15 Awesome Things To Do In Yellow Springs, Ohio in 2024

Discover the free-spirited, artistic small town of Yellow Springs, Ohio, lovingly known as “Ohio’s Hippie Town.”  You will instantly fall in love with all the wonderful things to do in Yellow Springs and its eclectic charm. (Updated February 2024)

Whether you are taking a day trip or staying for the weekend, you will find yourself exploring the vibrant downtown, discovering curiosities in unique boutiques, and delighting in the beauty of the nearby parks.

Since Yellow Springs is only a quick hour’s drive from Cincinnati, we find ourselves spending a few weekends in this quirky little town. Whether visiting Young’s Dairy for their annual Pumpkin Festival or coming up with friends to hit the Little Miami Bike Trail, we are constantly finding new activities to get into.

This article will be a great guide to visiting the area by highlighting the best places in Yellow Springs.

Where Is Yellow Springs, Ohio

Yellow Springs is a village in Greene County, roughly a half hour from Dayton, Ohio.

Distance From:

Cincinnati: 1 hour ~ 70 miles

Columbus: 50 minutes ~ 55 miles

Dayton: 26 minutes ~19 miles

If you plan to visit the area with children, read our Scenic Route post, which covers great, family-friendly spots in Dayton and Yellow Springs.

Planning Tip: Don’t expect to eat late. Many of the kitchens in Yellow Springs close down by 8:00 pm. While the bars and breweries are still open, getting a late-night snack may prove to be difficult.

Best Things To Do In Yellow Springs 

Stay At The Mills Park Hotel

The best place to stay in Yellow Springs is the Mills Park Hotel.  The Mills Park Hotel is a darling boutique hotel with an on-site restaurant and bar, and it offers room service. Adorable Corgi decor is throughout the hotel, as the family’s lovable pet Corgi, Ellie, was the inspiration behind the decor.

It is conveniently located in downtown Yellow Springs, with restaurants, shops, and bars within walking distance. Even Glen Helen Nature Preserve is a 20-minute walk from the hotel.  Grab a rocking chair on their beautiful covered porch to relax and watch the comings and goings.

Ellie’s Restaurant serves a fabulous brunch. Sip mimosas over avocado toast or a savory breakfast skillet filled with your favorites. Over the weekend, tables fill up quickly, so make a reservation.

Planning Tip: Being next to the Little Miami Bike Trail, the hotel is one of the few places in town that offers bike rentals.

Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve 

Yellow Springs offers some of the best hiking options in Southwest Ohio, with Clifton Gorge Nature Preserve being one of my favorites.

Warning: Steep cliffs and gorges can be harrowing for parents with young children. Keep a close eye on kids and stay on the trail.

Now that my warning is out of the way, let me start by stating that the Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve is near the historic Clifton Mill. Therefore, make the most of your time by seeing both. We had breakfast at Clifton Mill, then went hiking afterward.

There are 3 miles of hiking trails:

• Gorge Trail – 1 mile
• Narrows Trail – 0.5 mile
• Orton Trail – 0.5 mile
• Rim Trail – 1 mile

Wildflowers take center stage as Clifton Gorge State Nature Park is one of the best places in the entire state to view them. The shaded, north-facing slopes provide a cool, moist environment for many species, while the river funnels through a deep, narrow channel in the dolomite and limestone gorges.

Packing Tip: Invest in good waterproof boots before you venture out. I found that these Sperry Boots worked great for trails in Yellow Springs. A lot of mud was on the trails after a recent spring shower.

Best Things To Do In Yellow Springs 

Stay At The Mills Park Hotel

The best place to stay in Yellow Springs is the Mills Park Hotel.  The Mills Park Hotel is a darling boutique hotel with an on-site restaurant and bar, and it offers room service. Adorable Corgi decor is throughout the hotel, as the family’s lovable pet Corgi, Ellie, was the inspiration behind the decor.

It is conveniently located in downtown Yellow Springs with restaurants, shops, and bars within walking distance. Even Glen Helen Nature Preserve is a 20-minute walk from the hotel.  Grab a rocking chair on their beautiful covered porch to relax and watch the comings and goings.

Ellie’s Restaurant serves a fabulous brunch. Sip mimosas over avocado toast or a savory breakfast skillet filled with your favorites. Over the weekend, tables fill up quickly, so make a reservation.

Planning Tip: Being next to the Little Miami Bike Trail, the hotel is one of the few places in town that offers bike rentals.

Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve 

Yellow Springs offers some of the best hiking options in Southwest Ohio, with Clifton Gorge Nature Preserve being one of my favorites.

Warning: There are steep cliffs and gorges that can be harrowing for parents with young children. Keep a close eye on kids and stay on the trail.

