Gently rolling farmland, historic villages, mysterious ancient mounds, and breathtaking scenery serve as the backdrop for one of rural Ohio’s most charming spots—Waynesville, the Antiques Capital of the Midwest^SM and one of the “most walk-able towns in America.”

Flora and Fauna

Overlooking the Little Miami River, Waynesville has a commanding view of one of Ohio’s most beautiful valleys. Giant sycamore trees shade the banks where great blue herons wade in the shallows and wild columbines blossom each spring. A Rails-to-Trails bike path hugs the river’s edge as it twists and bends through town and beyond, crossing rolling farm country, old forests, and deep gorges formed by ancient glacial meltwater.

In 1969, the Little Miami qualified as a National Scenic River because of its free-flowing condition, its mostly undeveloped shoreline, its lush landscape, and the many relics of history discovered along its banks.

History and Heritage

Founded in 1797, the village of Waynesville is older than the state of Ohio itself and literally steeped in early American history. Countless Indian villages flourished nearby, including Fort Ancient, the largest and best-known mound builders’ site in the state. Tecumseh, the renowned Shawnee Chief, was born in the valley and Daniel Boone spent time along the river, both exploring its terrain and in the custody of the Shawnee as a prisoner.

Traces of its past—from a restored village of pioneer homes to an 1869 grist mill still in operation—can be explored in this historic river valley—as can Waynesville’s history as an important stop along the Underground Railroad.

From 1795 onward, the town was a central hub in the Quaker migration. Quaker families leaving the southern states in protest against slavery established “meetings” (congregations) like a wheel around Waynesville. At the height of the abolitionist movement, their homes, set above the river on the terraced streets of Waynesville, were in a perfect position to watch for escaped slaves heading toward freedom in Canada. Arriving by boat, canoe, and on foot, the slaves were conducted through a series of tunnels to and from Quaker "safe homes” in the village.

Commerce and Culture

Inside Waynesville’s quaint storefronts, you’ll find antiques, crafts, custom woodworking, collectibles, and specialty items. And at the bottom of the hill, right on the banks of the Little Miami, shoppers can discover another charming shopping experience at Carlisle Gifts and an authentic taste of Amish Kitchen Cooking at Der Dutchman Restaurant.

Located in the heart of festival country, Waynesville’s calendar of events is crowded with delightful diversions ideally suited to a weekend excursion or side trip—the Old Main Street Antique Show in May and September, the Ohio Renaissance Festival from August to October, the Ohio Sauerkraut Festival in October, and Christmas in the Village in December, to name just a few.

Activities and Adventures

Abundant options for more active pursuits abound as well, in the area’s plentiful state parks and preserves. Miles of hiking trails through gorges, caves, forests, and farmland connect a chain of small riverfront towns. There’s fishing for saugeye, largemouth bass, crappie, and northern pike in the river, lakes, and streams. Plus, rapelling, horseback riding, cycling, golf, 86 canoe-worthy miles of the Little Miami, camping, and two of the Midwest’s largest theme and water parks.

Something for Everyone

From its convenient location 40 miles north of Cincinnati, right in between I-71 and I-75, Waynesville is a real diamond just waiting for you to discover it. Where else could you encounter so many authentic reminders of the nation’s fascinating past, while enjoying such a bounty of cultural, recreational, and natural resources in the present? There’s certainly something for everyone in this old-fashioned Midwest river town.

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