Mansfield was founded as a settlement in 1808. It was named after Colonel Jared Mansfield, an American teacher, and surveyor, who was in charge of its planning. Mansfield officially became a village in 1828 and then was incorporated as a city in 1857. Railroads first started appearing in the area between 1846 and 1863. By the late 1880s, Mansfield had become a manufacturing and trade hub mostly due to four local railroads.
In 1927, a nine-story structure called the Leland Hotel was built in Mansfield. It was the tallest building in the city at the time. Even though it was razed in 1976, you can still see the hotel's compass rose on the sidewalk on Walnut Street. The city's Richland County Fair is held every August at the Richland County Fairgrounds. It started in 1849 and has since developed to include fun rides, local food vendors, and livestock judging.
One of the most significant landmarks to visit in the city is the Ohio State Reformatory. It was built between 1886 and 1910 and was meant to look like a German castle. The facility operated as a prison until 1990 when it was closed by a federal court. The structure has served as the backdrop for many famous movies like Shawshank Redemption and Air Force One. Visitors are welcome to tour the building alone or with a guide.
Other important sites you may want to see during your trip include the Mansfield Memorial Museum, which houses Civil War memorabilia, Native American artifacts, and overseas collections. Take time to visit the Oak Hill Cottage in the old industrial district. This historic structure is known as one of the country's most perfect Carpenter Gothic houses. Finally, consider visiting the historic Richland Carousel Park to see the first hand-carved indoor wooden carousel operated in the United States.
Charles Mill Lake Park in Mansfield has a peaceful environment perfect for swimming, boating, or fishing. Choose from 450 RV campsites, some of which have 30-amp hookups. All of the sites include a picnic table and a campfire ring. Monthly rates are available at this facility, and pets are welcome.
The Butler / Mohican KOA in the nearby town of Butler is a small, family-friendly RV campground. In the evenings, spend some time with your family in the game room, sports courts, or playground. Other amenities at this facility include a dump station, camp store, and laundry facilities.
Smith's Campground & Cabins in Loudonville has been family-owned since 1992. They have fishing docks, horseshoe pits, an outdoor movie screen, and a huge playground. There's also a dump station, modern shower house, volleyball court, ice cream shop, and pizza delivery options. The 134 RV campsites have electrical and water hookups and prices start at $40 a night.
Malabar Farm State Park is known for its lush landscape of rolling countryside, woodlands, bogs, lakes, and fertile farmlands. Three trails pass through the park with the seven-mile Bridle Trail being the most popular with wildlife enthusiasts. Anglers have no problem catching bluegill and catfish from the ponds within the park. During the winter, sledding, skating, and cross-country skiing are popular. If you're not interested in camping at one of the park's 15 dispersed spots, drive over to the nearby River Trail Crossing Campground or Pleasant Hill Lake Park.
Spanning 1,110 acres, Mohican State Park is a popular destination for horseback riding, wildlife viewing, picnicking, camping, and cross-country skiing. With the nearby 4,525-acre state forest surrounding it, you have access to limitless recreational opportunities all year long. The park's renowned 25-mile trail is open to both hiking and biking. Though it may not be part of the park, Pleasant Hill Lake is close enough to give you access to boating, kayaking, swimming, and tubing. The Clear Fork River is one of only three rivers in the state stocked with brown trout. All anglers must have a valid Ohio fishing license.
Findley State Park is full of stately pines, towering hardwoods, and an abundance of wildflowers like spring beauties and woodland asters. Visitors stop by to hike or bike the 16 miles of nature trails. If you're looking for a technical challenge, consider tackling the 11-mile Thorn Mountain Trail. There's also a 435-foot beach with a concession stand. The 93-acre lake permits motorboats and is well-stocked with largemouth bass, crappie, and bluegill. Pets are welcome on many of the trails as well as in the picnic areas as long as they're leashed.
The Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial near Put-in-Bay commemorates the Battle of Lake Erie that occurred during the War of 1812. This is the final resting place for six soldiers who lost their lives during this decisive historic battle. The memorial also celebrates Oliver Hazard Perry, who led the troops to victory. Since being completed in 1915, the site has been the home of the tallest Doric column in the world. You're welcome to take a day or night tour, walk the grounds or spend your time fishing from the peaceful waters of Lake Erie.
