ripley ohio tourism

Top Things to Do in Ripley, OH - Ripley Must-See Attractions

Things to do in ripley.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Budget-friendly
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Kids
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Couples
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. John Rankin House

2. Meranda-Nixon Winery

3. John Parker House

4. Ripley Museum

5. Ohio Tobacco Museum, Inc.

What travellers are saying.

• John Rankin House
• John Parker House
• Meranda-Nixon Winery
• Ripley Museum
• Ohio Tobacco Museum, Inc.

Historic Home and Underground Railroad Site Walking Tour of Ripley, OH

text and photos by Ripley Heritage, Inc.

Originally published on RipleyOhio.net

Underground Railroad sites are indicated as UGRR A project of several years came to fruition in 1985 when Ripley’s historic district was listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The 55-acre historic district is believed to be the largest in Ohio for a town of its size. The buildings in the historic district reflect the village’s history from its settlement in 1804 until the last major flood of 1937. Soon after the town was platted in 1812, the earliest brick row house was built around 1816 by Colonel James Poage, the founder of the town. Although not all three portions were built at once, they were probably built before Poage’s death in 1820. Colonel Poage, a surveyor in Virginia for 30 years and a veteran of the Revolutionary War, was a staunch Presbyterian who was taught to hate slavery.

Colonel Poage attracted other southern abolitionists to the settlement. They included Dr. Alexander Campbell, Ripley’s first physician and Ohio’s first abolitionist, and Rev. John Rankin, the fiery Presbyterian minister. Rankin’s notoriety as an abolitionist spread throughout the south where it was reported certain masters in Kentucky offered a reward for the assassination or abduction of either Campbell or Rankin.

The Ripley Historic District is both historically and architecturally significant because it is the best preserved example of an antebellum Ohio River town in the state of Ohio. Every major event that caused this town to grow and develop happened by the time of the Civil War, and every impact is related to the town’s location on the Ohio River.

Begin your walk/hike at the home of John P. Parker , a noted African-American entrepreneur, inventor and abolitionist. Born into slavery in Virginia in 1827, Parker purchased his freedom as a young man in Alabama. Parker later settled in Ripley, where he became a self-trained iron manufacturer, established the Phoenix Foundry and invented the Parker Portable Screw Press (for tobacco) and a soil pulverizer. Parker was one of the few African-Americans to obtain a US patent before 1900. During the antebellum years, Parker became an important, if unheralded, conductor on the Underground Railroad, risking his life to aid more than 900 fugitive slaves in their journey to freedom. Parker also recruited soldiers for the Twenty-Seventh United States Colored Troops during the Civil War.

Look up to the top of the hill behind Ripley and you will see a small red brick house that was the home of famed abolitionist Rev. John Rankin. As Parker rescued fleeing slaves from the shores of Kentucky and rowed them across the Ohio River, he sent them to the top of the hill to Rev. Rankin, who was able to feed, clothe and rest them before taking them on to the next stop along the UGRR route. Be sure to drive or hike to Rankin House to visit this National Historic Monument.

One of Ripley’s greatest Civil War heroes and Commander of a wooden gunboat, Rear Admiral Joseph Fyffe, built this wooden frame  dwelling close to the water, a location he loved best. He married the daughter of General Granville Moody, also a famous veteran. It features beautiful Victorian furnishings. Its owners have named it “The Signal House” and operate a Bed and Breakfast Inn for visitors who, like Admiral Fyffe, love to sit and enjoy the river with its sweeping vistas.

Here’s a great example of a 1930s home built in the Arts and Crafts style.

This beautiful home was built in 1837 during the ownership of Carey Alexander Campbell, son of Senator Alexander Campbell. The valuation of the land was $225. When Carey Campbell began building the home, the land value jumped to $694, possibly because of his famous father, who was a man of importance. The home was originally classic Federal style without porches or gingerbread. The Victorian style porches and decorative trim were added around 1897. The current owners have restored the home to its earlier beauty, making it one of the Front Street showpieces.

