The expansive 1,200-acre campus of Otterbein Lebanon is conveniently located in Warren County, only minutes from I-75 in southwest Ohio, between Dayton and Cincinnati. While there are a plethora of things for residents to do within the continuing care community, there are many nearby options for exciting senior-friendly excursions and local sightseeing opportunities.
From museums and train rides to zoos and ballparks, this blog explores popular things to do in and near Lebanon, Ohio. Let’s dive in and see what adventures we can plan next!
Fun Things To Do in Lebanon, Ohio
Harmon Museum
105 S. Broadway, Lebanon, OH 45036
The Harmon Museum and Art Gallery, an award-winning museum housed in historic Harmon Hall, explores the rich history of southwest Ohio through an extensive collection of art and artifacts.
The museum features four floors and houses four art galleries, prehistoric artifacts, Shaker documents and artifacts, a recreation of an 1800s town square, a textile collection, a research library, and more.
Parking is available in the library parking lot behind the building and also on the street. Tours are self-guided, but group tours are available with prior reservations. The museum is accessible, offering an elevator and wheelchair rental.
Visit the Harmon Museum website for hours of operation, admission prices, and additional information.
Lebanon Mason & Monroe Railroad (LM&M Railroad)
16 E South St., Lebanon, OH 45036
The LM&M Railroad offers train rides year-round in vintage passenger cars behind a historic diesel locomotive. The family- and senior-friendly train rides depart from downtown Lebanon and are operated by the nonprofit Cincinnati Scenic Railway.
Train rides range from one to four hours and are available in a variety of themes, including the following:
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Princess Express
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Turtle Creek Valley Flyer
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The Lebanon Experience
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Summer Steam Train
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LM&M Rare Mileage Excursion
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Pizza & Beer Train
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Wine & Cheese Train
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Super Hero TRAINing Adventure
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And much more!
Holiday train rides are also featured for Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and Christmas.
Visit the LM&M Railroad website to book your train ride and get information about pricing, parking, and more.
The Village Ice Cream Parlor
22 S. Broadway St., Lebanon, OH 45036
304 Main St., Hamilton, OH 45013
Opening on July 4, 1969, The Village Ice Cream Parlor was founded to revitalize the City of Lebanon and provide families and the community with a central place to enjoy ice cream and socialize with others. The Hartsock family purchased the business in 1980 and, after nearly 35 years, turned it over to the Zwelling family in December 2014.
The Village Ice Cream Parlor has stood the test of time by staying committed to its legacy of historic preservation and building relationships within the community. The place is a must-see on your list of things to do in the area. You’ll find a fun and relaxing atmosphere among tourists, shoppers, locals, and even celebrities from Ohio governors to movie stars!
The ice cream and dessert menu includes numerous dip flavors, from banana fudge and moose tracks to black raspberry chip and salted caramel-chocolate-dipped pretzels. The Village Ice Cream Parlor also offers sundaes, shakes, malts, and hand-crafted soda pops (phosphates). A lunch and dinner menu is also available at the Lebanon location only.
Visit The Village Ice Cream Parlor website for hours, menus, directions, and more.
Fort Ancient Earthworks & Nature Preserve
6123 State Route 350, Oregonia, OH 45054
Fort Ancient Earthworks and Nature Preserve was built on a steep cliff overlooking the Little Miami River around 2,000 years ago by the ancestors of several modern American Indian tribes. The preserve is considered Ohio’s oldest state park and the largest hilltop enclosure in North America. The site was a gathering place for ceremonial purposes.
Visitors can explore an on-site museum, gift shop, recreated American Indian garden, and three miles of hiking trails with scenic overlooks. Regularly scheduled guided tours of the museum are offered daily and include an outdoor walk (weather permitting).
Visit the Fort Ancient Earthworks & Nature Preserve website for hours, pricing, and additional information.
Lebanon Theatre Company
10 S. Mechanic St., Lebanon, OH 45036
The Lebanon Theatre Company's first production, Camelot, was performed at Lebanon High School in 1995. With an original cast of over 60 and a full orchestra, the company has grown into its own space over the decades and now offers complete seasons of plays and musicals.
Each season features about four to five productions, including a show with young actors intended for family-friendly audiences. Examples include The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.
Visit the Lebanon Theatre Company website for current productions, pricing, and ticketing information.
Discover Nearby Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio
Otterbein Lebanon is approximately 27 miles from Dayton and 31 miles from Cincinnati, so set aside a day and spend time in these incredible places.
What to Explore in Cincinnati, Ohio
Situated on the banks of the Ohio River, Cincinnati is a vibrant city offering a unique blend of history, culture, arts, sports, nature, food, and almost everything you can imagine in a large city.
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Great American Ball Park - Enjoy great views from every seat while catching a Cincinnati Reds game in this ballpark, located on the banks of the Ohio River in downtown Cincinnati.
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Newport Aquarium - See penguins, white alligators, sharks, stingrays, and more in Northern Kentucky across the Ohio River from downtown Cincinnati.
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American Sign Museum - Trace America’s history through signs, including neon bar signs, old movie posters, and more, in the largest public sign museum in the country.
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Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden - Observe the black rhinos, arctic foxes, African lions, Indian peacocks, and so much more in the country’s second-oldest zoo.
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Findlay Market - Visit Ohio’s oldest continuously operated public market to shop for meat, fish, produce, flowers, international foods, and more, located just blocks from downtown in Over-the-Rhine.
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National Underground Railroad Freedom Center - The museum, located along the banks of the Ohio River, tells the stories of thousands of slaves who once crossed from Kentucky into Cincinnati while following the Underground Railroad.
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Kings Island - The amusement park has over five decades of experience, offering the best rides, live entertainment, food, and Cincinnati events.
What to Explore in Dayton, Ohio
Known as the birthplace of aviation, Dayton was home to Orville and Wilbur Wright and also offers a multitude of senior-friendly places to visit and explore
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National Museum of the US Air Force - Celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2023, the museum has grown exponentially from a small engine collection to 350 aerospace vehicles and missiles and thousands of artifacts spanning 20 indoor acres.
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America’s Packard Museum - A former Packard dealership, America’s Packard Museum features historic and beautifully restored Packard automobiles and memorabilia.
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Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park - Explore historical aviation sites, including the Wright brothers’ Wright Cycle Company Complex.
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Dayton Art Institute - Browse more than 27,000 objects in the growing museum collection, which opened over 100 years ago.
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2nd Street Market - The 2nd Street Market, located in a historical freight house, is open year-round and features numerous local vendors, including growers, bakers, culinary specialists, and artisans.
Looking for Senior Living in Lebanon?
If you’re searching for senior living in the Lebanon area, Otterbein Lebanon is a great place to consider. Otterbein Lebanon is a continuing care community offering multiple levels of care. The beautiful and bustling campus includes ranch-style homes, apartments, assisted living, and skilled nursing care — and is a short drive away from nearby attractions, restaurants, and other fun things to do.