The Hopewell Culture National Historical Park houses burial mounds and earthworks built by the indigenous Hopewell group that thrived between 200 B.C. and 500 A.D. While many mounds have been lost over the centuries to wars and agricultural pursuits, six separate units still exist here today. These mounds allowed archaeologists to learn more about the Hopewell people's political, social, and ceremonial lives. Head to the visitor center to see previously excavated artifacts as well as an orientation film and gift shop area.
You'll find the James A. Garfield National Historic Site near Mentor. In the 1990s, this site was intricately restored to better honor the life and achievements of James Abram Garfield, the 20th President of the United States. The area includes Garfield's former home and nearby properties as well as the country's very first presidential library. Garfield bought this property in 1876 and used it to run his extremely successful front porch presidential campaign in 1880. Along with including dated Victorian furniture previously owned by Garfield, even the wallpaper has been recreated based on the home's old photographs.
In southeastern Ohio, you'll find Wayne National Forest in the Appalachian foothills. Encompassing a total of one million acres, this forest is split into three main areas not far from big cities like Cleveland, Columbus, Pittsburgh, and Cincinnati. This forest is full of thick woods, rocky ridges, and a portion of the impressive Ohio River. There are more than 400 miles of multi-use trails open to hiking, horseback riding, biking, and ATVing. The dense forest provides the perfect home for ruffed grouse, white-tailed deer, beavers, box turtles, and squirrels.
Monongahela National Forest spans 919,000 acres across 10 of Virginia's counties. The highest point in the area is Spruce Knob with an elevation of 4,863 feet. You have the chance to spot 225 species of birds and 75 tree species. The endless rivers, creeks, and lakes are filled with 60 non-game species and 12 species you can fish for. The North Fork Mountain Trail promises exceptional views of a nearby river as well as North Fork Mountain itself. Feel free to bring your leashed pet and camp right along the trail.
Allegheny National Forest is Pennylsyvania's only national forest and it covers 517,000 acres. The plateaus here reach about 2,300 feet while the valleys dip to just 1,000 feet in elevation. Since this area was so extensively logged during the 19th century, it's now characterized as a second-growth forest. The majority of the trees you'll find are sugar maple, red maple, black birch, and cherry. This forest has some of the best warm-water fishing available. Try your hand at catching walleye, northern pike, channel catfish, smallmouth bass, and yellow perch. Don't forget to reserve some time for geocaching, hiking, biking, camping, and stargazing.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is only about an hour away from Mansfield. This national park is home to the 65-foot Brandywine Falls, the tallest waterfall in Northeast Ohio. There are a total of 100 waterfalls here as well as 125 miles of hiking trails and a 100-mile-long river. Take your time exploring the wetlands, beautiful forests, and narrow ravines. Consider spending a few days bird watching, canoeing, golfing, picnicking, stargazing, or riding the scenic railroad.
Travel 283 miles south into West Virginia to see the stunning New River Gorge National Park. The steady New River has been cutting a path through the rock for eons, slowly creating the breathtaking gorge you see today. This amazing 70,000-acre swatch of West Virginia wilderness is full of hiking, camping, and water sports opportunities. Summer is the best time to visit if you're interested in whitewater rafting. Don't forget to check out the fascinating exhibits available at the four visitor centers.
Shenandoah National Park is almost seven hours away in Virginia. Covering 300 square miles of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this is one of the most beautiful parks in the country. You'll love the diverse plant life, waterfalls, thriving forests, and peaks reaching more than 4,000 feet above sea level. You can even find a section of the historic Appalachian Trail. Travel along the 105-mile Skyline Drive to get the best views of the landscape. All hikers, rock climbers, and mountaineers should be aware that the higher elevations often bring with them unpredictable and even dangerous weather.
In most areas, the price to rent a motorhome is around $200 a night and the price to rent a towable trailer is around $120 a night.
What does RVshare Protection cover with my Mansfield, OH RV rental?RVshare's protection plan standard package covers up to $300,000 in comprehensive and collision coverage based on the value of the RV. It also includes free 24/7 roadside assistance and free towing and tire service. For more information on RVshare insurance, click here.
What is included in my Mansfield, OH RV rental?You should find any amenities that are included with your rental in the listing details. But it never hurts to check in with the owner before you arrive at the RV or have it delivered to ensure you have everything that is needed to have a fun and enjoyable trip!
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