Nestled in the rolling hills of southeast Richland County, the quiet Village of Butler is the gateway to the picturesque Mohican Memorial Forest and Clear Fork Valley. This peaceful bedroom community feels far from the hustle of modern life, but it is only 23 minutes from the urban atmosphere of downtown Mansfield.
If you are looking to visit a local festival, take a hike in nature, or simply enjoy a slower pace of life away from chain restaurants and big box stores, Butler is where you want to be. The trailhead of the B&O Bike Trail, an 18.4-mile paved trail that runs to Mansfield, sits at Hitchman’s Park in downtown Butler. The village offers free parking right next to the trail, along with nearby places to stop for refreshments.
Whether Butler is your starting point or your destination on the bike trail, you can find a casual meal at Whiffletree Restaurant just off the path. This Western-themed diner serves classic American dishes with a touch of John Wayne memorabilia. A short ride around the corner will take you to 5 Points Drive-In, a local staple known for ice cream favorites like cones and sundaes, along with a full menu of hot food and weekly specials.
While you are in downtown Butler, stop by the Butler Museum to learn about the village’s history. For a town of its size, the museum features an impressive collection of artifacts that tell the story of Butler through the years. If you need bikes to cruise around town or take out on the trail, the Butler Branch of the Mansfield-Richland County Public Library offers a limited selection available to check out with a library card.
The Clear Fork Valley Scenic Trail connects Butler to Malabar Farm State Park with more than eight miles of hiking trails. These trails wind through nature preserves, old-growth woods, tallgrass prairies, black hand sandstone cliffs, spring-fed streams, and scenic overlooks of the rolling Clear Fork Valley.
Every fall, the Prairie Peddler Festival returns to the countryside of Butler. This two-weekend handmade marketplace draws crowds with more than 200 artisan booths, great food, live music, artist demonstrations, and hands-on crafts for kids. Even American Pickers has stopped by to check out the festival. The creators of the Peddler also host the Vintage Peddler each summer on the same wooded grounds, featuring vintage, farmhouse, industrial, and handmade goods.
On The Shawshank Trail
The beautiful farmland around Butler made it to the big screen in The Shawshank Redemption. At Snyder and Hagerman Road, you can walk in Red’s footsteps along the Road to Buxton. Head east on Hagerman Road for about 1.3 miles to where it meets State Route 95. Looking north, you will see where Red’s bus ride continued after his release from Shawshank Prison. These are just two of the 16 filming locations along The Shawshank Trail.
Stay
Escape to wooded getaways and rural farmland. Butler is a great place to make your base while visiting Mohican State Park or attending the Prairie Peddler Festival.
Bullfrog Mountain Cabins offers two charming cabin rentals on 12 wooded acres, complete with full kitchens, bedding, towels, and a hot tub. Nearby, Luftberg Farm Bed and Breakfast sits on 38 scenic acres and features four spacious bedrooms and one suite. Relax in the surrounding woods and meadows or sit on the porch and watch the buggies go by.
For large groups and family reunions, stay in an authentic log home at The Babble Brook Lodge. This private rental accommodates more than 14 guests and includes a private fishing pond where you can canoe and kayak. Take in the views from the front porch or gather around the fire pit for s’mores.
