A chartered village in Ohio, Gallia, otherwise also called Gallipolis, offers plenty of beautiful and unique experiences to visitors. Boasting sights that are steeped in rich history to spending a fun-filled day with family at Gallia parks, Gallipolis offers an array of activities for everyone to take part in. Visitors can check out some famous attractions including waterfowl and bird sanctuary, Tycoon Lake, Ariel-Ann Carson Dater Performing Arts Center, Colony Club, and Gallia County Historical and Genealogical Society among many others. Rest assured, you will never run out of things to see and do when visiting Gallia. You will have a full day of adventures before going back to your hotel or Airbnb vacation rental. So, if you want help with planning your itinerary, then check out some of the best things to do in Gallipolis, Ohio. You can thank us later.
1. Swing by Our House Tavern
Established in 1819, Our House Tavern has been in the heart of the Gallipolis community’s social circle for several years. This three-story tavern was built as an inn for visitors vacationing near the River Ohio. The guest list of this tavern included some of the famous names including Marquis de Lafayette, who took a pit-stop here while on a tour to America during 1825. Now, this renovated inn is furnished to a museum of the early American era. While here, enjoy checking out the facilities of the Federal-style tavern including a dining room, a ballroom, a courtyard, a summer kitchen, and a taproom among others.
Our House Tavern
Address: 432 1st Ave, Gallipolis, OH 45631, United States
Website: Our House Tavern
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 4pm; Sun: 1pm - 4pm
Price: 4 USD
2. Check out the French Art Colony
A center dedicated to regional arts, French Art Colony has opened its doors to support cultural enrichment and arts education to local communities for over 50 years. Set in a Greek Revival home from the 1850s, this center offers a range of youth programs related to art that ignites the imagination of people from all age groups. The center organizes art classes, annual events, live performances, exhibits, children’s theatre, and several other fun events throughout the year.
French Art Colony
Address: 530 1st Ave, Gallipolis, OH 45631, United States
Website: French Art Colony
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 9am - 4pm; Sat: 10am - 3pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
3. Visit the Gallia County Historical and Genealogical Society
Want to learn the rich culture and history of Gallipolis? There’s no other better place to learn about it than at Gallia County Historical and Genealogical Society. This non-profit organization preserves and collects artifacts that are pertinent to Gallia County’s magnificent heritage and history. Some of the historical collection includes marriage records, birth, and death poll, old newspapers, land records, photographs, manuscripts, and more.
Gallia County Historical and Genealogical Society
Address: 459 2nd Ave, Gallipolis, OH 45631, United States
Website: Gallia County Historical and Genealogical Society
Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 10am - 4pm (closed from Thu - Sun)
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4. Watch a show at Ariel Theatre
Nestled in downtown Gallipolis, Ohio, this historic theatre was established in 1895. The Ariel-Ann Carson Dater Performing Center, renowned as the Ariel Opera House, is the resting home of the Ohio Valley Symphony that organizes a plethora of music lessons, performances, recitals, and more. The same facility is open to hosting concerts, weddings, trade shows, business meetings, and any function to suit your needs.
Ariel Theatre
Address: 426 2nd Ave, Gallipolis, OH 45631, United States
Website: Ariel Theatre
Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 12pm - 2pm (closed on Fri - Mon))
5. Unleash your creative side at BoardRoom 46
If you are looking for a place to de-stress a little or to kill time, BoardRoom 46 is the perfect place to do so. This facility offers visitors a creative opportunity to make DIY’s from scratch, either from old/used items or new items. Individuals can create unique signs, innovative postcards, showpieces, jewelry, and masterpieces from unfished wood, among tons of other fun activities. You can either hang your creative pieces at home or gift it to a loved one. Options are endless.