The red brick row apartments were home of Rev. John Rankin before he moved to his home atop the hill overlooking Ripley. Be sure to read the plaque in front of the home, commemorating this site. Immediately to the side of this structure please note one of the many alleys that run from the rive up to the hills. These poorly lit corridors were most likely the pathways used by escaping slaves, rather than the wider and more developed streets.

Escaping slaves may have used this alley route in the 1800s on their way to Rev. Rankin, who would give them refuge.

This home  honors another Underground Railroad hero, Thomas McCague. The marker reads, “This tablet marks the home of Thomas McCague, an ardent anti-slavery advocate. On one occasion, John Parker, as underground conductor, being pursued, brought a party of slaves to this house at break of day. McCague said, ‘It’s daylight, don’t stop.’ His wife, Aunt Kitty, said, ‘Daylight or no daylight, Parker, bring them in.’”

This is known as the Kirker House, located at 206 Front Street. Its marker reads, “In 1838 Mr. Thomas Kirker resided in this house, with whom General U. S. Grant boarded, while attending the Whitmore private school; his parents living in Georgetown.” That school later became Ripley College.

Known as “The Thomas Collins House,” this Federalist Style home is marked with a tablet that reads, “This tablet marks the home of Thomas Collins. Englishman, cabinet maker, chief conductor of the Underground Railroad. Its portals were always open, through this door stole refugees innumerable, the night was never too dark, nor the journey too long for its owner to issue forth leading the helpless across the hills to freedom.” The interior has been restored and furnished with Classical Period elegance.

Leave N. front Street when reaching Mulberry, and walk 1.5 blocks to the corner of Mulberry and Front on the left. The Baird homestead was occupied by three generations of Bairds from 1845 to 1973. This house was built in 1825. The ballroom section was added in the 1940s by the Bairds. An important feature of the house is the wrought iron lace porch and balcony, which was purchased from the Rankin Ironworks of CIncinnati and shipped by packet boat to Ripley. Second generation, Chambers Baird, Jr. was born in 1986. It was he who most contributed to the town of Ripley, as a prominent attorney, editor of the Ripley Bee , Mayor, Presbyterian, and Republican.

136 N. Front St.: UGRR

136 N. Front Street is the site of an important UGRR conductor whose log cabin no longer exists. His story may be read on the plaque that is near the sidewalk. The current home is Italianate, which was a popular Victorian era style The home was originally built at ground level in 1875 and, because of floods, was raised around 1915.

This Queen Anne style home was built in 1885. Is characterized by a steep roof, complicated asymmetrical shape, a one-story porch that extends across two sides of the house, wall surfaces with decorative shingles, ornamental spindles or brackets, and bay windows. It was the home of John E. Kirkpatrick and later John Robert Stivers, from an early Ripley banking family. The current owners have recently remodeled.

One of most magnificent homes on Ripley’s River Walk is the Campbell House. The plaque honoring Sen. Campbell reads, “Senator Alexander Campbell. Doctor, merchant and anti-slavery leader, a Virginian by birth, he moved to Ohio in 1803, freeing his slaves. US Senator from 1809 to 1813. At the burning of the Capitol by the British he rode out of Washington never to return.” The Greek Revival style dominated American architecture during the period around 1818 to 1860. With details reminiscent of the Greek Parthenon, stately, pillared Greek Revival homes reflect a passion for antiquity. They often feature symmetrical shape, heavy cornices, bold simple moldings, entry porch with columns and narrow windows around the front door.

These 1800s row houses are among the oldest in Ripley. It is believed they were once part of the commercial area of Ripley and were shop fronts.

This home is a good example of an 1800s Victorian style, “painted lady.”

Known as “The Bank Building,” this is the site of one of earliest banks in Ripley.

This monument features the founders and early heroes of Ripley.

For more information and activities in Ripley and surrounding areas, please visit RipleyOhio.net . Experience the welcoming hospitality of this unique riverside town, rich in history, with a friendly river town atmosphere. Ripley is part of the Ohio River Scenic Byway , and is included in Adventures Cycling Trails for its part in the Underground Railroad.

ATTAINABLE ADVENTURES FOR EVERY SEASON OF LIFE

4 Places to Stop in Ripley, Ohio

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A day trip to Ripley, Ohio is a great way to learn about the history of the past and the hope of the future. 

