We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. This helps support what we do and in no way costs you a thing.
Yellow Springs is a small town in Greene County, Southwest Ohio, with a population of slightly over 4,000. The city is popularly known for its waters of the yellow spring, which are believed to have some curative properties. It is also where the village got its name.
With scenic trails, the town is a great place for hikes, exploring new shops, and even trying out locally made cuisines. It is the perfect place for spontaneous or even planned day trips. That’s due to its hippie-utopian vibe, which makes it ideal for outdoor recreation and a few indoor activities.
Glen Helen Nature Preserve
405 Corry Street, Yellow Springs, OH 45387
Antioch College took ownership of the Glen Helen Nature Preserve east of yellow springs, a national natural landmark, back in 1929. Regarding ecology education, it’s hard to beat this location, which spans over a thousand acres and contains trees as ancient as 400 years. Some natural attractions here include many beautiful waterfalls and a massive hollow tree.
Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the preserve’s beautiful scenery, which is ideal for hiking and sightseeing at the town’s iconic yellow spring and other natural landmarks. Some path networks are bare ground, which is a beautiful sensation for the feet. Keep your eyes peeled for tree roots, rocky outcroppings, and other potential trip hazards.
Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve
2331 State Route 343, Yellow Springs, OH 45387-8808
If you are a hiking fan or love walking but prefer to do it in areas with fewer people, then the Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve is perfect for you as it is less traveled. The preserve is only three miles from Yellow Springs. It features the Little Miami River and a wide variety of wildflowers in its valleys.
Also, you can find limestone and dolomite gorges within the reserve, which only adds to its breathtaking beauty. You can hike along the gorge’s river or take in the vista from above by choosing either the Upper or Low Rim trail. This park stands out like a beacon among the flat cornfields and sleepy towns surrounding it.
John Bryan State Park
3790 State Route 370, Yellow Springs, OH 45387-7724
Need more camping, horseback riding, and hiking in the great outdoors? Topping the list is John Bryan State Park. This 752-acre land is one mile from Yellow Springs and has a limestone gorge cut through by the Little Miami River.
Many visitors list hiking, fishing, camping, and rock climbing as their favorite things to enjoy while visiting the area. Do you know what the most enjoyable aspect is? It is possible to see everything in a single day, and doing so is something you should try to do.
Hike The Inman Trail
Inman Trail is a single-track train located near Yellow Springs. This 1.1-mile hike is perfect for couples, photographers, and families and the best for animal lovers and furry friends too! The fun part about it is that you can use it in both directions, which creates some loop.
It runs past the tranquil and picturesque Yellow Springs, making it the best spot for photography. Extra parking sites and hiking paths are available. Trails lead to John Bryan State Park, a raptor rehabilitation center, and a nearby covered bridge.
Little Miami Scenic Trail
The Little Miami Scenic Trail winds from Newfield to Springfield and has various stops and attraction sites along the way. It’s a portion of Little Miami State Park from a point just south of Milford to a point just south of Xenia.
There are various attractions along the trail.
- Golfing spots
- Rest stands for the bikers
- Bike shops
- Bars
- Food courts
Some restaurants there include vegan and vegetarian menus, making it the ideal trip for everyone. Many bike shops at the trail follow the banks of the Little Miami River to the south of Spring Valley, Ohio, and connect Xenia and Springfield by way of Yellow Springs to the north.
Interesting fact: it’s the fourth-longest paved route in the USA. This trail is perfect for vigorous outdoor activities, including walking, biking, or riding a horse.
Walk On The Richard P. Eastman Covered Bridge
6 S Second St, Hamilton, OH 45011, United States
The bridge is a former wooden stagecoach that traverses through a section of the Little Miami Scenic Trail. It’s a new attraction near Yellow Springs in honor of Greene County Engineer Richard Eastman.
The Richard P. Eastman Covered Bridge is reminiscent of a barn from another era, with its vivid red and white paint job, central cupola, and bicycle weathervane. Its aesthetic design connects it to the entire location and its transportation history.
Tour Antioch College
1 Morgan Pl, Yellow Springs, OH 45387, United States
Antioch College is a liberal arts college located in Yellow Springs, Ohio, established in 1850. It had to close in 2008 owing to low enrolment and financial difficulties but reopened under new management in 2011. Students looking to experience life in a traditional college town will appreciate Antioch College’s setting.
It’s famous for its innovative course structures and internship opportunities. Students are generally liberal on social issues such as racial and gender equality, environmentalism, and social justice. Plan a trip to the school and see it for yourself.
