Eaton is a city found in Ohio’s Preble County, where it serves as the county seat. It’s only 24 miles west of Dayton with a population of 8,375. It was founded by William Bruce in 1806, and it was named after General William Eaton. The town was established in 1846 and quickly grew to a population of over 1,000. This was due to its location at the junction of two major turnpikes.
Today, visitors can enjoy several wonderful outdoor spaces in Eaton. This includes Fort St. Clair State Memorial. Here you’ll find picnic shelters with grills, walking trails, and playground equipment, along with the 250-year-old Whispering Christmas Oak Tree. Waterworks Park is a 25-acre preserve adjacent to the water treatment plant. This is a great place to have a picnic with a playground and dog park on the property. Animal lovers will want to save time for Safari Junction. This family-run petting zoo includes exotic animals such as kangaroos, lemurs, and monkeys, as well as farm animals like goats, pigs, and baby cows.
Eaton has many historical sites you won't want to miss. Historic Downtown Eaton houses most of the city’s local businesses in turn-of-the-century buildings. The area surrounding Eaton is home to many covered bridges that are worth a visit. The 1895 Christmas Bridge provides excellent photo ops, and Roberts Covered Bridge is Ohio’s oldest of its kind. End your day with a stop at Olde Schoolhouse Vineyard & Winery where you can sample some of their 20 fine wines. This structure was an actual schoolhouse in 1890.
When trying to decide when to visit Eaton, consider the many annual events held in the area. The city hosts the Preble County Fair each summer, and the Annual Preble County Pork Festival is held each September in Eaton.
Campgrounds Near Eaton, Ohio
Brookville Lake Quakertown SRA Campground is located in nearby Brookville, Indiana with 62 RV sites. It’s a pet-friendly campground with showers available. Guests can enjoy fishing and boating on the lake, and there are trails for walking and biking. Daily rates start at $30, and weekly rates start at $210.
The Brookville Mounds State Recreation Area also in nearby Brookville has 338 sites with full hookups. Pets are allowed, and cell reception is available. The park’s 13,000 acres of wilderness provide guests with activities like fishing, hiking, and biking. Both daily and weekly rates are available.
The family-owned and operated Grandpa’s Farm RV Park in nearby Richmond, Indiana has 79 sites with full hookups for RVs. There are showers on the property, and cell reception is available. Guests can enjoy activities like fishing, billiards, and ping pong. Daily rates are $32, and weekly rates are $210.
State Parks Near Eaton, Ohio
Houston Woods State Park encompasses 3,000 acres along Ohio’s southwestern border. The man-made 592-acre Acton Lake has some of the best fishing in the state. Fishing enthusiasts will love trying to catch largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish, and carp. The 1,500-foot beach provides guests with a place to swim and sunbathe, and ten miles of hiking trails allow you to explore the 200-acre forest that is filled with beech and sugar maple trees. This impressive forest has been named a National Natural Landmark. During the winter months, you can enjoy cross-country skiing and swim in the indoor pool.
Caesar Creek State Park includes 7,530 acres in southwestern Ohio. Within the park, you’ll discover a 2,830-acre lake with a 1,300-foot beach that includes a boat launch. Boating, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing are all popular activities here. On land, you’ll find 43 miles of hiking trails, along with nine miles of bike paths. These trails are ideal for spotting the 65 species of native plants and trees within the park.
Lake Loramie State Park encompasses 407 acres in southwestern Ohio. The park’s 1,655-acre freshwater lake was built to help keep the Miami-Erie Canal level. Today, it provides guests with a place to swim and fish. Eight miles of hiking trails wind their way along the lake’s shore and through the forest. This park is just as active during the winter months as it is in the summer with cross-country skiing, sledding, ice skating, and ice fishing available.
National Sites Near Eaton, Ohio
The Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park focuses on the accomplishments of Wilbur and Orville Wright and their first aircraft tests. The site includes several locations like the Wright-Dunbar Interpretive Center and Carillon Historical Park where they flew the first practical airplane. You can also see the Wright Brother's Cycle Shop where they made a living repairing bicycles. Be sure to stop by the Huffman Prairie Interpretive Center and the Huffman Prairie Flying Field during your visit.
When you visit the William Howard Taft National Historic Site, you can learn about the president's early life as well as his political career. Ranger-led tours take you through the Greek Revival birthplace and childhood home of President Taft. Educational exhibits focus on his accomplishments, along with the role that First Lady Helen Taft played in his career.
The Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument near Xenia, Ohio allows you to learn about the role of the Buffalo Soldiers during the Civil War. The monument was created in honor of Charles Young. He was a crucial military figure during the war and continued to serve until 1903. He became the first African American National Park Superintendant and the first Attache to Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Begin your visit with a short educational film, followed by a cell phone tour of the grounds.
National Forests Near Eaton, Ohio
The Hoosier National Forest encompasses 202,814 acres in the hills of southern Indiana. The many streams, lakes, and rivers within the forest provide excellent fishing opportunities. The 265 miles of trails allow guests to hike, bike and ride horseback through this forest of hardwoods and fir trees as they explore the area. Sections of the forest are made up of prairie grass that creates wide open spaces to enjoy. Look for wildlife like bald eagles, hawks, deer, wild boars, squirrels, and bobcats while visiting.
The Daniel Boone National Forest includes 708,000 acres of land in Kentucky and is named after the legendary pioneer. It’s filled with beautiful sandstone cliffs, forested slopes, and narrow ravines. Three large lakes, several streams, and many rivers provide you with great fishing opportunities and places to enjoy water sports. People come for the scenic beauty of the forest and the wildlife such as deer, snakes, hawks, hummingbirds, and chipmunks. There are 600 miles of trails available for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
The Wayne National Forest in southeastern Ohio is made up of a collection of public lands. In total, it spans over one million acres of wetlands, foothills, and forests. Fishing is offered in the lakes, streams, and rivers. Hunting is another popular activity here. The 400 miles of hiking trails include several covered bridges, and they are open to mountain bikes and horses too. Wildlife includes white-tailed deer, rugged grouse, wild turkeys, beavers, and box turtles. Minimal light pollution makes this forest ideal for stargazing.
