Let your trip to the heart of Ohio include visiting Marion County, where you’ll find the perfect location for a weekend getaway or a multi-day stay. Marion is conveniently situated just off State Route 23 and is a short drive north of Columbus. Marion offers excellent accommodations, engaging attractions, seasonal activities, and delicious dining opportunities if you’re looking for a location to meet up with family and friends this holiday season.
Select comfortable accommodations at one of Marion’s hotels near State Route 23 or enjoy your stay in a newly listed Downtown short-term rental option.
Discover history with Marion roots and encounter its impact on Ohio and this nation. Tour three Harding Presidential sites – the historic home, museum, and memorial. Stroll the Marion County Historical Society, home to the Buckeye Telephone Museum collection, international children’s author Shary Williamson’s book display, and US Treasurer Mary Ellen Withrow’s career memorabilia. Experience unique popcorn carts under the big tent at the Wyandot Popcorn Museum and enjoy a complimentary box of popcorn. Explore the County, discover the locations of Marion’s seventeen Ohio Historical Markers, and stop by Marion Union Station, a unique experience for train enthusiasts.
While you’re here, experience the beauty of nature. The Marion County Park District Naturalist offers guided winter hikes at the Marion Tallgrass Trail, or explore the trail at your own pace. To warm up after your hike, shift gear for indoor activities like axe throwing, bowling, or arcade games.
Holiday shopping awaits you in a reimagined downtown landscape with unique locally owned retail spaces, a hands-on art studio, clothing boutiques, an art gallery, and a yarn shop. Experience delightful dishes served up along the Eaterarian Trail – Memphis-style BBQ, southern soul food, tasty seafood, Italian cuisine, woodfired pizza, ice cream, and more! Sip a cup of tea or coffee at locally owned shops or experience an English tea service at Marion’s tearoom.
Celebrate the holiday spirit with a drive through Christmas by Candlelight at the Marion County Fairgrounds or take in an evening of live, local theatre with Christmas at the Palace at Marion’s 1928 Eberson-built atmospheric theatre. Come for the annual Lighted Truck Parade and stay for the tree lighting and pictures with Santa in Founders Park.
When traveling this winter, encounter, experience, and explore Marion County, Ohio!
