Hale Farm & Village in Bath, Ohio

Discover Ohio via Twitter had recommended we visit Hale Farm & Village in Bath, Ohio which was very nearby where we were staying, so although my GPS had no idea where Bath was we ventured out to find it (of course with the help of the hotel!).

As we arrived, there was a truckload of people who were dropped off right before we could go into the main building to pay for our self-guided tour. They were dropped off from the nearby train – the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad - which is another highlight in this area that we did not get to experience.  Another time!

Anyway, Hale Farm & Village is an outdoor history museum representing daily 19th-century life through the buildings, people and land.  When we arrived, by the looks of that first farm I had no idea how big it was!

After we paid the $10 for me (Jolie was free), they provided a map.  Much bigger than I expected!  It was a nice place for Jolie and I to walk around, especially given that it had rained the day before.

There was a carriage museum in a barn as one of the first stops along the walk of the property.  Jolie loved seeing the big wheels and of course could not understand why she could not climb into one.  Oh well, toddlers!

Of course Jolie’s favorite part were the animals.  There were not many but they did have cows and pigs.

There were many houses, a church, pottery making, candle making (which Jolie enjoyed but I think that is because we have SO many candles at home), glass blowing and a log schoolhouse.  Jolie didn’t really care to go into the buildings so much but she did enjoy walking around.

I definitely think this place is more for adults or older kids that can do well at a museum but overall it was a nice way to spend a couple of hours while keeping the little one entertained.

Tips:
- Bring a stroller.  Although you cannot bring the stroller into any of the buildings in hindsight it would have been much easier at times to push Jolie around and get her in and out as we went into the buildings.  I ended up carrying her much more than I would have liked since this Village is no expansive.
- Bring snacks and water.  There is no place to buy these on the property.
- Although we did not do it, I would check out the Railroad I mention above as I think this would have been a great way to experience both the Railroad and the Farm.

Related Articles:
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio
- Amish Country in Ohio
- Ohio State Parks