Lancaster, Ohio travel guide: things to do, food & where to stay

Overview

Lancaster is a city in the Greater Columbus area of Ohio. It is the county seat of Fairfield County.

6 sights · 1 things to do · 1 places to eat · 3 places to stay

Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage

Best things about Lancaster

Sherman House Museum

Childhood home of politician and statesman John Sherman (1823-1900) and his older brother, the Union Army general William T. Sherman (1820-1891). Includes large several Civil War artifacts.

Mt. Pleasant

Fairfield County Fairgrounds

Georgian Museum

Decorative Arts Center of Ohio

Ohio Glass Museum

Industrial, pressed, blown and art glass.

Plan your trip

Best time to visit & weather

Most comfortable: Apr–Oct. Summer highs reach about 85°F; winter lows dip to about 22°F. Cold months (Jan) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Jul and Jun. (climate data from nearby Columbus)

Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).

Getting there

From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
LCK Rickenbacker International Airport, Columbus — 19 mi away. Directions
CMH John Glenn Columbus International Airport, Columbus — 25 mi away (major hub). Directions

While Greyhound runs daily buses from most cities in Ohio, the bus stop is inconveniently located almost 6½ miles northeast of downtown.

Full “Get in” guide ↓

Budget & where to stay

Places to stay listed here: about $18–$18 a night (typical $22), from 2 listed prices.
Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$60, mid-range ~$100, comfortable ~$180.

Options are grouped as Hotels, Camping in the Sleep guide ↓.

Sample 2-day itinerary

Day 1

Morning Georgian Museum, Decorative Arts Center of Ohio
Lunch Fiesta Mexicana
Afternoon Ohio Glass Museum, Fairfield County Fairgrounds

Day 2

Morning Sherman House Museum, Mt. Pleasant
Afternoon Lancaster Festival

Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.

Food for you

Cuisine (tap to filter)

What to ask about, for your diet

Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder

Map

Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.

Understand

Tourist Office

Place Fairfield County Visitors and Convention Bureau

📍 126 W Main StLocated on the second floor of the Ohio Glass Museum☎ +1 740 654-5929

Maps Website

Get in

By plane

John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), Columbus. Direct flights to most major American cities.

By car

SR 33 NW/SE
SR 32 E/W

By bus

While Greyhound runs daily buses from most cities in Ohio, the bus stop is inconveniently located almost 6½ miles northeast of downtown.

Go Dogwood Crossing Travel Center

📍 4400 Coonpath Rd NW, Carroll⚠ Last checked Apr 2020 — confirm before you go

Maps Website

See

Ohio & Erie Canal - Lancaster Lateral Canal - Hocking Canal.

See Mt. Pleasant

Maps

See Fairfield County Fairgrounds

Maps

Museums

See Georgian Museum

📍 105 E Wheeling St☎ +1 740-654-9923⚠ Last checked Apr 2020 — confirm before you go

Maps Website

See Decorative Arts Center of Ohio

📍 145 E Main St☎ +1 740-681-1423⚠ Last checked Apr 2020 — confirm before you go

Maps Website

See Ohio Glass Museum

Industrial, pressed, blown and art glass.

📍 124 W Main St☎ +1 740-687-0101⚠ Last checked Apr 2020 — confirm before you go

Maps Website

See Sherman House Museum

Childhood home of politician and statesman John Sherman (1823-1900) and his older brother, the Union Army general William T. Sherman (1820-1891). Includes large several Civil War artifacts.

⚠ Last checked Apr 2020 — confirm before you go

Maps Website