Explore Oxford Ohio

Oxford, Ohio, is one of those extra-special communities where it’s not easy to run out of things to do.

Maybe this is because it’s been home to Miami University for over 200 years, a respected institution of higher education that has brought a love of learning and perhaps a love of life to the region for generations.

Oxford has become much more than a town that surrounds an impressive college though – it’s now an impressive community of its own, where  residents enjoy preserving the area’s rich history as well as making new memories.

The greater Butler County area has been blessed with a variety of historical landmarks, interesting museums, natural areas, and a popular trail system that’s appealing for fitness fans. According to the Oxford Ohio Travel Bureau, there are plenty of beautiful and unique parks, as well as year-round recreational and cultural activities for residents and visitors. The list of enjoyable and enriching things to check out includes everything from one of the few covered bridges remaining in this part of Ohio to a fully-functioning drive-in theater that still draws crowds for first-run movie nights.

Although it started with strong educational roots, Oxford has truly branched out into something special, whether someone is visiting or here to stay.

The Arts

The visual arts and performing arts are welcomed and appreciated in Oxford. Whether you’re a skilled professional looking for peers to get creative with, or barely know how to pick up a paintbrush, you’ll find enjoyable programs and activities to suit your skills – and make them better.

If watching instead of doing is your thing, there’s also plenty to take part in, including local theater, ballet, a community orchestra and other skilled performers.

Much of the cultural activities are coordinated by the Oxford Community Arts Center, which promotes events, offers classes, studios, practice spaces and meeting rooms. It also works closely with other arts organizations in the community, at the university, and within the state to enhance and promote the area’s offerings.

One of the more prominent venues is the Miami University Art Museum, which includes five rotating galleries plus a permanent collection of more than 17,000 pieces.

History

Part of the fun of learning about a community is how residents come together to preserve their past, and there are several examples of this in the Oxford area.

Led in their efforts by the Oxford Museum Association, many municipalities, citizens and preservation advocates have found ways to highlight significant past sites and find ways for current and future visitors to appreciate their value. Some include:

  • The Black Covered Bridge. Built in 1846, It’s considered the longest bridge of its kind and is composed of two trusses. It’s also unique in that it never was moved and has stayed near what was James B. Pugh’s grist and saw mill. Preservation efforts began in 2000.
  • The DeWitt Homestead One of the oldest remaining buildings in the area was built in the early 1800s along Four Mile Creek by military leader and mill owner Zacariah Price DeWitt and his family. Extensive restoration of the two-story log structure began in the 1970s.
  • Another popular site is the Doty Homestead, a brick home built in the early 1800s by clay dug from the surrounding area. Over the years it has been a farmhouse, government offices and more.

Get Outdoors

Get Physical
Walking, hiking, cycling and more can be done throughout the Oxford area. There are a variety of organized trail systems as well as fairly easy strolling routes around the city and campus. Some can be done for fitness’ sake, others to learn more about the area, including several self-guided scenic walking tours that teach local history at your own pace. Some of these include the University District, the Western College for Women, and the Uptown area.

The Oxford Trail System takes visitors around town, including significant cultural and historical spots like across the Black Covered Bridge. Miami University also offers a 1,000-acre natural area that includes a 17-mile trail system. This greenbelt sanctuary is considered dog-friendly, as long as Fido is leashed. Butler County’s MetroParks system offers about 3,000 acres of recreation space, as does Hueston Woods State Park, whether you like solitary activities or group fun. There are camping and boating activities available at Acton Lake, plus hiking, mountain biking, fishing, archery, and disc golf (seasonal). Unique to this park is a popular fossil digging area. The marina is certified clean, so efforts are made to keep the water preserved for future generations to enjoy.

Sports

Go Team
There’s a lot of love and/or hate through the state for the Browns and the Bengals, sometimes going back generations; same with the Reds, Cavaliers, Indians and other pro sports teams. But if you’re visiting the Oxford area, you might be more interested in cheering on the various Miami University RedHawks teams, which include past championships in hockey and synchronized skating.

There are also opportunities to try some of these activities yourself: Miami University offers a variety of community fitness activities and classes, including an equestrian area, an aquatic center, and the Outdoor Pursuits Center. The Goggin Ice Center is a great place to learn to skate or perfect your technique.

The competitive recreational fun also extends off campus, with attractions like Oxford Lanes, a bowling center that is available for parties, open sessions and leagues; and Indian Ridge Golf Club, a scenic 18-hole course with meticulous greens and four sets of tees.

Uptown Dining & Shopping

Nearby Attractions

One of the reasons many people like Oxford is that there’s so much to see, do and taste within easy walking distance. Though the walking tours and hikes around the area are enjoyable, educational and entertaining, sometimes you just want to walk to a charming store or lovely restaurant. Luckily there are both nearby.


Where quality dining in the downtown and Uptown areas are concerned, there are all types from casual to culinary excellence. The Pickle & Pig and Buffalo Wild Wings Grill and Bar, both adjacent to the Elms Hotel, provide lovely views. The Pickle & Pig describes itself as “a prohibition-style eatery, honoring the ban of booze and the great social experiment", while Buffalo Wild Wings is a great casual place in a pub environment that is better with friends,


Explore a little further and find places like OxVegas that overlooks the city park; Steinkeller, a German restaurant and beerhall; Mac & Joes, a saloon/sports bar with a fine menu; and Gaslight Brewhouse, laid back restaurant. offering fresh made American classics with a twist.


Shoppers can find a wide variety of businesses to fit their needs, whether it’s souvenirs, Miami University merchandise, apparel and more.