Church history, an annual festival, and the Grand River landscape offer different reasons to visit Austinburg Township. The themes range from the founding of a church congregation in the early 19th century to nature and farm experiences in the surrounding area.
Church History in Several Stages
On October 24, 1801, Reverend Joseph Badger founded a United Church of Christ congregation in Austinburg. It was the first in the Western Reserve and the second in the state of Ohio. Construction of the present-day Austinburg First United Church of Christ building began in 1874. It was dedicated on September 27, 1877, after being paid for in full. The founding of the congregation and the construction history of the present-day building are therefore two separate historical milestones.
Another church-history milestone in the surrounding area is the organ history of Austinburg United Church of Christ. During its renovation, the pipe organ received 800 pipes and 16 stops; it was dedicated on October 12, 1969.
Austinburg Country Days
Austinburg Country Days takes place every year at Austinburg Township Park behind the United Church of Christ. For more than 40 years, generations of Austinburg families have celebrated the festival each year. The two-day festival features food, entertainment, lawn games, and competitions. It provides a community-focused event alongside the historical and nature-based themes. Check the dates and program for the relevant year before traveling.
Grand River and Nature in the Surrounding Area
Upper Grand River Metropark preserves three-quarters of a mile of Grand River shoreline within a bend in the State Scenic River. In the area around Austinburg Township, the park includes forests and wetlands, wildflowers, and abundant wildlife. Its natural setting encompasses not only the river landscape but also a range of habitats. The stretch of shoreline is around 1.2 kilometers long.
In the surrounding area, Purple Goat Gardens offers private farm tours year-round by appointment. Tours are tailored to each group’s interests; a group can include up to 20 adults and children. After meeting the animals, visitors can take guided walks on a network of trails spanning more than two miles and learn about native trees and plants. Seasonal and operational conditions may affect activities.
Wine in the Region
In the surrounding area, Rosabella Winery offers wine tastings. Check the latest operating information before your visit. Farther afield in the region, the winery is located on the Vines & Wines Wine Trail in the Grand River Valley; check the current trail listing before traveling.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Geneva-On-The-Lake, North Kingsville, Ashtabula, Conneaut.
Return to the higher-level travel overview: Ashtabula County.
