New Philadelphia, Ohio, is a quaint, rural town that offers tranquility and reflection to its visitors. Here you’ll enjoy nostalgic, relaxed family activities.
You might combine New Philadelphia with a road trip through Dover, a 15-minute drive from Zoar and a 30-minute drive from Canton. Relish the rolling hills framing the Tuscarawas River, a treat for the eyes and soul in Eastern Ohio. But this little town hosts some of the finest farm-to-table restaurants and vibrates with a bustling wine scene and rich history.
New Philadelphia and Dover are both adorable places to visit with that quintessential, quaint small-town feel and immense historic charm. But the devil’s in the details — these neighboring towns are packed with hidden gems. In fact, it may take a few days to uncover them all, so why not stay a while in a cozy and comfy vacation rental?
We’ll take you on a ride through everything New Philadelphia, Ohio, has to offer and unveil some of this tiny town’s unique locomotive history, too.
1. Stroll in Tuscora Park
Best for: Family fun
Tuscora Park is a wonderful place to come if you’re visiting New Philadelphia with the kids, but if you’re an adult couple or individual simply excited for some good-old-fashioned amusement rides, a carousel, and a mini-golf course, you’ll have a great time.
The mixed event and amusement park space features three pools, year-round pavilions, and outdoor shelters for picnics or BBQs. Alternatively, you can save your appetite for Uncle Primo’s nearby, one of the best restaurants in New Philadelphia!
2. Visit the Norma Johnson Center
Best for: Outdoor enthusiasts
The Norma Johnson Center is located in Tuscarawas County and is a flagship attraction where you can get outside and stretch your legs on your vacation to New Philadelphia. Home to 300 acres and three walking trails, you’ll be able to fully soak up the tranquility of the area from here. Plus, the entire park is pet-friendly, so don’t leave your pup at home!
The three trails in the nature center vary in length but are all relatively flat, making them great options for a nice outing with your friends and family. All trails offer great opportunities for bird watching, giving you a great natural entertainment experience. The trails are:
- Conservation Loop: 1.23 miles, primarily wooded with some open areas
- Preservation Loop: 1.23 miles, primarily open with meadow views
- Johnson Loop: 1.31 miles, through a variety of different landscapes
While fishing is also allowed at The Norma Johnson Center, remember it’s catch-and-release only, so don’t plan to fish for dinner from here!
3. Explore Amish Country
Best for: Shopping and dining
No visit to this area is complete without a stop in Ohio’s Amish Country. Ideal for a day trip to relish in the simple things in life, a visit to Amish Country is ideal for family-friendly fun.
From cultural activities, handmade souvenirs, and delicious, fresh food, you won’t quickly run out of things to do while in Amish Country. Take a tour to experience the true Amish way of life or simply pop into town to browse the shops and grab a bite to eat.
Whether you decide to spend an entire day here or just make a stopover, Amish Country has a little something for everyone.
4. Relax at Atwood Lake Park
Best for: Outdoor enthusiasts
Located only 20 minutes away from New Philadelphia in Mineral City, Atwood Lake Park is another great place for you and your family to spend quality time outdoors. Unlike at The Norma Johnson Center, at Atwood Lake, you can fish for your dinner. With a wide variety of species to catch, fishing at this beautiful lake is an exciting experience.
Alongside fishing, Atwood Lake Park offers visitors the opportunity to swim and sunbathe on the wide sandy beach, rent or bring their own boat to get out on the water, go hunting, or take advantage of the numerous hiking trails.
No matter how you decide to spend your day at Atwood Lake Park, you’re sure to have a great time spent in the fresh, breezy air.
5. Soak Up the Old-World Charm at Zoar Historic Village
Best for: History buffs and families
Also located in Tuscarawas County, Zoar is only a short 15-minute drive from New Philadelphia. The small town is a destination within itself, ideal for those interested in soaking up art, history, and architecture.
While well-preserved history certainly rules the area, Zoar still has plenty of modern-day amenities to attract its visitors. Take a break from shopping to grab a bite at Donnie’s Tavern, one of the tastiest restaurants in the area. Zoar is a great example of small-town America that uniquely intertwines old-world charm, making Zoar such an integral part of East Central Ohio.
6. Make a Splash at Uhrichsville Water Park
Best for: Family fun
If you visit New Philadelphia in the summer, you can’t miss some time under the sun at Uhrichsville Water Park. One of the best family-friendly things to do in the area, children and adults alike love splashing around here.
The water park offers:
- A kid-friendly splash pad
- Massive swimming pool with shallows and a deep end
- Two waterslides
During your visit to the park, you can choose to pay general admission to simply enjoy the pool and sun chairs or rent a cabana to get some extra sun protection. Take advantage of the provided tubes for extra fun on the waterslides.
