Things to do Delaware, Ohio - Parks, Hiking, Restaurants & Bars

Things to do near Delaware, Ohio

Get to Know Delaware, Ohio

Delaware is a bustling city about 30 miles north of Columbus and is located near the middle of the Buckeye State. It was founded in 1808 and incorporated in 1816.

Delaware’s population was 41,302 at the 2020 census, up nearly 20% from 2010. As more areas are developed with new housing, the population is expected to grow.

Delaware is full of fun things to do, and many are FREE!

Things to do in Delaware, Ohio

Perkins Observatory is a real treasure to the area. Founded in 1923 by Hiram Perkins of Ohio Wesleyan University (OWU), it is primarily used for research related to OWU. However, it does offer public programs on most Friday nights. Tickets are required and do sell out. There are lecture series and special programs for those interested.

Ohio Wesleyan University, located downtown, offers the Richard Ross Art Museum. The museum brings exhibitions from all over the world. Housed in a beautiful historic building acquired in 1969 from the Delaware Post Office with extensive renovations in 2000. There are impressive temporary and permanent collections, with pieces from Pablo Picasso, Frank Stella, and Alfred Stieglitz. OWU adds so much to the community.

The Delaware County Fair is located on the Delaware County Fairgrounds. The Little Brown Jug, an annual harness race, draws large crowds to the Delaware County Fair.

Delaware County Historical Society a home built in the 1870’s, furnished with treasures from eras gone by. The annex also features Delaware County, Ohio artifacts and offers a wealth of information for those researching genealogy and the history of Delaware County. If history is your thing, don’t miss the Meeker Homestead Museum. The Meeker Homestead Museum is a museum in a house. The Forrest Meeker House is one of the oldest, built 1823, and most prominent historic homesteads in Delaware County. This historic home has been transformed into a fine educational museum of the early settlement of the Ohio country.

Alum Creek Beach State Park — Alum Creek Beach & State Park

Parks in Delaware, Ohio

There are more than 24 parks in this small town, including Alum Creek State Park, which offers boating, fishing, and swimming, and Delaware State Park, which offers swimming and fishing as well. Both have great hiking trails and a variety of outdoor activities.

Deer Haven Preserve, home to Amy Clark-Bader Bird Sanctuary, attracts many residents and migrating birds. Plenty of trails allow visitors to immerse themselves in the preserve’s 97 acres. Programs and enriching activities for children are offered —no pets, please.

Don’t miss these other local outdoor spaces:

Hiking Trails in Delaware, Ohio

There are far too many other outdoor adventures to cover them all. Suffice it to say Delaware is a very popular place for outdoor activities.

Restaurants & Bars in Delaware, Ohio

The Backstretch Kitchen & Drinks – is committed to serving seasonal, scratch-made items, quality service, and hometown style. We are focused on contributing to our community while producing a fine dining experience.
Ohana Island Grill & Bar is a full-service Hawaiian BBQ restaurant that features authentic Hawaiian dishes such as BBQ mix, chicken Katzu, Kalua pork, musubi, and more. It also offers a variety of handcrafted tiki cocktails.
Gabby’s Italian Restaurant – Indulge in the Local Favorite – renowned for our mouthwatering stromboli, expertly crafted dough, and salads bursting with crisp flavors. And our subs and oven-grinders are a testament to our commitment to culinary excellence and wholesome, high-quality ingredients. You won’t be disappointed.
Buns Restaurant—Established in 1864, we are one of the oldest-running restaurants in the state of Ohio! This classic diner has proudly served Historic Downtown Delaware and the surrounding area for over 160 years.
Opa Grill & Tavern – A very well-known tavern showcasing comfort fare & a wide whiskey selection in Ohio.
Son of Thurman – Son of Thurman is known for the legendary Thurman Burger, The Thurmanator, and all of the great food and ambiance that’s made the Thurman Cafe a local legend with national acclaim. Son Of Thurman brings the Thurman experience to Downtown Delaware.
Typhoon Asian Fusion Bistro – Inspired by Thai, Chinese, and Japanese cultures, we add our special twist to each dish we create. We aim to be fresh, fast, and friendly, providing top Asian cuisine, cocktails, and service.
1808 American Bistro – As our name reflects, 1808 has always been committed to embracing the rich traditions and heritage of our community while introducing our guests to innovative and modern bistro cuisine. Offering superb quality classics with the finest, most local ingredients available is our specialty. We serve traditional American bistro fare with the occasional creative twists.
Blend of Seven Winery – ALL wines are hand-crafted onsite made from the finest and award-winning juices from Ohio and around the World. BOSW currently offers a total 33 wines and have converted many a “non-wine” drinker with their unique blends. Varieties range from very dry with complex layers to very sweet and light.
Chelley Belly Artisan Eatery – Our gourmet sandwiches and salads are made-to-order with fresh ingredients.Need your lunch gluten free? Just ask!
Copper Brick Market – A retro candy shop that sells international snacks, unique candy, bottled drinks, and local art.

Antiquing in Delaware, Ohio

Downtown Delaware has a very nice collection of antique shops. The Delaware Antique Mall, Sandusky Street Antiques, Bunty Station Vintage Antiques & Collectable, and DPS Antiques & Collectibles all have large collections of fairly priced antiques and collectibles. These are large stores with huge selections. You could easily spend the day hunting treasures.

As you can see, Delaware, Ohio, is more than just a town—it’s a vibrant community with something for everyone.

From its top-notch schools and friendly neighborhoods to its picturesque parks and bustling downtown, Delaware offers the perfect blend of small-town charm and modern amenities.

Whether you’re a nature lover, a foodie, or a history buff, you’ll find plenty to love in this quaint Ohio gem.

So why not plan your visit to Delaware today and discover all that this wonderful town has to offer? We promise you won’t be disappointed!

Schools in Delaware, Ohio

Delaware City Schools

High school:

Rutherford B. Hayes High School.

Middle school:

John C. Dempsey Middle School

5 Elementary Schools:

There are also two private schools in Delaware:

Ohio Wesleyan University, a top-ranking liberal arts college, is located right in town. Students ( just under 2000) live in surrounding residence halls. The Methodist Theological School in Ohio is also located in Delaware.