Now that my warning is out of the way let me start by stating that the Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve is near the historic Clifton Mill. Therefore, make the most of your time by seeing both. We did breakfast at Clifton Mill, then went hiking afterward.

There are 3 miles of hiking trails:

• Gorge Trail – 1 mile
• Narrows Trail – 0.5 mile
• Orton Trail – 0.5 mile
• Rim Trail – 1 mile

Wildflowers take center stage as Clifton Gorge State Nature Park is one of the best places in the entire state to view them. The shaded, north-facing slopes provide a cool, moist environment for many species, while the river funnels through a deep, narrow channel in the dolomite and limestone gorges.

National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center

Did you know that Ohio is home to a museum with one of the nation’s largest collections of Afro-American materials, with over 9,000 artifacts and artwork? The  National Afro-American Museum is in nearby Wilberforce, Ohio, home of two historically black universities: Wilberforce and Central State.

A few of the incredible artifacts include  Alex Haley’s typewriter and his final draft of Roots, a buffalo hide coat worn by a Buffalo Soldier, Gregory Hines’s tap shoes, collections representing the Black Arts Movement of the 1960s, and a vast collection of Black dolls, including the recently donated Lillian Bartok Collection.

The museum has rotating exhibits and programming throughout the year.

Hit The Little Miami Bike Trail 

The Little Miami Scenic Trail cuts through the heart of Yellow Springs, making it a mecca for bikers. Rent a bike or bring your own to hit the trail. The trail follows the Little Miami River, giving riders plenty of shade and peaceful scenery.

Planning Tip: A perfect biking adventure would be to bike to nearby Xenia for lunch, then back to Yellow Springs. Xenia: You’ll definitely want to stop at the Xenia Station, the hub of four trails that meet in Xenia, Ohio. 

Catch A Movie At The Little Art Theatre 

The Little Art Theatre has been among Yellow Springs, Ohio’s most recognizable and beloved landmarks since its founding in 1929. Well known for its commitment to diverse programming, Little Art Theater presents an eclectic mix of films, including first-run, independent, and foreign films; documentaries; cinema classics; and special film events.

See what’s playing by checking out Little Art Theatre.

Little Art Theatre | 247 Xenia Avenue, Yellow Springs, OH 45387

Visit The Wright-Patterson Air Force Museum 

Technically, it is not in Yellow Spring, but close by. The Wright Patterson Air Force Museum is a must-see during your visit. This historic treasure is the world’s largest  Military Aviation Museum. The Museum is FREE to the public and is open daily, except on holidays.

The Air Force Museum has an impressive collection of iconic planes that will leave your inner child wanting to climb inside each one.

The history and artifacts found throughout the museum are second to none.  Learn about the history of the Wright Brothers, see the plane that dropped the bomb on Hiroshima and then check out the rockets in the space exhibit.

Plan to spend at least two hours here; it is a lot of walking, so come prepared. Planes take up a lot of space!  Before you visit, check their schedule for airshows that are on top bucket lists worldwide. Head over to their website for special events and airshow times.

When driving to the base, please remember that this is an active air force base, so be sure to put the correct address in your GPS. Otherwise, you may attempt to enter an unauthorized area, which is never good.

Air Force Museum | 1100 Spaatz St, Dayton, OH 45433

Go Hiking At The Glen Helen Nature Preserve 

The Glen Helen Nature Preserve is a great place to get outdoors in Yellow Springs.  Home to the town’s famous Yellow Spring, the preserve contains hidden gems such as Cascade Falls and the grotto. I’ll warn you: the Yellow Spring is much smaller than you imagine. Think of an Instagram vs. Reality.

A stone stairwell leads hikers into the gorge, where well-maintained trails are perfect for families.  The trails loop and intersect throughout the preserve, offering views of waterfalls, the grotto, and the famous yellow spring.

The Old Dam Bridge is another popular spot, along with Pompey’s Pillar and the Hopewell Indian Mound.  A trailside museum can be found before the trailhead descends into the gorge. The museum has hands-on exhibits, a nature shop, and educational programs.

Planning Tip: A fee to park at the preserve can be paid in cash or online via an app.

Glen Helen Nature Preserve | 405 Corry St, Yellow Springs, OH 45387

Get Your Glen Helen Trail Map HERE!

Have A Drink At Yellow Springs Brewery

After spending a few hours hiking at Glen Helen Nature Preserve, a refreshing beverage is much needed. Venture over to the Yellow Springs Brewery for a refreshing craft beer.

The brewery has a nice patio near the bike trail. Many bikers swing in and grab a beer.  Next door to Yellow Springs Brewery is the Spirits of Yellow Springs Distillery. Worth venturing into for those who enjoy a little something stronger than beer.

