One of Knox County’s newest attractions is Ariel-Foundation Park in Mount Vernon. Named after a large glass-making factory that once stood on the grounds, this 250-acre recreation area is one of the most unique parks in Ohio. Remnants of the manufacturing plant are still standing, and visitors are invited to explore these historic structures.

Stop in the park’s welcome center – a restored 1907 railroad depot. Picnic and play in the large grassy meadow, and stroll through the 1,000-foot paved Three of Life Labryinth. Climb the spiral staircase of the Rastin Observation Tower, where a deck 140-feet high offers a spectacular view of the city. Three lakes for limited boating and fishing, as well as woods with paved walking trails, provide more outdoor fun. The Schnormeier Events Center features a summer concert schedule, and can also be reserved for private events. Gather more information about the park at arielfoundationpark.org.

Plan a family fun day at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. See animals from across the world, including elephants and rhinos from Asia, and kangaroos and koalas from Australia. Travel to Africa, where you can ride a camel and feed a giraffe. And visit the Congo to see the leopards and gorillas. You’ll be treated to close-up views of the wild creatures from our own country too.
The Columbus Zoo also offers many unique hands-on learning experiences. Their ZooKids summer camp provides grade-schoolers with hands-on activities of all kinds. There are adult workshops, and family overnight programs. Take a guided behind-the-scenes tour to learn the life a zookeeper. Jack Hanna, Director Emeritus, made the zoo world famous! And don’t miss Jungle Jack’s Landing for fun rides, a 4-D theater, and the incredible Animal Encounters Village – where you’ll get up close and personal with some friendly critters. Also visit the zoo’s other attraction, Zoombezi Bay – a 22.7 acre waterpark. Find all the details at columbuszoo.org.

A visit to Granville is like stepping into a classic New England village.  Browse the many galleries, book and gift shops, and vintage stores. See Alligator Mound, a 250-foot long, four feet high earthen mound created by ancient Indian tribes. Tour the grounds of the 52-acre Bryn Du Mansion, where you’re likely to see a polo match on summer Sunday afternoons.

See the 18th and 19th century furnishings that fill the Avery-Downer House and Robbins Hunter Museum. Sixteen rooms of the house/museum are restored and decorated with original artworks and antiques. More relics from the area are found at the Granville Historical Society. Enjoy the architecture at Denison University, and see the collections on display at the Denison Museum. And no visit to Granville is complete without enjoying fine dining at one of two historic landmarks, the Granville Inn and the Buxton Inn. See everything the town has to offer at visitgranvilleohio.com.