I grew up in the small town of Millersburg, Ohio and much of my family still lives in the village. Millersburg offers many things for the out-of-town visitor. The historic district has undergone a recent resurgence – there are more dining options and small businesses than I can ever remember! Here is my guide of things to do in Millersburg, Ohio.
**This post contains affiliate links. I was provided a tour of the Millersburg Glass Museum & Victorian House Museum, but all opinions are my own.**
About Millersburg
Millersburg is the county seat of Holmes County, Ohio. Founded in 1865, Millersburg is the gateway to Ohio’s Amish Country and about 6 miles from Berlin, Ohio. Holmes County has the world’s largest Amish settlement, as nearly 35,000 Amish call this area home.
Millersburg is also at a crossroads of the Amish Country Byway. Here travelers can access SR 83 North and South, US 62 East and West, SR 39 East and West, and SR 241 North. All of these roads offer scenic vistas and the opportunity to view Amish farms and homesteads.
Coming for a day trip? Millersburg is approximately 90- minutes from Cleveland or Columbus.
Things to do in Millersburg
Victorian House Museum
The Victorian House was built in 1902 by wealthy Cleveland Industrialist, L. H. Brightman. The 28-room mansion is not only a magnificent example of Queen Anne style architecture but also contains over 4,000 square feet of beautiful antiques and local artifacts.
The Victorian House Museum has been featured in Victorian Magazine, on HGTV, and even the movie “Love Finds You in Valentine.”
Save on your visit to The Victorian House Museum: Check out this deal for admission from Groupon.
Millersburg Glass Museum
The Millersburg Glass Museum chronicles the life of John Fenton and his short-lived Millersburg Glass business. The most popular glass produced in Millersburg was the iridescent Carnival glass, which has wooed collectors from around the world.
To understand how desirable the carnival glass became – In 1909, John Fenton was commissioned by the Queen Wilhelmina of The Netherlands to create the Holland Vase, later called the People’s Vase. The vase depicts dancing in the streets after the birth of her daughter because Holland residents worried Wilhelmina may leave the throne without an heir.
The Millersburg Glass Museum now displays three of eight known People’s Vases in the world. The blue and the marigold vases are believed to be the only ones of their kind in terms of color (pictured below).
Read more here: The Millersburg Glass Museum and the Amish Country Byway.
Take a walk on the Rails to Trails
If children are tired of antiquing and learning, burn off some energy by running or walking on the Rails to Trails. The trail is 12 miles long and allows walkers, bikers, and buggies to travel from Fredericksburg to Killbuck, OH. Yes, you read that right, there is a buggy lane! This is the only dual-purpose trail in the USA!
Watch where you step, though! Because horses frequent the trail, you may go home with a little souvenir on your shoe.
Playgrounds for kids
Millersburg offers a large playground with picnic seating on S. Clay Street. Parking is available on S. Monroe St below the park, or visitors may park at the Lutheran Church on S. Clay and walk to the playground.
The elementary school playground is available during the summer and on weekends. The playground is located behind the school at 430 E. Jackson St.
The Rails to Trails also has a small playground at its access point, located on Depot St. in Millersburg.
Deer Run Park has a playground and a dog park. This is located on Glen Drive, next to the Holmes County Library.
Shopping in Downtown Millersburg
Antiques – Visitors looking for antiques will want to visit Starlight Antiques, Jackson Street Antiques, and the Antique Emporium. All of these are located in the historic downtown, on W. Jackson Street. Also, check the Historic Downtown Millersburg Facebook page for events such as “Antiques in the Alley,” when local vendors set up their Antiques around downtown, like the courthouse lawn.
Clothing, Decor, and More – New boutiques are popping up around Millersburg! For chic, handmade clothing, check out Farmhouse Frocks. The Jenny Wren & Cottonwood Shanty both offer unique home decor and seasonal items. The Jewelry Store has been a Millersburg institution for many years. Local, handcrafted wares can be found at New Town Faire (pictured below).
Thrift stores – A favorite secondhand store is the Save & Serve Thrift Shop on South Washington Street. Across the road is Goodwill.
Farmer’s Market – A Farmer’s Market takes place every Saturday during the summer from 8 am- 12 pm behind the Holmes Co. Chamber of Commerce (Just north of the square). Look for signs!
Places to eat
Bags Sports Pub – A golf-themed sports bar. Pub-style food – my favorite is any sandwich on a pretzel bun.
Olde World Bakery – Baked goods, light lunches, and gluten-free options. My favorite place for lunch in Millersburg. (Call ahead, may be closed because of the pandemic)
McKelvey’s Pub – Pizza or a pint, what will you have?
The Tavern at Hotel Millersburg – Historic hotel in the center of downtown offering home-cooked meals and a bar. Check their Facebook page for upcoming entertainment.
La Palma – The only Mexican food in Millersburg (not counting Taco Bell)! De Nada!
Millersburg Brewing Co. – Hip setting with local beer available to sample and share, plus sandwiches and appetizers.
For more on dining in the area, check out my post on my favorite Amish Country Restaurants.
Places to stay
Millersburg offers the historic Hotel Millersburg, Comfort Inn, Holiday Inn Express, and a few cabins rentals/Airbnb style accommodations.
Have you been to Millersburg? What is your favorite place to eat or shop?
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