BoardRoom 46
Address: 300 2nd Ave, Gallipolis, OH 45631, United States
Website: BoardRoom 46
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 6pm; Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sun)
6. Taste the best cheese at Laurel Valley Creamery
Lover of cheese? You will be in heaven at Laurel Valley Creamery! It is a family farm that is known for producing and manufacturing grade A kinds of cheese in Gallipolis, Ohio. A grass-based producer of Jersey milk, Laurel Valley Creamery crafts small-scale batches of pasteurized and raw cheeses. The cows on this 110-acre (44 hectares) farm are ethically raised and have been living with the family owners for over 60 years. If you are looking to taste or buy the best cheese that is completely unadulterated, then purchasing from Laurel Valley is your best bet.
Laurel Valley Creamery
Address: 930 Laurel Rd, Gallipolis, OH 45631, United States
Website: Laurel Valley Creamery
7. Stroll around Gallipolis City Park
Take a breath of fresh air as you stroll around the Gallipolis City Park. A first settlement site in Gallia County, Gallipolis City Park organizes a number of community events such as the Gallia County BBQ Festival, Gallipolis in Lights, River Recreation Festival, and more. As you walk around the park, you can check out the other mini-attractions nestled within the park grounds including the Bandstand, the Spirit of the American Doughboy, and the Kerr Memorial Fountain. And if you want to rest up or spend some time with the family, there are bench swings and picnic tables set up that overlooks River Ohio.
Gallipolis City Park
Address: 334 2nd Ave, Gallipolis, OH 45631, United States
Website: Gallipolis City Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
8. Play a fun game at Cliffside Golf Course
Playing a game of golf is one of the fun ways to spend the day. And the Cliffside Golf Course at southeast Ohio, assures you spend a fun-filled day with your friends and family. Featuring 2 courses - top 9 course and the 18-hole bottom course on the rolling hills of the region, visitors will enjoy playing golf amidst a stunning scenery overlooking the River Ohio. Although the course might be a bit challenging for beginners, the casual setting and view itself are enough to make playing a game of golf worth it.
Cliffside Golf Course
Address: 6510 OH-202, Tipp City, OH 45371, United States
Website: Cliffside Golf Course
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 9pm; Sat - Sun: 7am - 9pm
9. Shop at Willow Wood Antique & Craft Mall
If you are looking to buy some antique work of art, make sure to make a pit-stop at Willow Wood Antique & Craft Mall. Shop from a unique collection of home decor, collectibles, handmade products, antiques, furniture, and more. Situated in the G.C. Murphy building, Willow Wood Antique & Craft Mall joined forces with French City Antique Mall to create a one-of-a-kind shopping experience for visitors to shop from over 100 booths.
Willow Wood Antique & Craft Mall
Address: 350 2nd Ave, Gallipolis, OH 45631, United States
Website: Willow Wood Antique & Craft Mall
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 1pm - 5pm
10. Play video games at Next Level Gaming Center
Live the “Big Bang Theory” dream by playing Dungeons & Dragons all day long at the Next Level Gaming Center. This full-service gaming and hobby center has a plethora of games - old and new, catering to a single-player and a group of players. Enjoy playing games including Mario Kart, ShadowRun, Warhammer, Yu-Gi-Oh, G.U.R.PS., Pokemon, Gathering Cards, and everything in between.
Next Level Gaming Center
Address: 94 Vine St, Gallipolis, OH 45631, United States
Website: Next Level Gaming Center
Opening hours: Tue: 2pm - 8pm; Wed - Thu: 2pm - 10pm; Fri: 2pm - 11pm; Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
11. Plan a picnic at Haskins Memorial Park
If you are looking for a place to plan a picnic gathering with your family and friends, then check out what Haskin Memorial Park has to offer. Located behind City Pool on Mill Creek Road, Haskin Memorial Park features walking trails, six picnic tables, grills, a basketball court, tennis courts, skate park, children’s playground, and tons of other fun facilities for visitors to indulge in.
Haskins Memorial Park
Address: 73 Mill Creek Rd, Gallipolis, OH 45631, United States
Website: Haskins Memorial Park
Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)
12. Go bird-watching at Elizabeth L. Evans Waterfowl & Bird Sanctuary
Set in a space of over 60 acres (24 hectares), Elizabeth L. Evans Waterfowl & Bird Sanctuary is home to numerous wildlife and wetland bird species. Along with the sanctuary facilities, it is also used as a laboratory for students to understand and learn about these living species. Renowned for its bird collection, this sanctuary boasts lush greenery and is a perfect destination to walk around, observing the beauty of nature.
