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What makes Northwood sights so special is the unique mix of historical silence and the quiet noise of everyday life that surprises me every time I cross the old railway bridge over the Little Miami River. I've always wondered why this small community in the heart of McArthur Township, Logan County, has caused so little attention, although it has been an important hub for agricultural development since the 1850s. The first settlers looking for a piece of the American dream left not only fields, but also a few barns that still characterize the image of a past era.
A short trip by car from Columbus leads over the State Route 47 You go straight to the village – not annoying redirections, just a few stops at the local gas stations that have more charm than any tourist information. I have to admit that I don't understand the hype about the “art in the park” installation, but the weekly farmer market meeting on Saturday morning is really great: fresh apples, self-made apple wine and the inevitable discussion about the weather that is almost a ritual here.
If you are looking for a place that is not overrun by tourist crowds, then Northwood is just the right thing. Here rustic history meets a bit of modernity, and this creates an atmosphere that is calming and slightly ironic at the same time – perfect for a short but intense trip.
This guide invites you to take a walk through what I love the "hidden jewel" of McArthur Township – Northwood. I'll start with what's at my heart: the Northwood Community Park. At first glance, it looks like any other small park in Ohio, but once you have surrounded the old oaks around the small lake, you can see that time ticks a bit slower here. I had a picnic with my neighbor there in the summer, and while we complained about the heat, a swarm duck floated over the water as if they wanted to praise us for the loud radio. Parking is usually a Klacks – a few free places right at the entrance, except on Sundays after the church baar, there will be a real crowd.
A short detour to Northwood Public Library is almost obligatory if you really want to get to know the place. The library is small, but the shelves are packed with local history books that you can't find anywhere else. I remember accidentally discovering an old photo album from the 1920s that documented the founding of the village – a real treasure for anyone interested in the roots of this spot. The staff is friendly, but not exaggerated, enthusiastic about what I feel as refreshingly honest. A parking space behind the building is always free as long as you do not visit the weekly reading circle meeting.
If you have a flaw for historic buildings, you should definitely Village Hall visit. The brick building from 1915 radiates a kind of sober dignity, which is rarely found in modern municipalities. I once participated in a public meeting where a mayor spoke about the “great future” of the village – a bit exaggerated, but the acoustics in the hall were really impressive. The indoor parking lot is a narrow strip that offers enough space for a car; a bit of patience when parking is part of the experience.
No visit to Northwood would be complete without a stop in Northwood Diner, the only place where you get a real “Midwest-Burger” that does not come from a chain. I tried the legendary “Northwood Special” there – a burger with caramelized onions, Cheddar and a secret sauce that I still can’t decrypt completely. The diner has only a few tables, so it is advisable to come early, otherwise you have to wait at the counter and inhale the scent of freshly brewed coffee, which is almost therapeutic.
Once a month, the main road turns into a colorful market that I like as the heart of the Northwood Attractions sign. The Farmers Market offers fresh vegetables, handmade jams and occasionally some homemade pieces of furniture that have more charm than any IKEA creation. I once found an old wooden chair that fits perfectly with my living room – and that for a price that was almost too good to be true. Parking is a bit tricky here: most visitors park on the street, but this is part of the little adventure.
For those who prefer to swing in the green, Northwood Golf Club, a modest nine-hole place that has more character than many large plants. The fairways are lined with trees, and the lawn mowing sounds almost like a soothing background noise that the birds do not overtone. I once made a game with an old friend from high school; we made fun of the “big” tournaments in the big cities, while we tried not to transport the ball into the bunker. The club has a small parking lot behind the clubhouse, which is usually free as long as you do not visit the weekly tournament.
Finally, I would like to mention the two churches that form the spiritual backbone of Northwood: the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and the Northwood United Methodist Church. Both buildings are architecturally simple, but the communities behind them are alive and cordial. I have already participated in a choir evening where the singers had more talent than one would expect from a village of this size. So, if you want to experience the authentic, slightly scrupulous flair of Northwood, just follow my small, slightly cynical path – you will not be disappointed.
If you think that Ohio only offers endless corn fields and boring land roads, then let yourself out of the Hocking Hills surprise – a true natural paradise that is only half an hour away from Northwood. I have driven my hiking shoes almost to exhaustion because I am the legendary Old Man’s Cave wanted to explore. The path is well marked, parking is a bit chaotic on weekends, but a short walk from the parking to the entrance is completely enough. The canyon itself is a bit overrated, because every tourist here makes a photo of the waterfall, but the interplay of moss-grown rock walls and the quiet noise of the brook has something calming – almost as if nature would whisper you a quiet “Mach mal Pause”.
A few kilometers further the path leads to Cedar Fallswhere the water sprinkles over a 30-meter-high rock fall. I made a picnic there because the sign “No grilling allowed” made me smile rather than anger. The way down is a little slippery, so solid footwear is mandatory – I almost lost my old sneakers, but that was a small price for the cool spray water that sprays you in the face when you enter too close to the edge.
A short detour leads to Rock House, a natural rock cave that looks as if an architect of stone had built a small house. I do not quite understand the hype about this “hidden” attraction, because the interior is rather a dark, damp labyrinth, but the light falling through the ridges creates an almost mystical ambience. Practically, you hardly find crowds here – a perfect place to be a bit alone with your thoughts while you ask yourself why you came here at all.
Further north, almost like a secret bonus, lies Ash Cave. The largest cave space in the entire Hocking area, and not without reason: The ceiling is so high that you almost feel like standing in a cathedral. I spent a few hours there because the echo of your voice reminds you that you are not alone – at least not until a curious hiker shows up with a binocular and asks you if you know the way back. Parking is almost empty in low season, but in summer you have to turn with a few cars in the circle before you find a free place.
If you're looking for a different experience, then Lake Logan State Park That's right. The lake is not huge, but the clear water invites you to swim, fishing and even a short boat ride. I rented a small rowing boat there and spent a few quiet hours on the water while the sun slowly went down – a picture I still see in my head when I think of the hectic everyday life. The car park is free, but on sunny Saturdays there is a small queue because everyone wants to have a place on the shore.
A little away from the known paths lies the Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve. The way through the narrow canyon is narrow and sometimes almost inappropriate, but the result is a breathtaking view of a deep canyon lined by trees. I spent a few hours there because I thought I could enjoy the silence just to be surprised by a loud cuckoo bird from the bush. Parking is a small, immovable car park at the beginning of the trail – enough for a car, but not for a whole family.
For those who are really adventurous, I recommend a trip to Zaleski State Forest. The forest is huge, and the highlight is the Trail of the Loon, a 12-mile walkway leading you through pristine forests, streams and remote viewing points. I've managed the trail in two days because I couldn't decide if I'd rather go on or just make a campfire. The campsites are simple, but that means you have to bring your own supplies – a small price for freedom to sleep in the middle of the forest.
Whether you are looking for spectacular waterfalls, quiet caves or remote forest trails, the surroundings of Northwood, McArthur Township, Logan, Ohio have more to offer than you would suspect at first sight. My personal highlights show that the region is full of surprising moments that every traveller – even the slightly cynical – can inspire. So next time after Northwood Attractions searches should not overlook these natural treasures.
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