Opportunity is the operative word in the village of Danville and
all of Eastern Knox County. That opportunity comes from the
convergence of roadways and trails that lead to and through this rural
area. With the development of volunteer-led projects such as the
Kokosing Gap Trail and the Mohican Valley Trail at a trail head in
Danville and with the construction of the Bridge of Dreams in
Brinkhaven, the area is ripe for those travelers and tourists looking
for a quaint place to spend the day or afternoon on a trip to Amish
Country. Considered the “Gateway to Ohio’s Amish Country,”
Danville is truly becoming one of the biggest draws to Knox County as
thousands of visitors extend their trips into Holmes and Ashland
Counties with an exploration of one of county’s oldest villages.
Danville Antique and Flea Market
has been
offering the finest in antiques and those unusual gifts that are often
hard to find. Anything from lawn and garden tools to glassware can be
found here.
Dale’s Cardinal Market
is the oldest grocery
store in Knox County that has been owned and operated by the same
family. A perfect stop for those on a camping trip or those wanting to
picnic in nearby Danville Memorial Park. Home to businesses owned by
friends and neighbors, it is easy to see why residents are eager to
buy their groceries, hardware needs or farming supplies in their own
community.
Just outside of Danville, an auction house has
turned into an incredible source of fantastic items ranging from farm
animals and equipment to homemade baked goods and quilts. Auctions
take place at Danville Auction the first and third Saturday of each
month. In addition to these auctions, Danville Auction is also home to
Pine View School Benefit Auction which raises money for local Amish
schools. The 2006 benefit auction will take place Saturday, Aug. 5.
There is no better way to see the most scenic and
breathtaking views of Knox County than to travel along its
rails-to-trails. Two new trails are in the future for Knox County as
the Kokosing Gap Trail and the Mohican Valley Trail have paved the way
to transform additional vacated railroad beds into recreational
trails. Two trails have been in full swing for years connecting
Mount Vernon to eastern Knox County as well as Holmes County. The
paved Kokosing Gap Trail, converted from the former Pennsylvania
Railroad right of way, meanders through the heart of the county and
crosses the Kokosing River twice. No matter what your transportation
desires — inline skates, bicycling or pure foot speed — the 14-mile
Trail will lead you through Knox County’s splendid country side as
well as the villages of Gambier, Howard and Danville.
No matter where you schedule your start or finish
on the Trail, be sure to include time for stops along with way. Rest
on one of the benches and watch the animals play or enjoy the
wildflowers and scenic terrain, enjoy breakfast or lunch in any of the
small towns or visit the 1940 Alco 0-6-0 steam locomotive and a
restored 1924 Chesapeake & Ohio wood caboose in Gambier or the stone
arch and playground in Howard. The award-winning Kokosing Gap Trail is
one of the largest trails in the United States that operates solely
with donations and volunteers. Free parking is adjacent to the Trail
and available adjacent to the Trail in Mount Vernon, Gambier, Howard
and Danville with smaller lots scattered along country roads. Most
lots are also equipped with handicapped spaces. The Mohican Valley
Trail connects in Danville with the KGT and travels to the edge of
Holmes County. This crushed aggregate trail is suitable for all types
of transportation including horses. The trail is also home to
the Bridge of Dreams, a covered bridge that spans 370 feet, making it
the second largest covered bridge in the United States. The Heart of
Ohio Trail is moving right along in its development. The acquisition
of new grants will help For more information call
1-800-837-5282 or visit
www.VisitKnoxOhio.org or email
info@VisitKnoxOhio.org
Fredericktown Historical
Museum - The museum is a non-profit association which houses
nineteenth-century artifacts including clothing and photos from area
homes. Our hours are 2:00 to 4:00pm on Sundays, during the Tomato
Show, all local events, and private showings by appointment. The
museum is located at 11 East Sandusky Street, Fredericktown, OH 43019
(740) 694-0332
Knox County Historical Society Museum - There is
something for everyone to enjoy at the newly expanded Knox County
Historical Society Museum, located at 875 Harcourt Road in Mount
Vernon. The museum represents many aspects of Knox County’s
history, including industry, arts and entertainment, transportation,
and communication. Specific exhibits tell the story of our educational
religious, business, military, industrial, financial, social, and
cultural institutions. The museum features notable collections of 19th
century Cooper farm engines, area post office and telephone history,
locally made quilts and coverlets. Memorabilia of comedian Paul Lynde
and composer and minstrel Daniel Decatur Emmett are also on display.
The Knox County Historical Society Museum is open from February
through mid-December on Wednesday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m. and
Thursday through Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. Schools and other group tours
should be scheduled in advance. An admission donation is appreciated.
Additional information is available by calling (740) 393-5247.
Knox County Visitors Guide
Additional Sites of Interest