Main Image courtesy of Canal Winchester.

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In 1828, Canal Winchester was founded when the construction of the Ohio & Erie canal began. One of the first owners of the town, Reuben Dove, had a wheat field at the time that was disrupted when the canal was being constructed. Since the area was midway between Columbus and Lancaster, Dove decided to create a town instead. In November of 1828, the first plat of the town was recorded. The village was eventually named Winchester after Dove’s father’s hometown of Winchester in Virginia. Canal Winchester is located in the Fairfield and Franklin counties, and home to a history of agriculture and transportation, along with many museums and plenty of outdoor activities! 

Museums

You can find a host of great museums when you’re around the Canal Winchester area, including the National Barber Museum, the Motts Military Museum, the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, and the Doll and Toy Museum. You may have read a little bit about these museums already from our blog on The Quirkiest Museums to Visit in Canal Winchester, OH.

National Barber Museum

The National Barber Museum was founded in 1988. This museum is all things barbering artifacts, including barber poles, chairs, and razors from the past. You will also get to learn a bit more about the history that has gone into barbering and you can even experience a visit to the Barber Hall of Fame. $5 admission for adults, $4 admission for seniors, and a $3 admission for students!

Motts Military Museum

Located in the neighboring city of Groveport you can find the Motts Military Museum. The museum was founded in 1987 as a place “to educate the public on the importance of America’s military past through the documentation, collection, interpretation, and preservation of tangible artifacts and personal stories of the men and women who served and are serving in the United States Armed Forces.” The museum has continued to expand over the years, with the museum being able to secure vehicles, military aircraft, and even a Higgins Boat from World War II. The museum currently has exhibits that include:

• Civil War
• World War II
• Korean War
• Desert Storm

It should also be noted that Motts has the nation’s second largest collections of artifacts from both the Holocaust and 9/11. The museum is currently open Tuesday through Saturday at just $10 a ticket. 

Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum

The Motorcycle Hall of Fame is a museum located near Canal Winchester in Pickerington, OH. The museum first began in 1982, and was a way for people to celebrate motorcycle history. This includes artifacts, photographs, and motorcycles. The first level of the museum is where you can find the themed exhibits and historic motorcycles, and the upper level is where you can find honors of the lives and careers among those in the Motorcycle Hall of Fame. Non-member ticketing rates are set at $10 for adults, $3 for students and $8 for seniors. 

Doll and Toy Museum

Along with other interesting Canal Winchester museums of barbers and motorcycles, you can also find a historic doll and toy museum! In 1984, the Mid Ohio Historical Museum: Doll and Toy Museum was created. This museum houses a collection of historical and antique toys and also provides doll repairing, refurbishing, and appraisal services. Visit the museum any day Wednesday through Saturday at just $3 for admission. 

A Gift Shop at the Museum feature antique and collectible dolls that include:

• German Bisque
• French Bisque
• New Dolls
• Porcelain & Vinyl
• Name Brands
• Madame Alexander
• Barbie
• Effanbee
• Robert Tonner
• Gene

Parks Near Canal Winchester, OH

Check out some of the most popular parks near Canal Winchester!

Three Creeks Metro park

This park is located around the confluence of the Alum, Big Walnut, and Blacklick Creek. You can enjoy some great spots to watch wildlife in the area that include beaver, coyote, deer, and mink. No matter what time of the year you may be in the area, this park is beautiful to visit all year round.

Walnut Woods Metro park

Walnut Woods Metro Park is located in the neighboring city of Groveport, and features over one thousand acres of thick forests and fields. The Tall Pines area, one of the park’s best features, is home to soaring pine trees that act as one of the most impressive sites in all of central Ohio. The Tall Pines Area features stands of pines and sweetgum trees, and the Buckeye Area has long rows of old nursery trees that include serviceberry, crab apple and red maples. The park also features various restored wetlands and vernal pools.

Chestnut Ridge Metro park

Chestnut Ridge is the very first ridge in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. The ridge can rise over 1,000 feet, and black oak, shagbark hickory, and northern red oak are among some of the trees that grow on the upper slopes of the ridge to enhance the overall beauty within the park!

Cities Near Canal Winchester, OH

Check out some of the major cities nearby Canal Winchester!

Pickerington

Pickerington, formerly known as Jacksonville, is designated as the “Violet Capital of Ohio.” Pickerington is located just east of Columbus and is the second largest city in Fairfield county. You can find the Motorcycle Hall of Fame here!

Blacklick Estates

Blacklick Estates is a CDP in Franklin county Ohio. It is bordered to the north, east, and south by the city of Columbus.

Whitehall

Whitehall is most certainly a hot spot around the Columbus Metropolitan Area. The current median home value in Whitehall is $84,800 and the median household income is $41,022. Whitehall is home to the headquarters of major companies such as Heartland Bank, The Wasserstrom Company, and Priority Designs.

Bexley

Bexley is considered a “first-ring suburb” of Columbus, known for its very historic and close knit neighborhoods. Bexley includes a high ranked public school system, easy to walk around environment, and of course its status as the home of Capital University.

According to the city of Bexley’s website, “The Mission of the City of Bexley is to provide outstanding city services, support, planning, and communication to the residents, businesses, and organizations of Bexley.”

Gahanna

Also known as the herb capital of Ohio, Gahanna is home to 775 acres of parks, bike/walking trails, and a list of some pretty fun events throughout the entire year. Upcoming events include a holiday lights celebration and a queen of hearts drawing in the month of December!

Restaurants Near Canal Winchester, OH

Of course the most important thing to consider when visiting/moving somewhere: the nearby food options! Check out some of the best restaurants around the Canal Winchester area. 

Harvest Moon Craft Kitchen

The owners of present day Harvest Moon Craft Kitchen originally bought the restaurant as Harvest Moon Coffee House in 2010. In 2010 they immediately changed to Harvest Moon Café. After transforming the menu and renovations in the restaurant itself, Harvest Moon was evolved into what it is today, Harvest Moon Craft Kitchen. The restaurant also prides itself on using locally sourced products from local partners including Orlando’s Bakery, Honey Run Farms, and Rost Coffee.

Shade on the Canal Restaurant 

The famous Shade restaurant is the perfect place to relax and unwind while you enjoy a great meal. Upbeat music and TVs are included all around and guests can enjoy a menu of sandwiches, wings, salads, soups, and pizza. There is also a gluten-free menu that attracts many of those with certain gluten allergies!

Canal Winchester may not be one of the most popular towns of the Columbus Metropolitan area, but the home of many unique museums and a chance to enjoy some nature at one of the several local metro parks. A couple great food options are also a plus!