Ohio was admitted as a state of the United States in 1803. Several years later, in 1815, Ashland was laid out under the name Uniontown. This was soon changed when locals determined Ohio already had a city under that name. The new name Ashland was chosen in support of Henry Clay, a congressman from Kentucky. In 1822, the city had only 20 or so log huts. After two decades, the population expanded dramatically to 1,300. Ashland College, a private Christian university, opened in 1878.
Manufacturing became essential to the city's growth in the late 1800s. Businesses started selling farming equipment, military supplies, disinfectants, and various rubber products. The Eagle Rubber Company began in 1913 after Harry Ross Gill determined how to make cigar-shaped balloons. This led to Ashland being known as "The Balloon Capital of the World." Notable people from this area include astronaut Robert C. Springer and college basketball coach Eric Musselman.
Ashland has five parks, with four of them connected by the Town Run stream. The city hit its population peak in 2000 and currently sits at about 20,000 people. Cleveland is 66 miles northwest while Columbus is 82 miles south. Ashland is in a great location near Charles Mills Lake, a hotspot for boating, fishing, swimming, and camping.
BalloonFest – Stop by in June to celebrate the city's fascinating balloon history. This weekend event includes balloon rides, live entertainment, kid-friendly activities, and more.
Autumn Fiber Festival - Get to the Ashland County Fairgrounds in October to see the works and wares of local fiber producers and artists.
Pride in the Park – This August event brings the whole of Ashland together with 30+ vendors, a parade, food trucks, and live entertainment from a local DJ.
Ashland Quality Storage has outdoor storage options for cars, RVs, and boats up to 30 feet long. Their fenced facility is constantly monitored by cameras. Trimble Road Self Storage in Mansfield is close to Highway 30 and the University of Ohio. They have indoor and outdoor storage lots and offer convenient online payment options.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is less than an hour away from Ashland. Well-known for its lush forests and 100 picturesque waterfalls, this national park attracts millions of visitors every year. Take your time hiking the 125 miles of trails over the rolling hills and through the ravines. General admission to the park is free, but some festivals and concerts may require you to purchase tickets.
New River Gorge National Park can be found 297 miles south in West Virginia. Encompassing 70,000 acres of countryside, this national park offers opportunities for backpacking, whitewater rafting, fishing, hiking, hunting, and climbing. Consider taking a guided wildflower tour or learning more about the park's fascinating history.
Indiana Dunes National Park is 280 miles away from Ashland in Indiana. This national park has 15 miles of lakefront on Lake Michigan as well as 20 square miles of thriving countryside. Plan your trip in the summer to enjoy hiking, horseback riding, biking, and fishing. The sandy beach is a great place to lounge, sunbathe, and bask in stunning sunsets.
Malabar Farm State Park near Mansfield has a visitor's education center with many agricultural exhibits and interactive displays. There are three trails in this park that are perfect for hiking and wildlife viewing. Visit in the winter for sledding, cross-country skiing, and skating.
Mohican State Park spans 1,110 acres near the 4,525-acre Mohican State Forest. This park has a 25-mile trail that is great for hiking and biking. Feel free to fish from Clear Fork River or head over to the state forest for hunting. The nearby Pleasant Hill Lake allows swimming, tubing, kayaking, and boating.
Findley State Park encompasses 838 acres of hardwood and pine forests. The 11-mile Thorn Mountain Trail provides the ideal challenge for experienced hikers. You're also welcome to lounge on the 435-foot beach or take a boat out on the 93-acre lake. Anglers are encouraged to try their hand at catching crappie, largemouth bass, and bluegill.
Cedar Point amusement park just outside of Sandusky has some of the most thrilling roller coaster rides in the world. They also offer family-friendly options, live music, delicious food, and segway tours.
Cleveland's Zero Gravity Research Facility has been in operation since 1966. This facility has discovered vital information on the effects of zero-gravity environments. It's also the largest facility of its kind in the world.
The Johnson's Island Civil War Prison in Sandusky Bay is known as the most significant Civil War site in the entire state and is an important Ohio landmark. For several years, this 300-acre island was used to process thousands of Civil War prisoners.
Charles Mill Lake Park in Mansfield has a campground that's dedicated to making your trip as memorable as possible. You're sure to appreciate the abundant fishing, swimming, and boating opportunities. The Butler/ Mohican KOA offers an old-fashioned camping experience. Visitors often spend a lot of time hiking the nature trails, swimming in the lake, and riding pedal carts. Smith's Campground and Cabins in Loudonville is a great camping option for families. This site has an ice cream shop, horseshoe pits, fishing docks, and pizza delivery options.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Ashland, OH, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Ashland?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Ashland from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Ashland?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.