Encounter, Experience, and Explore Marion, OH

We invite you to encounter Midwestern hospitality, experience memory-making moments, and explore all that makes Marion County a destination worth the visit.
Mom and two children browsing sidewalk sales in downtown Marion. Family playing putt-putt at Paradise Park in Marion. Riders on a scenic bicycle trail. The Harding Presidential Memorial in Marion, OH. Large crowd in downtown Marion for Third Thursday.
Couple lifting a little girl up to pick an apple at Lawrence Orchard. Couple kayaking in Marion County, OH. The auditorium, stage, and seating of the Marion Palace Theatre in Marion, OH. Woman singing on stage at the annual Blues Festival in Marion. A cardinal statue at the Marion County courthouse, part of the Cardinal Project.
Couple lifting a little girl up to pick an apple at Lawrence Orchard. Family playing putt-putt at Paradise Park in Marion. downtown marion thumb bike trail thumb

Welcome all!

Adventure starts here

Whether getting away for a day trip or looking for a multi-day destination, Marion offers a variety of experiences for making memories. Situated in a convenient location in the heart of Ohio, Marion sits along State Route 23 just a short drive north of Columbus.

Rich in history, Marion offers the opportunity to stand in the spot a president made famous when you visit Harding’s renovated home and newly opened museum.  Visit historic locations like Heritage Hall, Union Station, and the Marion Palace Theatre where you can enjoy live entertainment in a unique atmospheric theatre.

Marion’s reimagined Downtown is a welcoming setting for sharing laughs with friends at a local dining favorite, hopping between breweries and specialty bars, shopping in unique retail stores, or participating in hands-on arts activities. While in downtown Marion, stroll the streets to experience Marion’s newly installed public art display, The Cardinal Project.

It’s all here waiting for you. Come get away with us and experience Marion for your next memory-making moment!

encounter experience explore downtown marion

Marion Area Attractions

We invite you to encounter midwestern hospitality, experience memory-making moments, and explore all that makes Marion County a destination worth the visit.
lulus toy

LuLu’s Toy Co.

Home to a wide variety of educational and entertaining toys, Lulu’s features nearly 1500 specialty toys, books, games, puzzles, and more. Knowledgeable staff are ready…

may pavilion

May Pavilion

The May Pavilion is located adjacent to the Marion Palace Theatre and provides ample gathering space for large receptions, corporate training, and celebrations of life’s…

huber machinery museum

Huber Machinery Museum

The Edward Huber Machinery Museum displays a collection of early machinery, examples of equipment used to build America in the early 20th century. The museum…

Plan your visit

It’s all here

Whether getting away for a day trip or looking for a multi-day destination, Marion offers a variety of experiences for making memories. Come get away with us and experience Marion for your next memory-making moment!

Play

Find Activities

Couple kayaking in Marion County, OH.

Shop

Buy Local

People browsing outdoor displays of shops in downtown Marion.

Dine

Get a Taste of Marion

marion diner

Step Into History. Stay for the Hospitality.

In Marion, Ohio, history isn’t tucked away behind glass or confined to footnotes—it’s alive in the streets, the stories, and the people who welcome you. This is a place where presidential legacy meets small-town warmth, where cultural landmarks stand just steps from friendly cafés, inviting patios, and smiling shopkeepers who are happy to share their hometown pride. Step into history here, and you’ll quickly find a reason to stay—for the hospitality.

harding memorial

For those planning an overnight stay, Marion offers cozy and comfortable short-term rentals throughout the Downtown District, blending historic character with modern amenities. These spaces invite you to settle in, slow down, and experience the city like a local. Add in national-brand hotels and thoughtfully restored historic accommodations, and visitors have plenty of welcoming options to extend their stay.

Here, every stop tells a story, and every story is shared with warmth. So come explore the landmarks, stroll the trails, savor the flavors, and settle into the rhythm of a place that values both where it’s been and who it welcomes today.

holiday inn express

Upcoming Events

There’s plenty of activity in the Marion area. Check our events calendar. Do you have an upcoming event? Submit an event to our calendar.
Large crowd gathered in downtown Marion for Third Thursday.