Ohio is full of little-known, historic villages that are unbelievably charming.
The small town of Zoar, Ohio is a historic German village most people in the state (surprisingly) don’t know about. Beautifully preserved and full of fun places to explore, you’ll fall in love with this little-known town. Take a look:
This tiny town was founded in 1817 “by a group of 200 German Separatists seeking escape from religious persecution in their homeland,” according to the village’s website.
Historic Zoar Village/Facebook The village of Zoar has more than 50 of the original historic structures and buildings still standing today. Consequently, the town has preserved much of its old world charm.
The town is currently celebrating 200 years of history, heritage and culture with its Zoar Village Bicentennial this year, so it’s an exciting time to visit this quaint village.
Historic Zoar Village/Facebook The Bicentennial will include updates to current town exhibits, the re-opening of the Bimeler House as the Bimeler Art Gallery, several special events, a Zoar-focused speaker series and much more.
Today, approximately 177 people call this lovely town home. Gorgeous landscaping surrounds much of the historic homes, making it a delightful town to live in.
Historic Zoar Village/Facebook About 75 families live in the town’s charming homes, built from 1817 to the present.
During your visit, you’ll want to stop at the Zoar Store, which is a museum building owned by the Ohio History Connection and managed and operated by the Zoar Community Association.
Historic Zoar Village/Facebook Other museum buildings in the town owned by the Ohio History Connection and managed and operated by the Zoar Community Association include: The Zoar Dairy, Hotel, Wagon Shop, Blacksmith Shop, Tin Shop, Bakery, Garden and Garden House, Sewing House, Number One House, Kitchen & Dining Room, The Bimeler Museum and the Magazine.
You’ll also want to take a stroll around town and take in all the old homes, beautiful architecture and living history. Pictured below is the Bimeler Cabin.
Historic Zoar Village/Facebook As one of the first buildings erected in Zoar, this privately owned cabin was the town’s first meeting house and is the oldest home still standing in Zoar.
With so much history and preservation, it’s not uncommon to see a historic reenactment or other special events happening in Zoar.
Historic Zoar Village/Facebook The annual Civil War School Day in September is one of the town’s most popular historic events.
You may even get to take a guided carriage or wagon ride around town, if you’re lucky.
Historic Zoar Village/Facebook “Christmas in Zoar” is an especially fun time to take a ride around the town.
While you’re here, you’ll definitely want to check out the beloved Zoar Hotel, which dates back to 1833. Free tours of the hotel are given on select dates.
Historic Zoar Village/Facebook The Zoar Hotel had 40 sleeping rooms and accommodated all kinds of people during its hotel years, including President William McKinley. (You can call 330-874-3011 for tour information.)
During your visit, you can stay at the Zoar School Inn Bed and Breakfast, where history, charm and an exceptional breakfast await you.
Management Photo/Trip Advisor With welcoming hosts and an informative tour of the historic building, you’ll truly feel like you’ve traveled back in time—while also enjoying all the modern comforts of home. It is located at 60 Third Street, Box 509, Zoar, OH 44697.
As an added historical bonus (and in honor of Zoar Village’s Bicentennial celebration), you can visit the Zoar Bicentennial Traveling Exhibit, which opened at the German-American Heritage Museum in Washington D.C in March.
Historic Zoar Village/Facebook This lovely little town is beyond proud. <3
Have you ever been to this beautiful small town before? (For more information about the village of Zoar and upcoming events, click here.) What’s your favorite small town in Ohio? Share your thoughts and experiences with us!
Historic Zoar Village/Facebook
The village of Zoar has more than 50 of the original historic structures and buildings still standing today. Consequently, the town has preserved much of its old world charm.
The Bicentennial will include updates to current town exhibits, the re-opening of the Bimeler House as the Bimeler Art Gallery, several special events, a Zoar-focused speaker series and much more.
About 75 families live in the town’s charming homes, built from 1817 to the present.
Other museum buildings in the town owned by the Ohio History Connection and managed and operated by the Zoar Community Association include: The Zoar Dairy, Hotel, Wagon Shop, Blacksmith Shop, Tin Shop, Bakery, Garden and Garden House, Sewing House, Number One House, Kitchen & Dining Room, The Bimeler Museum and the Magazine.
As one of the first buildings erected in Zoar, this privately owned cabin was the town’s first meeting house and is the oldest home still standing in Zoar.
The annual Civil War School Day in September is one of the town’s most popular historic events.
“Christmas in Zoar” is an especially fun time to take a ride around the town.
The Zoar Hotel had 40 sleeping rooms and accommodated all kinds of people during its hotel years, including President William McKinley. (You can call 330-874-3011 for tour information.)
Management Photo/Trip Advisor
With welcoming hosts and an informative tour of the historic building, you’ll truly feel like you’ve traveled back in time—while also enjoying all the modern comforts of home. It is located at 60 Third Street, Box 509, Zoar, OH 44697.
This lovely little town is beyond proud. <3
And for more beautiful small towns in Ohio, check out our previous article: The 12 Towns You Need To Visit In Ohio In 2017.
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