Group Tour

Pioneer Days

One, Two or Three Nights

 

Pick from the following unique attractions and restaurants to learn about the Pioneers of Butler County and the surrounding areas of the Tri-State.

A tour of Chrisholm. 

Built by Amish/Mennonite families from Alsace – Lorraine, who settled the area in the early 1800’s, it is a striking example of the large, solid homes built by these immigrants.  The bank barn is the home to the country antique farm equipment society.

A tour of Govenor Bebb Pioneer Village.

Learn how the pioneers lived as you enjoy a unique tour of this village.  Begin by dressing as a pioneer – long skirts for the ladies, and smocks for the men!  Then tour each of the seven buildings in small groups, where members of your group will be asked to “volunteer” their services.  This is a “hands on” type of tour.  There is also time to visit the village store, make candles, and visit the covered bridge.  A picnic can also be arranged at the Village.

A visit to the Lane-Hooven Home. 

Originally built as an octagonal home in the early 1860’s, this beautifully restored house is now a working museum – home to the Hamilton Community Foundation.  While there, learn about the Hooven Automatic Typewriter, the world’s first word processor.

Tour the Oxford Pioneer Farm.

With its German bank barn, learn how rural families lived in the mid 1800’s.  Nearby is the Hueston Woods deer park and sanctuary for injured birds and animals.

Visit the Soldiers, Sailors and Pioneers Monument.

Built in 1902, on the banks of the Great Miami River and on the site of the former Fort Hamilton, this soaring monument is capped by a 17 foot, 3500 pound bronze statue of a civil war soldier.  Learn how all of the stained glass windows are dedicated to the women who supported their soldiers.

Visit the Canal Museum, Canal Locks and Port Middletown. 

The Miami-Erie Canal, begin in Butler County in 1825, eventually joined Cincinnati and Toledo with the east coast.  During this tour, learn the importance of the canals to the national economy.

Dine at the historic Manchester Inn. 

Built in the early 1920’s, the hotel was owned for 50 years by Armco Steel.  Over the years it has hosted a variety of notables – from royalty to politicians to sports stars.  Also enjoy the beautiful large murals painted on several buildings in downtown Middletown, depicting historical themes.

A visit to Barn ‘N Bunk Farm Market. 

Shop for crafts, Amish baked goods and cheeses, and see antique farm memorabilia.  Guests will have the opportunity to grind their own corn meal in an antique “still” or make a take-home piece.  Arrangements can also be made to have a delicious lunch or dinner in their 19th century barn.

Dine at the Golden Lamb, Ohio’s oldest Inn. 

Over the years it has hosted a dozen Presidents and a variety of notables.  It’s known for its Shaker cuisine.

A visit to the Preble County Farm Museum. 

Explore the 1813 log cabin, the 1860’s farm house and the out buildings, full of fascinating collections from this rural western Ohio area.