I’m sharing 4 places to stop in Ripley that will make for a memorable trip.

Ripley, Ohio was one of the few cities where whites and blacks worked together to help bring slaves to freedom.

Cincinnati, Philadelphia, and Ripley were three major cities for the Underground Railroad. 600-900 people were rescued because of the heroic efforts of others.

This small town has two homes that you need to visit to get a greater understanding of the risk and sacrifice of the brave townspeople who desired to treat everyone as equal and bring justice for the oppressed.

1st stop  The John Rankin House

6152 Rankin Hill Rd, Ripley, OH 

I first heard about the story of The Rankin House from a film at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center that was narrated by Oprah Winfrey.

The short film did a fantastic job of helping you understand the risk, the fear, and the bravery by everyone involved in the Underground Railroad.

The film shared how Rev. John Rankin and his family were conductors in the Underground Railroad. His home became more well known due to Harriet Beecher Stowe’s book “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.”

A view from inside the Rankin Home allows you to see activity from both sides of the river. This property was a strategic location and vantage point for the Underground Railroad.

Over 2,000 “passengers” came through this part of the Underground Railroad on the Rankin Property from 1822-1866.

2nd stop – The Former Home of John Parker 

John Parker was a former slave who was able to buy back his freedom. He became a successful craftsman and businessman with three patents. John later became the 9th wealthiest man in Ripley, which had several millionaires at the time.

He also played a huge part in the success of the Underground Railroad. John was among the few who were also “extractors”, risking his life and his freedom to help others reach theirs.

The “Ripley Chain” had about 329 people in the roles of the abolitionist in the city with a population of around 3000 people. A typical large chain during that time was 8-10 houses.

About 1/10 of people in Ripley, Ohio helped in the Underground Railroad movement in some way. Ripley, Cincinnati, and Philadelphia had the largest numbers of fugitive slaves travel through their cities.

Many fugitive slaves who were interviewed later shared the same common theme in that what they remembered most which was the generous hospitality of the people who helped during their path to freedom.

Both races worked together in the Underground Railroad in Ripley which was not as common in other cities where each race tended to work separately for the same cause.

Stop #3  Rockin’ Robin’s Soda Shoppe

8 Front St, Ripley, OH 

After all of that history, it’s good to treat yourself to a dose of nostalgia that never goes out of style.

This 50’s inspired soda shoppe offers a variety of phosphates and other popular diner-style menu items.

Stop #4 Olde Piano Factory Antique

307 N Second St, Ripley, OH

This former piano factory has lots of antique treasures to discover.

I hope that you find a day trip to Ripley, Ohio as fascinating as I did.

Disclosure: I was given complimentary admission to The Rankin House for review purposes. All opinions are my own. 

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$5 race discount code for the color run shine tour, 18 thoughts on “4 places to stop in ripley, ohio”.

We live around Portsmouth Ohio and take a trip to Ripley, Ohio every chance we get. We love Ripley, beautiful place to see and live. The People there are Friendly and the Sites are many. I would move there in a heartbeat. You can go on up from Ripley and go across the Ohio River on the Ferry Boat to see an old Town called Augusta, Kentucky. Oh what a beautiful trip to see the sites.

So tempted to buy a home near river front with river view. Been on market for awhile as a refurbished home in historic sector. After investigating, most of town is rated in severe zone for flooding. Town was delightfully quiet but too much so as a town seemingly and sadly appearing in decline. To love this town, easy, for practical reasons, not so easy. We wanted to stay for a period of time but then realized that it would be better to revisit for short periods of time to stretch the small town experience into a longer period of time. As we searched for a home in small town Ohio we proceeded a venture to other small towns and struck a liking to New Richmond, a Ripley sort of town, closer to Cincy and other smaller, active communities. With Ripley in mind and since discovering more small towns in Ohio, ie; Georgetown, Williamsburg and others, we decided on being practical and purchasing in Amelia to be close to grandkids and much needed amenities as, being in our 70’s, practical is a needed necessity and giving up small town dreaming comes with the territory. Ripley needs to be a stop along life’s journey for those loving the small town and its many fascinating and mysterious reasons to live there, hopefully, many will stop and hopefully stay ! Myrtle Beach, more noteably, MURRELLS INLET, a small town fishing village in South Carolina is our beach get away to escape small town Ohio. Two small towns, the way to retire ! Cap’n Mike.