7. Try Local Bottles at School House Winery
Best for: Date nights
Located in Dover, OH, School House Winery sits in a one-room schoolhouse built in 1886. The building itself housed students until 1941, when it was shut down and sold. Imagine youthful pupils on their way to school on horseback and sharing one expansive room for a class spanning eight grades!
Now, it’s a historically rich spot with a wide range of sweet and dry wines. Unfortunately, School House Winery doesn’t offer extensive menu items; however, they do offer select charcuterie boards and pizzas to pair with your wine.
They also host regular events like painting classes and live music. Make sure to check out their schedule to see what is going on when you are in town!
8. Visit the Past at Schoenbrunn Village
Best for: History buffs
Any history buffs in your party? Schoenbrunn Village is an amazing restored village from 1772 — a must-visit spot in New Philadelphia, OH!
This is where the Moravian Christian settlers established themselves in Ohio among the Delaware Indigenous people. David Zeisberger and five Indigenous families founded the village. The village still houses the original cemetery and has 16 reconstructed log structures, transporting visitors back in time.
9. Catch a Show at the Performing Arts Center
Best for: Cultural travelers looking for entertainment
Ready to appreciate New Philadelphia’s modest yet thriving art scene? The Performing Arts Center is beautifully constructed with a curved, modern design and features winding balcony seating. The in-person box office is open Monday through Friday, 9 am – 5 pm, but concerts and performances take place any day of the week.
Classics such as Riverdance and the Nutcracker are commonplace at the Performing Arts Center. However, the event center features more “new-aged” shows like Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience.
10. Enjoy a Wine Tasting at Silver Moon Winery
Best for: Friendly excursions
Located in Dover, OH, the Silver Moon Winery opened in 2004. It now sells over 40 styles of wines, including whites, reds, and dessert wines!
This winery in the Ohio Amish country offers tastings, a gift shop, and a bottle shop — but they’re especially popular for wine tastings. One of their most popular tasting packages is six tastes with a complimentary souvenir tasting glass.
11. Watch Paul Green’s “Trumpet in the Land”
Best for: Theater enthusiasts
Trumpet in the Land is a play written by Pulitzer Prize winner Paul Green. Considered Ohio’s State Play, this drama is acted out at an outdoor theater and details Ohio’s frontier during the Revolutionary War. Make sure you monitor seasonal sales like Half Off Thursday, where you can buy one adult ticket at full price and get the second one half off.
12. Have a Day Out at the Ernest Warther Museum & Gardens
Best for: Groups with varied interests
The Ernest Warther Museum and Gardens is a delightful family-owned museum and garden, located in Dover, OH.
This museum sits on the original location of the Mooney family home, where Ernest and his wife, Frieda, lived. Ernest Warther was a master carver and hand-sculpted over 60 works focused on the steam engine. Today, their third- and fourth-generation family members run the museum.
Curious about early 20th-century living? Tour the original family home, peppered with gems of the past and wooden finishes. Then, make your way to the Button Room, with tens of thousands of buttons formed into geometric patterns. Finally, explore the Dave Warther Arboretum for endless tree species and the infamous early 20th-century caboose!
13. Join a Beer and Ale Traveler Tour
Best for: Large friend groups
If you have extra dough to spend, Beer and Ale Traveler Tours offer full-day, 6-8-hour bus tours, either in a bus or a stylish limo. These tours in New Philadelphia can either bring you to the area’s local breweries or wineries in Amish country.
While you’re on the tour, you’ll sample juicy tasters of beer or wine, learn about the fermenting process, and even learn how to pair these drinks with food! The tours are pricey, so this would be the best for large groups.
14. Let Loose at Tuscora Park Miniature Golf
Best for: Visitors of all ages
Tuscora Park Miniature Golf is a delightful destination for visitors of all ages seeking family fun and entertainment in New Philadelphia, Ohio.
Nestled within the charming Tuscora Park, this miniature golf course offers a whimsical and engaging experience that captures the essence of playful competition. As one of the park’s flagship attractions, it provides an affordable place for everyone to enjoy a leisurely round of golf amidst beautifully landscaped surroundings.
The course is a hit with families and a perfect spot for friends and couples looking to add some action to their day. With its vintage amusement rides and picturesque setting, Tuscora Park Miniature Golf Course has earned its reputation as a must-visit location for those seeking fun and memorable activities in the heart of Ohio.
Relish the Best Things to Do in New Philadelphia, Ohio
New Philadelphia will pique your curiosity, whether you love beer and wine, museums, or the arts.
With so many distractions in our world, it’s easy to forget how quickly time passes. We can’t reverse that reality, but we can help you slow it down by creating soft, nostalgic spaces for you to unplug and reconnect with the people who mean the most to you.
Indulge in a delightful cabin or lodge, with handpicked details to offer you every bit of comfort. Book your New Philadelphia getaway today!