Overview
Mount Vernon is the county seat of Knox County, Ohio. It has a small, cute downtown, and is home to Mount Vernon Nazarene University and the manufacturer Ariel.
4 sights · 7 things to do · 4 places to eat · 2 bars & cafés · 5 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon Nazarene University
A Christian university built to resemble Williamsburg, Virginia.
Knox County Courthouse
A historic courthouse built in the Greek Revival style in 1855.
The Cougars
The Mount Vernon Nazarene University athletics teams.
Knox Woods State Nature Preserve
Knox County Agricultural Museum
A museum dedicated to preserving the agricultural history of the 1800s and early 1900s.
Knox County Historical Society Museum
The Museum houses a number of artifacts, particularly relating to local arts and industry.
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.
- CMH John Glenn Columbus International Airport, Columbus — 35 mi away (major hub). Directions
- LCK Rickenbacker International Airport, Columbus — 46 mi away. Directions
Columbus International Airport (CMH) is the closest major airport. If you have your own plane, there's also:
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $75–$110 a night (typical $110), from 3 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$120, mid-range ~$180, comfortable ~$280.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Mount Vernon Nazarene University, The Woodward Opera House, Knox Labs
- Lunch The Alcove
- Afternoon Knox County Courthouse, Knox Woods State Nature Preserve
- Dinner Mazza's
- Evening Legends Sports Bar
Day 2
- Morning Knox County Agricultural Museum, Knox County Fair
- Lunch Fiesta
- Afternoon Mount Vernon Music & Arts Festival
- Dinner North Main Café
- Evening Flappers Bar & Grille
Day 3
- Morning Knox County Historical Society Museum
- Afternoon Ariel Foundation Park
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
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
History
Founded in 1805, Mount Vernon was named after George Washington's Plantation in Virginia.
Visitor Information
Get in
By plane
Columbus International Airport (CMH) is the closest major airport. If you have your own plane, there's also:
Go Knox County Airport (4I3)
A General aviation airport 5 mi southwest of town, along Kinney Rd, in Knox County.
By car
The easiest way into Mount Vernon is by car. Mount Vernon is connected by US36.
By bus
By bike
The Kokosing Gap Trail connects to Gambier and is part of the Ohio to Erie Trail from Cincinnati to Cleveland via Columbus.
Get around
By bus
In addition to service to and from Mount Vernon, Knox Area Transit offers shuttle service within the city on four lines: Blue (North), Red (East), Orange (South), and Green (West). Shuttles cost $1 and run every half hour M-Sa 8AM-4PM. Transfers are available to the shuttles to Gambier.
See
See Mount Vernon Nazarene University (MVNU)
A Christian university built to resemble Williamsburg, Virginia.
Do
Events
Parks & sports
Activities
Buy
Eat
Eat The Alcove
A fine dining restaurant with an attached dinner theater.
Eat Fiesta (Fiesta Mexicana)
Inexpensive Mexican food and margaritas. Big portions and cheery decor. Two locations, downtown at 308 W High St and in a strip mall type area at 997 Coshocton Ave.
Eat Mazza's
An Italian restaurant that focuses on pastas and meats.
Eat North Main Café
Coffee and breakfast.
Drink
Drink Legends Sports Bar
A sports bar and concert venue. Has a sand volleyball court.
Sleep
Go next
- Gambier — a small town nearby, home to Kenyon College
Nearby
Gambier
City / town · 21 listings · 5 mi away
Fredericktown
City / town · 10 listings · 7 mi away
Bellville
City / town · 16 listings · 16 mi away
Lexington
City / town · 23 listings · 21 mi away
Loudonville
City / town · 14 listings · 21 mi away
Mount Gilead
City / town · 14 listings · 21 mi away
Sunbury
City / town · 8 listings · 23 mi away
Granville
City / town · 12 listings · 23 mi away
My experience
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