Plan on going today. I love this little town and it’s history.

This would be a fun, easy and educational trip! Thanks for sharing!

Come to Ripley the first weekend in December. Tons happening! Yes that is right on Sunday Dec. 2 of River Village Christmas Tyler Christopher the multi-award winner Elvis Tribute Artist will be bringing his show to RULH High School at 7pm.

Tyler Christopher is recognized as one of the top tribute artists in the world. The Unique Elvis Show recreates the excitement of Elvis in his prime Doors open at 6pm and showtime is 7pm. There will be refreshments and pulled pork selections available before the show. The show is FREE to the public and is sponsored by a local resident. Donations to help with the cost will be gladly accepted. Check out Tyler Christopher Elvis on Facebook and YouTube. Sunday also features live reindeer and Santa at the Ohio Valley Manor Sunday afternoon at 2pm with refreshments and music. Make sure you bring the children to see the live reindeer. It is an amazing experience.

Don’t forget that River Village Christmas starts Friday night Nov.30 at 5:30pm with the Ripley Library Tree Lighting and music by the RULH Elementary School. This if followed by the free Hot Chocolate Social and Friends of the Library Book Sale at the Library annex. Be sure to stock up on your winter ready at the book sale. There is a huge selection of books of every type for sale. During the book sale there will also be music performed by the Banks of the Ohio String Band. Friday night also features Harriett Jackson’s Holiday Happening at Co Hearts River House. A fun evening of dinner and music with Harriett will really get you into the holiday spirit. Please call Co Hearts for reservations.

Saturday Dec. 1 starts off with the JROTC Jingle Run in Ripley at 8am. Come down and get some exercise with a nice run or walk through town and support our local JROTC program. Breakfast with Santa also starts at 8am at the RULH Elementary School and is sponsored by the FCCLA. Be sure to get your tickets in advance from the FCCLA for the breakfast that will also feature music, elf dancing and stocking decorating with Santa’s elves. 9am Saturday features Santa at First State Bank with pictures and treats! Be sure to stop in and visit with Santa, drop off your Christmas list, and check out the bank’s new location. The Nazarene Craft Fair also begins at 9am and the Naz Café will feature lunch and dessert treats. Merchants around town including Marla’s Salon, Citizens Deposit Bank, the Ripley Florist, Gil’s Shear Artistry, Judith’s Antique Attic, will have treats and specials. It will be your last chance to pick up raffle tickets for the giant River Village Christmas raffle that includes over 30 prizes from deShea’s, Co Hearts, Ripley Florist, Small Machine Repair, Dairy Queen, Blue Jay Carwash, John Ruthven, McCaughey massage and many more. Tickets are only $1 each or 6 for $5 and all proceeds to fund the hundreds of luminaries, banners, and other RVC expenses. Look for the self serve raffle buckets around town at Bristows, Marla’s Salon, Ripley Florist, First State and Citizens banks. Saturday of River Village Christmas continues Saturday with the book sale and at 7pm the ever popular Community Concert at the Ripley First Presbyterian Church. Monti Mallow is conducting and the evening is packed with music, song and more. This concert will get you in the holiday spirit and really spotlights the amazing local talent in our community. Weather permitting hundreds of luminaries will light your way home from the Community Concert.

Thanks for sharing Holly! Ripley is a special place!

Hello, I used to visit Ripley every weekend as a child, well up until high school age. My Dad had a place at Chief Logan’s Gap. We were on the river all weekend boating! I loved the barges too. I would love to move back and retire there. I live in California now. Love it here but miss the slow paced and small town feel of Ripley!! Hopefully one day I will have a place on the river, relaxing on my front porch watching the boats & barges pass by! 🙂 Blessings!

This is my hometown. Rich in history. There is a tobacco museum also. Sitting on the river front watching barges go up and down the river is very relaxing. There is a small park there also. It’s all real close to the John Parker House. Its home of the first tobacco warehouses.

