A Day in Lucas, Ohio

Nestled in the rolling hills of farmland and surrounded by some of Ohio’s best state parks, the village of Lucas is full of local charm. Founded in the 1830s, this southeastern Richland County community quickly grew with homes and businesses. While Lucas may still be small, it has some notable claims to fame.

Lucas is known for both the estate of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Louis Bromfield at Malabar Farm State Park and for its connection to John Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed. Chapman, an American pioneer who spent much of his life in the Mid-Ohio region, had landholdings throughout the area where he planted apple tree nurseries. Lucas is a stop on the Johnny Appleseed Historic Byway and serves as a gateway to Mohican and Amish Country, making it a great stop on your way to Loudonville and Holmes County.

Start your day in Lucas with a visit to the Lucas Community Center and Open Door Café.  The spacious picnic deck is a great place to enjoy your food outdoors, and you might even catch a pick-up game on one of the sand volleyball courts. Local events are often hosted in the Community Center’s Hanley Hall, so be sure to check the calendar during your visit.

Malabar Farm State Park is just 10 minutes down the road and is easily one of the highlights of the area. Once home to Pulitzer Prize-winning author Louis Bromfield, this 900-acre estate invites you to step inside the Big House where Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall were married, then head outside to experience the landscape that inspired his writing.  Make your way up to Mt. Jeez for one of the best overlooks in the region, where the rolling hills of the Clear Fork Valley stretch out in every direction. After exploring the Visitor Center, stop in the gift shop for Ohio-made favorites like maple syrup, local meats, homemade fudge, Louis Bromfield books and souvenirs.  Before you leave, head out on the hiking and bridle trails. A local favorite is the Butternut Trail, where you can climb around rock formations and explore the caves tucked into the wooded landscape before winding back through the woods.

Lucas and Malabar Farm also share a connection to Hollywood through The Shawshank Redemption. Fans will recognize Pugh Cabin, located along the Doris Duke Woods Trail, from the film’s opening scene.  In the opening scenes of The Shawshank Redemption, Andy Dufresne is seen sitting in his car on a quiet country road after discovering his wife’s affair. That moment sets the stage for the story that follows, eventually leading to his conviction and imprisonment. The surrounding landscape still feels untouched and cinematic, making it a memorable stop along The Shawshank Trail Self-Guided Driving Tour.

Nearby, the location of the iconic oak tree from the film can be found along Pleasant Valley Road just past Malabar Farm. While the tree once stood on private property, visitors can still view the site on Malabar’s property and take in the same countryside seen in the film.

Need something to do on a rainy afternoon? Visit the Lucas branch of the Mansfield-Richland County Public Library. Browse books, movies, and music or take part in local programming for all ages.

Every fall, the Prairie Peddler Festival returns to nearby Butler, just a short drive from Lucas. This wooded marketplace of handcrafted goods draws visitors year after year. You can also enjoy Malabar Farm’s Ohio Heritage Days Festival, which features crafts, antiques, tractors, live music, and living history demonstrations.

Fall is also one of the best times to visit for the views. A trip to the top of Mt. Jeez offers a scenic overlook of the surrounding countryside, especially when the foliage is at its peak.