Elizabeth L. Evans Waterfowl & Bird Sanctuary
Address: 432 Hedgewood Dr, Gallipolis, OH 45631, United States
Website: Elizabeth L. Evans Waterfowl & Bird Sanctuary
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 4pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
13. Head to Stanley L Evans Athletic and Recreation Field
Situated in the Rio Grande, Stanley L Evans Athletic and Recreation Field is perfect for visitors looking forward to bursting out tons of energy in playing fun games. While exploring Ohio, if you want to catch a break by playing a game of your favorite sport or just watching your favorite sport, this recreational field surely caters to all your needs. So why not spend a family day by paying a visit to Stanley L Evans Athletic and Recreation Field.
Stanley L Evans Athletic and Recreation Field
Address: Gallipolis, OH 45631, United States
14. Take a stroll around Raccoon Creek County Park
Soak in the beauty of nature by walking in the lovely Raccoon Creek County Park. Nestled near the foothills of southeast Ohio, this park boasts an open space of over 700 acres (283 hectares) including recreational facilities and natural areas. Formerly known as Etha Petha, Raccoon Creek County Park houses six shelter homes that are perfect for organizing events, picnics, family reunions, and more. All these homes are equipped with outdoor grills, picnic tables, and electric services. There are also other recreational facilities including a children’s playground and an open football field.
Raccoon Creek County Park
Address: 518 Dan Jones Rd, Gallipolis, OH 45631, United States
Website: Raccoon Creek County Park
Opening hours: 8am - 4pm (daily)
15. Grab a drink at Courtside Bar & Grill
Feel relaxed and refreshed after sipping down tasty cocktails and mocktails at Courtside Bar & Grill. After a day of exploring, there is no better place to quench your thirst than at a bar with handcrafted drinks. Offering visitors delectable cuisine and drinks in a cozy yet chic setting, Courtside Bar & Grill is known for serving its delicious taco salad, chipotle burger, steak, wings, and many other crowd favorites.
Courtside Bar & Grill
Address: 308 2nd Ave, Gallipolis, OH 45631, United States
Website: Courtside Bar & Grill
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 12am; Fri - Sat: 11am - 2am; Sun: 12pm - 8pm
16. Savor the dishes at Tuscany Italian Restaurant
Lover of pasta, pizza, sangria, and everything Italian? Step into the Italian world of Tuscany Italian Restaurant in Gallipolis, Ohio. Offering only authentic Italian cuisine and handmade desserts from scratch, this restaurant will satiate your taste buds and will take you on a beautiful Italian journey with its food. Made from the freshest ingredients, Tuscany Italian Restaurant serves classic entrees, steaks, pizzas, pasta, and other Italian dishes.
Tuscany Italian Restaurant
Address: 1308 Eastern Ave, Gallipolis, OH 45631, United States
Website: Tuscany Italian Restaurant
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 10pm
17. Try tasty biscuits at Tudor's Biscuit World
If you like snacking on biscuits, Tudor’s Biscuit World will be your new favorite place. Headquartered in Charleston, West Virginia, Tudor’s Biscuit World boasts a chain of restaurants in Ohio and other cities nearby. This breakfast and lunch spot serves visitors everything from sandwiches, cornbreads, platters, pancakes, omelets, gravy biscuits, wraps, and more.
Tudor's Biscuit World
Address: 1601 OH-7, Gallipolis, OH 45631, United States
Website: Tudor’s Biscuit World
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 5:30am - 2pm; Sun: 7am - 2pm
Have a fun-filled vacation at Gallipolis, Ohio
Gallipolis surprises visitors by offering a plethora of things to see and do including visiting museums, spending time at the parks, and learning about history. Gallia County is a perfect destination for families to spend their holiday where kids along with the adults can indulge in fun activities all day long. So stop waiting and start planning your trip already!