I lived in lavanna just west of ripley for eighteen years wish I was still there

Live in Ripley and very proud of its history. Great place to live and retire.

Enjoyed reading your story. Long ago I climbed those satires. Couldn’t do that again today. I enjoy visiting Ripley and l it’s history.

I didn’t know that about the gumball machine! That’s good to know! Thanks for sharing!

Do they sell vinyl?

We live in Cincinnati and visit Ripley often. We’ve visited all 4 places and love the history. Rockin Robin’s is my kid’s favorite restaurant! They always remember to bring a quarter for the gumball machine, because if you get a white gumball they give you a free icecream cone!

Be sure to check out Ripley ROCKS Music Store and Recording Studio for all the music minded people. A great stop!

Looks like a fun day and so close. We will have to check it out!

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John Rankin House, Ripley

This home overlooking the Ohio River offered hope to more than 2,000 men and women escaping slavery along the Underground Railroad.

May 2021 BY Griffin White | ART BY

The John Rankin House stands atop a bluff high above the Ohio River and the village of Ripley. It was the home of Presbyterian minister John Rankin, who with the assistance of his wife, children and neighbors, helped provide safe passage to more than 2,000 African Americans seeking freedom from slavery. The home is one of the most well-documented Underground Railroad stations in Ohio. Between 1822 and 1865, Rankin and his family provided food, water and direction that helped those fleeing north to keep moving toward Canada and stay ahead of bounty hunters. Given the risk, the family only provided overnight shelter when absolutely necessary. The John Rankin House was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1997, not only because of its role in the cause of freedom, but also because it inspired the Underground Railroad station in Harriet Beecher Stowe’s 1852 novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin . Stowe had moved to Cincinnati in 1832 at age 21 to join her father who lived there. “I think some people just thought this was a good story, but it has been proven that Harriet Beecher Stowe and her family were friends with the family of Rev. John Rankin,” says Betty Campbell, site manager for the John Rankin House. The Ohio History Connection owns the historic property, which has been carefully restored. Tours take about 45 minutes, and visitors will enjoy the panoramic views of the Ohio River, Kentucky hills and the village of Ripley. “John Rankin’s family, along with many other men and women — Black and white — in the town of Ripley, worked as Underground Railroad conductors,” Campbell says. “That story of freedom is as relevant today as it was [then].” Open April through October; 6152 Rankin Hill Rd., Ripley 45167, 800/752-2705, ohiohistory.org

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THE 5 BEST Things to Do in Ripley

Things to do in ripley.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Budget-friendly
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Kids
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Couples
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. John Rankin House

2. Meranda-Nixon Winery

3. John Parker House

4. Ripley Museum

5. Ohio Tobacco Museum, Inc.

What travellers are saying.

• John Rankin House
• John Parker House
• Meranda-Nixon Winery
• Ripley Museum
• Ohio Tobacco Museum, Inc.

Top Things to Do in Ripley - Ripley Must-See Attractions

Things to do in ripley.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Budget-friendly
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Kids
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Couples
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. John Rankin House

2. Meranda-Nixon Winery

3. John Parker House

4. Ripley Museum

5. Ohio Tobacco Museum, Inc.

What travellers are saying.

• John Rankin House
• John Parker House
• Meranda-Nixon Winery
• Ripley Museum
• Ohio Tobacco Museum, Inc.

Top Things to Do in Ripley, OH

Places to visit in ripley.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Budget-friendly
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Kids
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Couples
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. John Rankin House

2. Meranda-Nixon Winery

3. John Parker House

4. Ripley Museum

5. Ohio Tobacco Museum, Inc.

What travellers are saying.

• John Rankin House
• John Parker House
• Meranda-Nixon Winery
• Ripley Museum
• Ohio Tobacco Museum, Inc.

History & Museums

Brown County is home to historical sites of regional and national significance that offer visitors a fascinating step back in time.

John Rankin House

Located on a bluff with sweeping views of the Ohio River, the Rankin House tells the incredible story of one of the most active and well documented “stations” on the Underground Railroad. Here visitors can learn how Reverend John Rankin and his family worked with a network of like-minded abolitionists to help thousands of enslaved people on their path to freedom.

