Newark, OH

Newark is home to one of the most remarkable ancient landscapes in the country, right in the middle of a modern community. Built roughly 2,000 years ago by the Indigenous Hopewell culture, the Newark Earthworks are massive geometric mounds and ridges aligned with the cycles of the sun and moon. In 2023, these sites earned a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List alongside global landmarks like Stonehenge. The most prominent locations include the sprawling Octagon Earthworks in town and the Great Circle in neighboring Heath. Having such deep history woven directly into the city gives Newark a fascinating, distinctive sense of place.

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Visiting the earthworks became much easier in 2025 when the Octagon site opened fully to everyone after operating for decades as a private golf course. Today, the Octagon, Wright, and Great Circle grounds are open daily for free exploration from dawn to dusk. The former clubhouse now serves as a visitor center with helpful staff, clean restrooms, and a gift shop. Ohio History Connection hosts regular activities throughout the year, including popular guided full-moon walking tours and educational programs. These vast green spaces offer peaceful walking paths and a quiet spot to connect with the past on any regular afternoon.

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Downtown Newark revolves around Courthouse Square, where historic architecture meets a growing collection of local businesses. Right off the square sits the restored 1928 Midland Theatre, a favorite venue for live music, comedy, and classic movies. Just down the block, The Works offers a family-friendly museum experience with hands-on science exhibits, a planetarium, and live glassblowing demonstrations that honor the area's manufacturing roots. From spring through autumn, the open-air Canal Market District draws crowds on Friday afternoons for fresh local produce, baked goods, and artisan crafts. It is easy to spend an entire afternoon browsing shops, grabbing lunch, and catching a show within a few walkable blocks.

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Higher education also plays a major role in the community through a shared campus on Newark's north side. Ohio State University at Newark and Central Ohio Technical College share facilities and resources, offering flexible degree paths and bringing a steady collegiate energy to this city of about 50,000 residents. When you want to get outside, the city maintains over twenty parks and eleven miles of paved bike trails. Mountain bikers come from across the region for the downhill trails at Horns Hill Park, while families head to Everett Park for its dog run, disc golf course, skate park, and athletic fields. Between community gatherings, outdoor recreation, and easy drives into the greater Columbus area, Newark offers a comfortable and well-rounded lifestyle.