A Day in Shiloh: the Rich Land in Richland County

In Richland County, you don’t have to go far to get away from city life. Follow Route 13 North out of Mansfield and you’ll quickly leave behind the trappings of urban and suburban living. With the city in your rearview mirror, the fields, farmland, and rolling hills of Shiloh begin to unfold. Here, life slows down. You’ll pass horses and buggies, clothes hanging on the line, and farm stands filled with the pick of the day.

Start your day in Shiloh with a morning walk at Cooke Family Wildlife Conservation Park, located just off OH-13. Explore more than three miles of trails that wind through prairies, forests, wetlands, and marshes. Once a family farm, this 163-acre park is now a peaceful place to walk, fish in the three-acre pond, and watch wildlife. Keep an eye out for beavers, muskrats, mink, birds, and other wetland species along the way.

After your walk, stop by the local markets for fresh produce, locally raised meat, plants, flowers, and more. Planktown Country Market, a Mennonite bulk food store, makes for a great lunch stop with an ample selection of meats and cheeses to build your own sandwich. At Shiloh Market, you’ll find fruits and vegetables, cage-free eggs, and locally raised meats. For farm-fresh produce, stop by Martin’s Produce to see what’s in season. Must-stop specialty shops include Planktown Hardware & More and Country Fabrics.

In the spring, locals make a loop through Plymouth and Shiloh to pick up annuals from the many greenhouses and nurseries in the area. While many do not have websites or social media pages, the prices and quality make the trip worthwhile. Stops to add to your route include LuRay Gardens, Lakeside Greenhouse, Stauffer’s Greenhouse, Stoney Ridge Greenhouse, Windmill Nursery, Ever-Green Greenhouse, and Meadow Stream Greenhouse.

In the fall, the same markets and greenhouses offer apples, mums, pumpkins, and baked goods. While you’re in the area, don’t miss a stop at Springhill Fruit Farm for an apple cider slushie.

In the summer, plan a visit around the annual Shiloh Firemen’s Ox Roast. This long-standing event draws crowds from across the region. In one year alone, more than 6,000 pounds of beef sold out in just seven hours. Along with the food, you’ll find live music, tractor pulls, a parade, and activities for all ages.

Shiloh isn’t a place you rush through or plan down to the minute. It’s a place you explore at your own pace, stopping when something catches your eye and enjoying the simple moments along the way. Spend a day here, and you’ll leave with a slower pace and a deeper appreciation for the land and the people who call it home.