Yellow Springs Brewery
305 N. Walnut St., Suite B Yellow Springs, Ohio 45387
The brewery, along the Little Miami Bicycle Trail and recognized for its craft beer manufacturing, began operating in 2013. It contains a gallery and taproom convenient for conversations or simply relaxing.
Around the state of Ohio, the Yellow Springs Brewery has earned a reputation for producing high-quality alcoholic beverages. In Columbus and Dayton cities, several of these brews make their way to watering holes and eateries.
Here, visitors can sip beer and explore the artwork of regional artists. There is plenty of space to sit inside and out, making this a fantastic destination throughout the year. Beer lovers will love this, especially after knowing that they can consume freshly made beer.
Eat at Food Trucks
Yellow Spring has multiple food trucks, and the brewery also has food trucks. Other food trucks can do a drive-in with the brewery. Meat eaters have many dining options, many of which are mobile barbecue restaurants. Vegans and vegetarians are welcome since some trucks serve vegan and vegetarian food.
Try The Winds Cafe
215 Xenia Avenue, Yellow Springs
Winds Café was initially called The Four Winds and started being collectively owned. It was famously known for making yogurt and bread when it began. Their menu consists of foods with European roots but with American twists.
The Winds café is the best spot for those who love and enjoy trying out new tastes because they change the menu monthly to match the seasons. How cool is that? It may sound pricey, but you’ll find that the costs are reasonable, and the cuisine is still of good quality. However, you should make a reservation in advance because of the limited seating.
Stay at the Mills Park Hotel
321 Xenia Avenue, Yellow Springs
Mills Park Hotel combines the sweet and comforting feeling of home with luxury. The hotel blends in vintage and modern designs, making it excellent for a vacation or a night. The surrounding scenery makes it a desirable destination, from oak floors to Amish-designed furniture.
Fun fact about the hotel, it is a 28-room hotel modeled after William Mills’ 19th-century home. He was a local settler interested in establishing the finest resort destination. It is a pet-free and smoke-free facility.
Experience the Golden Jersey Inn
6880 Springfield Xenia Rd, Yellow Springs, Ohio, USA
The restaurant, which had previously been a part of Young’s Jersey Dairy, had to close so that construction could begin on the Young’s Events Center. The increased demand for event space is part of the reason for the owner to complete the inn and expand it into something more.
Tenderloin, slaw, and chicken dumplings are the three most popular items on the menu, and they draw a large crowd. Indulge in some delicious sundaes, chocolate custard, and Brezeln. Try something new, such as a chocolate frappe, a cup of coffee, or a cup of tea.
The welcoming vibe at this eatery ensures that diners can kick back and enjoy themselves. Golden Jersey Inn’s friendly staff may show that they appreciate their patrons in more ways than one. Costs are reasonable. Moreover, the furnishings here are pretty impressive.
Historic Clifton Mill
75 Water St, Clifton
The Historic Clifton Mill is a large grain mill that uses water power. In use since the nineteenth century, it continues to function as designed. During the Civil War, the Yellow Springs mill was vital in producing wheat and grain.
The mill currently offers seasonal activities such as a Christmas light show during the festive season of Christmas. Since Christmas only lasts a short period, the mill hosts different events during the warmer seasons, such as paint, sip, and even car racing. It also has a restaurant that keeps the place exciting and running.
Young’s Jersey Dairy Farm
6880 Springfield Xenia Rd, Yellow Springs
The Young family’s ancestors bought the farmland in 1869; thus, it has a long history. After World War 2, the father, Hap Young, purchased the land and house and, with his sons, milked cows, grew grains, and raised hogs.
They then decided to try to sell milk to the public. They did this by establishing a simple shed where customers would come to pick up their milk and leave an empty bottle and money. At the moment, Young’s Jersey Dairy Farm functions as a working dairy farm that produces a variety of milk products.
The dairy farm is now a one-stop shop for convenience-seekers since it serves various businesses. These include a cheese shop, ice cream parlor, restaurant, and entertainment venue. Young’s Dairy makes its delicious ice cream and other milk products, and even though there are other components, the dairy is the heart of the entire farm.
Final Thoughts On The Best Things To Do In Yellow Springs Ohio
A visit to Yellow Springs, Ohio, will quickly convince you that you’ve found your new favorite place to go hiking or take long, picturesque strolls. One hidden gem, the little fairy garden, is a cute shop selling fairy ornaments, garden fairies, and fairy supplies. Yellow Springs is a great day trip option to get outside, enjoy nature, or take photos in a beautiful setting.
