Exploring Chillicothe
Chillicothe, Ohio is nestled at the base of the Appalachian Mountain foothills and provides visitors with unparalleled natural beauty, rich history, and a charming downtown shopping and eating scene. Your hosts at The Willis-James can help you prepare for a visit to Chillicothe whether your interests are in the numerous historical sites, outdoor adventures, arts and sports, or shopping. The Willis-James is located a 3-4 block walking distance from the majority of the downtown attractions.
HOPEWELL CEREMONIAL EARTHWORKS
This is Ohio's only UNESCO World Heritage Site. The earthworks were constructed by a people 1,600-2,00 years ago. They are expansive earthen enclosures that display an ancient culture's immense knowledge of geometric precision, ceremonial practices, and astronomical alignment. Five of the earthworks are located in Ross County and are a mere 20-minute drive from The Willis-James. We will also show you a few other earthworks close-by that further demonstrate how significant the Chillicothe area was to these indigenous inhabitants.
We suggest basing yourself out of The Willis-James and spending your days visiting these incredible sites. If you want, we can help you plan your routes and recommend a few of our favorite places to grab lunch or dinner along the way.
Downtown Historic District
Take a stroll along the streets of Chillicothe's historic downtown and business district. The numerous 19th century buildings are filled with quaint retail shops and eateries. Don't forget to visit the site of Ohio's first statehouse at the corner of Paint and Main. About a 1/2 mile west of this site is a replica of the old statehouse in which the Chillicothe Gazette operates; the paper our Nathaniel Willis started in 1800.
From TWJ you can walk to downtown, or plenty of metered parking is available if you choose to drive. You can also take a ride on the new town trolley which picks up right behind us in the library parking lot.
Museums
Chillicothe's rich history dates back to prehistoric times. Our most beloved museums will help you learn and appreciate more about this cultural center and first capital of Ohio. We recommend you begin your journey at the Ross County Historical Museum that is right across the street from TWJ. From there visit:
LUCY WEBB HAYES HERITAGE CENTER
MOUND CITY NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK
ROSS COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND MUSEUM
Tecumseh, Outdoor Drama
A visit to Chillicothe in summer is never complete without catching a performance of the award-winning, outdoor historical drama - Tecumseh!. Whether you've been to an outdoor drama before or not, this play about the life of one the most celebrated American Indian leaders is guaranteed to capture the senses and your admiration.
Hiking, Biking, and Boating
The forested hills, scenic rivers, and lakes that encompass Ross County offer an avid outdoor seeking plenty of opportunities. There are a plethora of state parks within a 30-mile radius, as well as numerous recreational trails and breathtaking scenic waterways. Visit:
Arts and Sports
Chillicothe is home to the oldest continuously operating theater America (The Majestic), while local artists showcase their talent at the Pump House Center for the Arts. Catching a Chillicothe Paints game, our Prospect League baseball team, is another great way to spend an evening here in the summer.
PUMP HOUSE CENTER FOR THE ARTS
