Explore Lithopolis’ Breweries, Rock Mill, and Historic Castle-Like Library

Lithopolis may be a small town of less than 2,000 people, but it has sights and experiences that bring visitors from all over.

The town, located 25 minutes southeast of Columbus, is not only home to the famous Honeyfest, but also a host of restaurants, breweries, neat shops, a restored grist mill, and a library that resembles a castle and is chock-full of history.

There are plenty of ways to spend the day in Lithopolis, but here are some suggestions:

Things to do and things to see

Described as the “village treasure,” the castle-like Wagnalls Memorial Library has books, an interesting backstory, and unique architecture. It also has two original Norman Rockwell paintings and a framed personal letter from magician Harry Houdini. (Houdini was just one of many famous friends of the library’s founder Mabel Wagnalls.)

The interior is just as grand as the exterior building and gardens, complete with handmade stone sculptures. Wagnalls Memorial, 150 E. Columbus St., was dedicated in 1925 and constructed out of stone quarried in the ravine at the edge of town. The building is captivating with fine details everywhere you look. There’s also a neat children’s library downstairs, complete with a large play area for little ones.

A short walk from Wagnalls is a slew of shops, including Wildflowers and Wonders, Yesteryear’s Antiques and Law & Benson Olde Country Store, all located on Columbus Street. Wildflowers & Wonders offers floral bouquets, gift items, rustic home decor and upcycled items, while Yesteryear’s is the “thrift store of antique shopping” that’s great for eclectic finds and great prices.

Law & Benson is a historic shop, celebrating its 94th year with the original family still operating the general store. The shelves and counters are all original with displays full of items, from baking supplies and gift items to candy and amish meat and cheeses from Holmes County.

For primitive items and furniture, visit Buggy Seat Antiques, 4650 Waterloo Road, offering authentic antiques from the 1700s and 1800s.

Rock Mill

Take a drive just outside Lithopolis at Stebelton Park at Rock Mill, 1429 Rockmill Pl NW, and visit a recently restored 1824 grist mill that overlooks Hocking River falls. This is one of the nation’s last remaining mill and covered bridge combinations, and the mill features the largest all-wooden water wheel in the country!

The mill had sat vacant and in disrepair for nearly 100 years until the early 2000s when fundraising and restoration efforts began.

The building’s interior is locked up most days, but visitors can still get a scenic view of the mill and falls from dawn to dusk. There are tours available May through October on Saturdays and Sundays, including grinding demonstrations the last Sunday of each month.

Eat and Drink

In Lithopolis, there are several places to stop for a bite to eat or a cup of coffee.

Das KaffeeHaüs von Frau Burkhart, 45 E. Columbus St., is the perfect place to take a break and relax with a cup of coffee and a pastry. The coffee is fantastic and there are lots of specialty coffee options for those who want more than the regular cream and sugar. There’s also a table with toys in the corner to keep little kids occupied.

Across the street from the coffee shop is El Pedegral Mexican Restaurant, 44 E. Columbus St., which serves up delicious Mexican cuisine with a lunch, dinner and dessert menu, complete with vegetarian options. And extra thirsty patrons will be pleased to know the margarita occupies its own section of the menu and has a make-your-own organic option. Enjoy some of the best food, atmosphere, and service around!

For more American-style fare, head to The Pump House, 17-21 E. Columbus St., for pizza made in an authentic stone oven, burgers, and spirits. The pub also features various events, including open mic nights and live music.

Breweries

Located in downtown Lithopolis, Eldridge & Fiske Brewing Company, 9 E. Columbus St., opened nearly a year ago by two long-time friends. The taproom and brewery was built inside a 100-year-old building previously known as the village hardware store. Eldridge & Fiske has a variety of beer on tap and often features fun activities, including karaoke, open mic nights and other performances. There’s also foosball and a dart board available.

Also part of the Route 33 Brew Trail, the brewery just down the road from Rock Mill is its namesake —Rockmill Brewery. The brewery, located at 5705 Lithopolis Road NW, is nestled on an old horse farm in the countryside with wide open spaces, rolling hills, and a picturesque pond, perfect for a stroll. It has a fun tasting room with great places to lounge and enjoy a Belgian-style ale. Rockmill also hosts plenty of special events and live music.

To make the visit a weekend getaway, stay at a local bed and breakfast or other nearby accommodation. For assistance, contact us at the visitor’s center at 800-626-1296. We’d also be glad to share other suggestions for nearby wineries, breweries, parks, restaurants. and attractions.