Before 1800, various Native American tribes, including the Delaware, Mohican, Shawnee, and Wyandot, occupied present-day Shelby. Settlers began moving into the area in the 1800s. The most notable families among the settlers included the Gamble, Wilson, and Whitney families. Gamble established a post office around which the area grew.
James Gamble also established "The Town of Shelby" in 1824. He named it after the first Kentucky governor and a respected veteran of the War of 1812 and the Revolutionary War, Gen. Isaac Shelby. The first train arrived in Shelby in 1846 along the Ashland Railway, leading to the area’s drastic economic and population growth.
The manufacturing of seamless steel tubes and bicycles toward the end of the 19th century changed Shelby for good. The Shelby Cycle Manufacturing Company opened its doors in 1895. By 1935, the company produced over 200,000 bicycles per year and sold them in major retail centers. The bicycles became famous in Ohio and the entire nation. They were even used in movies.
Today, Shelby is a growing town covering 6.44 square miles with a population of more than 8,200. Shelby has a slew of pristine parks, including Black Fork Commons, Rabold Park, and Seltzer Park. The town hosts events throughout the year, such as Bicycle Days, which commemorates the bicycle manufacturing days of the Shelby Cycle Manufacturing Company. The town also has several restaurants serving a wide range of cuisines. You will appreciate how this area’s shopping centers and nightlife venues make it feel lively.
Shelby Bicycle Days – Carry your bike to this upcoming event in July. This annual occasion features many fun activities, food, and fireworks.
INKcarceration – Have fun at this music festival held for three days in Mansfield. You will appreciate live music, food vendors, and tattoo artists at this yearly event.
Mansfield Music Festival – Enjoy live music, delicious food, drinks, and other treats at this upcoming event. It takes place every year in September.
At about 76 miles, Cuyahoga National Park is the closest national park to Shelby. You will want to see the 100 waterfalls in the park, especially Brandywine Falls, the tallest in northeastern Ohio. Hikers will love the more than 125 miles of trails snaking through the park. Birders will enjoy tracking orioles, bald eagles, vireos, and other birds calling this place home. Kayaking, picnicking, and stargazing are also possible.
Indiana Dunes National Park is approximately 272 miles from Shelby. Bikers, hikers, and horse riders will delight in navigating the numerous trails traversing the park. Anglers can fish on Lake Michigan if they have a valid fishing license. Boating, kayaking, and swimming are also popular on the lake. You can tour the park during winter to participate in snowshoeing and skiing.
New River Gorge National Park and Shelby are about 294 miles apart. This park offers many exciting hiking and biking trails, ranging from simple tracks to rugged paths. Thanks to its thousands of designated climbing routes, the park is also a popular rock climbing destination. Go to the New River if you fancy boating, fishing, swimming, and participating in other water-related activities.
Malabar Farm State Park comprises small villages and farms in a beautiful area consisting of lakes, streams, and woodlands. This park’s visitor center features many agriculture, conservation, literature, and wildlife exhibits. Besides its three hiking trails, the park has various ponds with plenty of bluegill and catfish. Picnics are always fun in the designated areas which feature a table and grill.
Mohican State Park near Loudonville offers a plethora of outdoor recreation avenues. The park’s well-maintained trails beckon hiking and biking. Anglers will cherish catching bluegill, largemouth bass, and crappie in the Clear Fork River. Boating, kayaking, and swimming are all permitted.
Findley State Park is near Burbank and Spencer. It is a place many wildlife lovers would like to experience as it is home to white-tailed deer, raccoons, red foxes, and beavers. If you want to challenge yourself, hike or mountain bike the miles of nature trails available in the park. Guests can boat and swim on the nearby lake, which teems with bluegill, crappies, and largemouth bass.
Tour Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial, which commemorates the Battle of Lake Erie. Take photos of the area’s Doric column and hike its trails.
Spend some time at James A. Garfield National Historic Site, which celebrates the life and achievements of the 20th president of the U.S., James Abraham Garfield. The site features Garfield’s home, the neighboring property, and the first presidential library in the nation.
Hopewell Culture National Historical Park features earthworks and burial mounds created between 200 B.C. and 500 A.D. by the Hopewell people. The area has fantastic trails and sightseeing areas.
Charles Mill Lake Park is a beautiful area with showers and a nearby lake where guests can boat, fish, and swim. The park has helpful staff members to ensure you have the best experience. Hickory Lake Campground is a famous RV park near many attractions. It has showers and swimming areas, and it is pet friendly. Auburn Lake Park is a beautiful area with access to a lake where visitors can swim, fish, boat, and paddle. Its RV sites have showers, electricity, water, and sewer amenities.
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 Shelby, 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 Shelby?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Shelby 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 Shelby?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.