What makes Bellbrook sights so special is the unique mix of historic small town charms and a pinch of rural boredom, which I feel every time I stroll along the old main road. The city was founded in 1815 by the brothers John and William Bell – a name that still lives in every sign and anecdote. I have to admit that I cannot fully understand the whole “Pionier-Hype”, but the old town hall, built in 1915, has a certain rustic pride that forces me to hold in every time.
If you come from the south, you'll best drive along I‐71 and turn off at exit 46 – this is the fastest route to reach the heart of Bellbrook Township without losing yourself in endless field paths. Once here, the Bellbrook Community Center attracts, where locals run their homemade jams at the weekly peasant market; I tried the best apple cake in the region there, no joke.
The story is not the only thing that fascinates me: People here have a dry humour that almost reminds of the landscape – flat but surprisingly sharp. And yes, the Bellbrook sights include not only old buildings, but also the small, but fine network of hiking and cycling trails that swell through the gentle green of Greene County. Those who want to experience the authentic Ohio should stop here – this is my personal secret tip, and I promise you will not be disappointed.
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Advantage:
You can assess light, perspective and location before visiting the site – ideal for photography, sunrises and sunsets.
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The first stop of my little Odyssey leads me to John Bryan State ParkOne of the few places where you actually feel in Ohio the nature has to keep the word. The way to the main lake is a narrow gravel path that stretches between ancient limestone rocks – I almost overlooked a frog there, because I was too busy photographing the view while an older couple walked past me and greeted me with a knowing nap. Parking is almost always a Klacks, as long as you don't arrive at the weekend with the whole family, then the small field park will quickly become a battlefield.
A short trip to Xenia brings me to Green County Historical Society Museum. The building itself is a relic from the 1800s that has more stories to tell than an average blogger can put in a blog post. I found an old diary there, which reports about a forging from the time of civil war – no joke that was part of the exhibition and I almost accidentally took it home because I thought it was a souvenir. The museum is located directly on the main road, so parking is practical: a small parking lot behind the building, which is rarely full, unless there is a special event.
Go on Caesar Creek State Parkwhere I once lost myself in a maze of hiking trails that reminded of a bad labyrinth game rather than a park. The river that flows through the valley is crystal clear enough to see the fish, and fishing is allowed when you bring a little patience – I caught a pike there that almost persuaded me to make fishing my new hobby. The parking lot at the main entrance is large enough to accommodate a few cars, but on sunny Saturdays it can quickly get tight here, so prefer to come early.
A short jump to Dayton leads me to Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park. I don't understand the hype around the Wright brothers, but the museum that illuminates the history of aviation in Ohio still tied me up – especially the original tools used in the early aircraft. The park is just outside, but the approach is straightforward: just take the US‐35 east, then turn right. Parking is free, but there is only a small field that quickly gets full when an aircraft event takes place.
A little away from the usual tourist paths lies the Clifton Mill, a restored water mill that today serves as a venue for local markets and concerts. I was there on a Saturday when a local folk band played and the crowd consisted of old peasants and young hipsters – a picture I won't forget so quickly. The Mill has a small parking lot behind the building, which is usually empty as long as you don't come to the main event.
At the end of my small tour, Ohio to Erie Trail not missing, a 560 km long cycle path that leads through the heart of Ohio. I have tried out a piece of the trail near Bellbrook, and although the track is rather flat and unspectacular, the feeling is to be on a continuous path that leaves me back and forth. The trail is well signposted, and parking for cyclists is usually possible on the small rest places along the way – a short stop to stretch the legs is completely enough.
If you are looking for a mix of nature, history and a bit of local peculiarity, you will find more than enough reasons to turn off the engine and explore the surroundings in the vicinity of Bellbrook. Bellbrook Attractions, which I want to give to everyone who wants to experience the little charm of this place Ohio.
The history of Bellbrook begins long before the first house I found there, and I must admit that when entering the old Bellbrook Historical Society Museum, I almost felt like a piece of time travel ticket – only without the annoying QR code.
I visited the museum for the first time on a rainy Thursday afternoon, because the weather didn't attract me anywhere else. The building itself is a converted classroom from the 1920s, and the exhibition consists of a mixture of dusty photo albums, handwritten diaries and a curious collection of old school benches, which today serve as seats for visitors. A must for anyone who believes that small towns only consist of empty supermarket parking spaces – here there is at least a little soul.
Located right next to the museum is the Bellbrook Park, a small green piece that is surprisingly well suited for a picnic if you don't want to disturb the local ducks too much. I once tried to eat a sandwich there, while a curious goose talk took me half away – a real test for patience and bread quality. Parking is usually easy, except on Saturday night, as it becomes a real problem because then the weekly Bellbrook Farmers Market takes place.
The Farmers Market itself is a quirky collection of local farmers who run their fresh strawberries, self-pressed apple juice and handmade candles. I tried the best honey bread of my life there, sold by a lady named Marge who told me that her honey came from bees flying exclusively over the city park – a bit of marketing, but hey, that tastes.
A short walk further leads to the Bellbrook Community Center, a modern building that houses more events than I could create on a weekend. I was there at a yoga class led by a former ballet dancer who spoke more about flexibility than I knew about my tax return. The Center has a small café area where you get a “Super-Strong” latte after sweating – no joke, the thing has more caffeine than a racer team.
If you have a little more time left, it's worth a trip to the Bellbrook Public Library. I borrowed a book about the Ohio River Valley story that tied me to the corner of the reading room for hours. The library is surprisingly well equipped, and the staff is friendly as long as you do not try to crack the WLAN password – this is strictly forbidden here, and the sign on the door is almost an artwork.
Another highlight I don't want to mention is the old St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, which overlooks the city with its red brick roof top. I once took part in a midnight trade fair because I thought that would be a good way to “sense” the local culture. The acoustics inside is so impressive that the whispers of the church bells could almost be misunderstood as a personal message.
Of course there are still the usual Bellbrook Attractions, which is found in every guide, but for me, it is the small, slightly chaotic moments – the Gänserich Duel in the park, the honey bread of Marge and the yoga-course chaaos – which really make the place alive. So next time you ask about Ohio and ask yourself if you should make a detour, remember: Bellbrook may be small, but it has more character than you would suspect at first sight.
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