Planning Tip: Look at their food truck schedule if you are planning on grabbing a bite to eat.

Yellow Springs Brewery | 305 Walnut Street, Yellow Springs, OH 45387

Explore The Main Street  Of Yellow Springs

Downtown Yellow Springs has eccentric boutiques, quirky shops, and little eateries to discover. It is the perfect place to find that unique gift or artwork. While the strip is rather small, you can spend a good amount of time browsing in and out of the shops.

From trying on boho clothing at Pangaea to finding comic books at Dark Star Books, Yellow Springs has the shop for you. My daughter’s favorites are the Yellow Spring Toy Company and the Little Fairy Garden.

If you get peckish during your stroll, swing into Dino’s Cappuccinos or Ye Old Trail Tavern. Emporium Wines and the Underdog Cafe often have live music on the weekend.

It is rumored that famed comedian Dave Chappelle has been known to walk around downtown Yellow Springs, so keep your eyes peeled.

Planning Tip: A favorite event to attend is the Yellow Springs annual Street Fair, which has over 200 vendors selling homemade crafts, arts, and food. It is a great time to come and explore this small town, but be sure to book your lodging in advance!

Young’s Dairy Farm

No visit to Yellow Springs is complete without a trip to Young’s Jersey Dairy Farm. The sweetest part of any visit to Yellow Springs is visiting the Dairy Store for a scoop of their creamy ice cream. With a wide assortment of flavors, it can be challenging to choose one.

That is why we recommend bringing a small cooler and ice pack so that you can bring pints back home with you! We like to consider that a pro tip!

Young’s offers more than just delicious ice cream. They have many family-friendly activities, such as a Kiddie Coral, a driving range, farm animals, and even a full restaurant serving some of Ohio’s tastiest cheese curds.

Grab a putter and put your skills to the test by conquering two farm-themed miniature golf courses. Each miniature golf course is 18 holes, with the original “Greener Pastures” course being more challenging. The second course, “Barnyard Blitz,” was created in 2000 to meet the demand. The miniature golf courses are open daily all year long.

Are you considering a visit to Young’s for your pumpkins?  Here are seven great reasons to visit Young’s Dairy this fall.

Trail Town Brewing and Miguel’s Tacos

Another brewery has found its way into the village of Yellow Springs. Trail Town Brewing serves up a variety of craft brews, with sours being their specialty. They also offer this bizarre kombucha non-alcoholic beer, which is the most insane thing you will try. Overall, I was not a huge fan, but I was a big fan of Miguel’s Tacos, which is inside Trail Town.

Miguel’s offers authentic Mexican Cuisine you can enjoy inside Trail Town or carry-out. You can customize your meal to whatever you feel that day, from tacos to nachos. Outside of Ellies, this will be one of the best spots to eat in Yellow Springs that is budget-friendly.

Trail Town Brewing | 101 Corry St, Yellow Springs, OH 45387

Antioch College 

Formed in 1850, and after many years of growth and financial stability, Antioch came on financial hard times toward the end of the 20^th  century. They failed in 2008 and, with alumni support, reopened in 2011. Now, fully re-accredited and in re-building mode, Antioch is redesigning their future and looking for students who want to be a part of the journey.

Several famous African Americans graduated from the College, including Coretta Scott King, author, activist, civil rights leader, and the wife of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; Eleanor Holmes Norton, Congressional Delegate for Wash.

Calypso Grill and Smokehouse 

If you ask the locals where the best place to grab dinner is, everyone will say Calypso Grill. Known for its Caribbean flavors and tropical drinks, Calypsco has quickly risen to the top of the Yellow Springs food scene.

Smoked jerk chicken wings, Jamaican Oxtail stew, and fried plantains are only the beginning of this tasty menu. They are also open for lunch.

More Great Places To Visit In and Near Yellow Springs, Ohio

Head into Downtown Springfield

Twenty minutes away from Yellow Springs is the small downtown of Springfield.  Downtown Springfield is a great place to spend the day exploring, with tons of great eateries and shops. Grab a beer at Mother Stewart Brewing,  indulge in French pastries at Lei Torte Dolci, and then visit the Hartman Rock Garden.  Read all about the cool Things To Do in Springfield, OH.

Go Picnicking In John Bryan State Park

Another favorite place to visit is the gorgeous 752-acre John Bryan State Park. Take in the remarkable limestone gorge cut by the Little Miami Scenic River, hike on scenic trails, and it is only one mile from Yellow Springs. Hike on nine trails, some wheelchair accessible, before taking a break for a nice picnic lunch. It has been deemed one of the most scenic parks in Western Ohio.

Did you enjoy our Yellow Springs, Ohio, post? Here are a few other related articles that you might enjoy about fun things that are nearby:

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