This National Historic Landmark has recently undergone a complete renovation and visitors can explore the house and surrounding grounds through guided and self-guided tours.

John Parker House

Just down the hill from the Rankin House on Ripley’s historic Front Street is the well preserved home of John Parker . A daring underground railroad conductor, a successful entrepreneur with several patents, a father who sent all his children to college, and a former slave who bought his freedom, John Parker constantly risked his safety and that of his family to help escaping slaves cross the Ohio River.

Ripley's Historic Museums

Other interesting historical sites in Ripley include The Ohio Tobacco Museum representing the story of Ripley’s unique southern Ohio tobacco agricultural history and The Ripley Museum , a federal design house from the1850's featuring 10 rooms with collectibles dating from the mid 18 th to mid 20 th century.

Ripley, Ohio

The historic village of Ripley is part of the Ohio River Scenic Byway and has a 55-acre historic district that’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Walk Front Street and enjoy the sites and sounds of river life. Take in the historic riverside homes or try one of the great local restaurants.

PRESIDENT ULYSSES S. GRANT

Tucked away in the heart of the Brown County seat of Georgetown are the boyhood home and schoolhouse of Civil War General and two term President of the United States, Ulysses S. Grant.

Grant's Boyhood Home was built in 1823. Designated a National Historic Landmark, it opened for visitors in 1982. Today it is the property of the Ohio History Connection, while the museum is staff and maintained by the Homestead Association.

The two-room Schoolhouse attended by Ulysses was built in 1829 and served as Georgetown's one-room schoolhouse for over twenty years until it was replaced in 1852. The building became Ohio History Connection property in 1941, and it is now regularly staffed, and can be toured with the homestead.

Located directly across the street from the Boyhood Home, the Tannery served as the Grant family's livelihood for many years. Built in 1823 by Jesse Grant, it was no favorite place of young Ulysses, and work there helped steer him towards West Point and the Presidency. The building has only recently been acquired by the Association, and is currently not open to visitors.

The Native Son Statue is located on the north corner of the courthouse square. He stands with his sword and riding coat, face set south to the river beyond. His jacket bears four stars, denoting him as Commanding General of the United States Army. The statue can be viewed at any time of the day or night.

Located just outside of town, the Ohio Department of Veterans Services operates the Ohio Veteran's Home that features a Brass Statue of U.S. Grant . When combined with the Native Son statue in the courthouse square, makes Georgetown, Ohio one of only two places in the world to have more than one statue of Grant, the other being Washington DC.

Georgetown, Ohio

Georgetown is the county seat of Brown County, Ohio. The first settlers arrived in 1819. The community grew very slowly, having approximately eight hundred residents in 1846. That same year, the town contained four churches and a newspaper.

Forty years later, Georgetown remained virtually unchanged. With 1,293 residents in 1880, the county seat boasted five churches, two of which were African-American churches, three newspapers, a bank, and a woolen mill, the town’s largest single employer with nineteen workers. City residents were active in the tobacco trade, shipping tobacco all over the world. Tobacco was the county’s largest crop.

Even today, Georgetown has remained relatively small. The historic district includes 17 acres with 42 historic buildings.  You can catch a show by The Gaslight Theater Players at the Gaslight Theater, listen to Music on the Square , experience unique shopping along commercial row, or relax at the park.

Chatfield College

Chatfield is part of an educational legacy begun in 1845 when 11 Ursuline nuns, led by Mother Julia Chatfield, emigrated from France to start a school in the wilderness of Brown County, Ohio. The beautiful and historic 99 acre campus is open to the public and offers several community events each year. Sacred Heart Chapel welcomes the community for mass every Wednesday at 8:30am and features stained glass windows from Holland, intricate wood carvings, and a rare Roosevelt organ. Chatfield is a private, Catholic, liberal arts college offering the Associate of Arts degree.

Top Things to Do in Ripley - Ripley Must-See Attractions

Things to do in ripley.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Budget-friendly
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Kids
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Couples
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. John Rankin House

2. Meranda-Nixon Winery

3. John Parker House

4. Ripley Museum

5. Ohio Tobacco Museum, Inc.

What travellers are saying.

