences, meetings, and gatherings.

Address: 2299 Cherry Valley Rd SE, Newark, OH 43055, United States

21. Trek Brewing Company

If you are a fan of great beer, one of the best things to do in Newark, Ohio, is to check out the Trek Brewing Company. It is an excellent place to relax and enjoy a bottle of cold beer.

This attraction is a popular spot among the locals. They often come here after work to relax and enjoy a beer before returning home. It is more like a place for community gatherings, which is part of the brewery’s mission to positively impact the community by bringing everyone together.

The brewery is housed in a remarkable building. You can check out their taproom to get served their different beer options. You can also watch a live match on their wide TV screens.

Apart from the beer, they also serve fantastic foods such as burgers, chicken sandwiches, salads, children’s food, and small bites.

Address: 1486 Granville Rd, Newark, OH 43055, United States

22. Staddens Landing

There are excellent fishing areas in Newark, Ohio, that you can check out when you visit, and one such place is Staddens Landing. Fishing here is one of the fun things to do in Newark, Ohio.

Stadden Landing is situated along the edge of the Licking River. It features an excellent fishing area where visitors and locals can catch fish, including striped bass, catfish, and bluegills.

This attraction also offers other exciting water activities such as tubing, canoeing, and kayaking, and this is because of Staddens Landing’s direct access to the Licking River.

It is an excellent place to have great fun with family and friends. The Licking Park District is in charge of Staddens Landing.

Address: Co Hwy 315, Newark, OH 43055, United States

23. Canal Market District

The primary objective of the Canal Market District is to boost neighborhood access to local, healthy foods and enhance economic development that aligns with the county’s culture, local bounty, and history.

The Canal Market District is not only centered on sourcing fresh, local products but is also concerned with creating great relationships with the community’s residents.

This market is the venue for the twice-weekly farmers market, Art & Craft Markets, Food Truck Festival, Decor, Garden Show, and Treat Fest for Kids in October.

The Farmer’s Market runs from May to October from 4 pm to 6 pm and on Tuesdays and Fridays from 4 pm to 7 pm.

Address: 36 East Canal St., Newark, OH 43055, United States

For more fun in Ohio, check out our guides on things to do in Springfield, things to do in Cleveland, and things to do in Columbus 

Plan Your Trip to Newark

Newark, Ohio, has a unique history and culture, evident in its outstanding attractions. It is an ideal place to visit for a spectacular holiday trip.

There are various activities to please every preference. You will certainly have a fun time in Newark.