• John Rankin House
• John Parker House
• Meranda-Nixon Winery
• Ripley Museum
• Ohio Tobacco Museum, Inc.

Top Things to Do in Ripley - Ripley Must-See Attractions

Things to do in ripley.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Budget-friendly
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Kids
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Couples
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. John Rankin House

2. Meranda-Nixon Winery

3. John Parker House

4. Ripley Museum

5. Ohio Tobacco Museum, Inc.

What travellers are saying.

• John Rankin House
• John Parker House
• Meranda-Nixon Winery
• Ripley Museum
• Ohio Tobacco Museum, Inc.

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Cornering the Old Piano Factory

“Cornering Ohio” At the Old Piano Factory

On the corner of Second Street and Locust Street in Ripley, Ohio is the three-story brick building that was built in the 1880s for the Ohio Valley Piano Forte Company. Now, it houses the “Olde Piano Factory Shoppes” and Brown County Magazine and is a part antique mall, and part museum.

Click here for more information about the Olde Piano Factory Shoppes.

“Got Nothing Against The Big Town,” but we’re cornering small-town Ohio.

Help us share the best corners in Ohio. You may submit a photo of your favorite corner in Ohio with a description under 300 words for publishing and posting consideration. Be sure to include a byline with photo credit. Send your submission to “scoops at ohiotraveler.com”.

See More of Ohio “Cornered” at https://www.ohiotraveler.com/cornering-ohio/

• Appalachian Ohio
• Cambridge/Guernsey County VCB
• Discover Mohican
• Explore Hocking Hills
• Explore Scioto
• Greater Grand Lake Region
• Historic Roscoe Village
• Hocking Valley Scenic Railway
• Lehman’s
• Marietta/Washington County CVB
• Miami County VCB
• Millers Furniture & Bakery
• Niederman Family Farm
• Ohio Amish Country
• Ohio Caverns
• Ohio Festivals & Events Assoc.
• Sandusky County Visitors Bureau
• Travel Tuscarawas County
• Visit Belmont County
• Visit Chillicothe
• Visit Coshocton
• Visit Greater Lima
• Visit Grove City
• Visit Marion Ohio
• Visit Medina County
• Visit Sidney Ohio
• Visit Steubenville
• Yoder’s Bakery & Furniture

RIPLEY COUNTY, INDIANA

Located in southeast Indiana, Ripley County is the perfect place to relax or play. Not far from Cincinnati, OH, Indianapolis, IN, and Louisville, KY, it’s a short trip for some great family fun!

Plan your visit to some of our most popular events and attractions.

ATTRACTIONS

EAT & DRINK

Mark Your Calendars

Upcoming events, ripley county plein air paint out, june 6 - june 8, vogt farm hanging basket festival, june 6 @ 11:00 am - june 8 @ 7:00 pm, friendship flea markets, june 7 @ 8:00 am - june 16 @ 5:00 pm, nmlra national spring shoot, june 8 - june 16, se indiana f.a.r.m. club’s antique machinery show, june 27 - june 29, ripley county, news & updates.

Riehle’s Select Popcorn – Homegrown in Ripley County

One of the first things that fascinated me about Ripley County when I started my job as Executive Director for [...]

Historic Bridges Along the Bike Trail

Busching Bridge I decided to drive more of the bike trail and was pleasantly surprised to find not [...]

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Nature and Fresh Air

At versailles state park, welcome you.

Cross Plains

View Our Visitor Guides

Download them now or request them in the mail: Free visitor’s guides to learn what Ripley County and all it has to offer!

THE 5 BEST Things to Do in Ripley

Things to do in ripley.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Budget-friendly
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Kids
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Couples
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. John Rankin House

2. Meranda-Nixon Winery

3. John Parker House

4. Ripley Museum

5. Ohio Tobacco Museum, Inc.

What travellers are saying.

• John Rankin House
• John Parker House
• Meranda-Nixon Winery
• Ripley Museum
• Ohio Tobacco Museum, Inc.