Preble County is the perfect place to set a new pace — one that’s serene, peaceful and fun. Known for an abundant agricultural community, covered bridges, cruise-worthy highways and byways, this slice of Ohio merits slowing down and making memories.
Span the ages by touring Preble’s eight covered bridges. The county was actually home to 29 covered bridges built from 1829 to 1896, including the Christman Covered Bridge in Eaton, and the Geeting Covered Bridge in Lewisburg, which are among the five still in use.
A crown jewel among the county’s covered bridges, the Roberts Covered Bridge is in Crystal Lake Park. The downtown Eaton span that perches over Seven Mile Creek was built between 1829 and 1830. While the bridge is closed to traffic most of the time, you can still visit and admire the red, double-barreled wonder. A bit of a rarity, the bridge features entrances and exits for two separated roadways. It’s also the oldest in Ohio, and one of the only of its kind in the United States. (It is claimed to be the oldest covered bridge in Ohio, the second oldest covered bridge in the U.S., and the oldest of the six remaining "double-barreled" covered bridges in the U.S.)
The newest addition to Preble’s covered bridges, the 2012-built Hueston Woods Covered Bridge is a contemporary take on the county’s antique spans. Outdoor lovers can catch must-see views of Four Mile Creek as it rushes below the 108-foot-long bridge, while architectural aficionados will admire the same Burr truss system as the Roberts bridge.
The county’s other covered bridges were constructed by Everett S. Sherman, using the Childs truss method, between 1887 and 1896.
Preble’s country roads are so much more than just a way to get from one place to another. Hit the open roads, windows down, and let the breeze propel you as you ride past farms, bucolic fields teeming with corn, soybeans and grazing cattle in the county’s northern area. To the south, meandering roads carry you through valleys and over hills.
Hit the old National Road (U.S. 40) or U.S. 127 by car, motorcycle or bicycle, and visit antique shops such as Country Charm or Brick Rhod Antiques in Lewisburg, Treasures at Forty Seven in Camden or the New Paris Antique Mall.
Refuel from your road-faring adventures by stopping at one of our eateries for a quaint, tasty slice of Preble County where locals and visitors mix. Fill up on classics such as barbecue, country fried chicken, fried catfish or a slice of homemade pie.
Put one foot in front of the other and reconnect with nature in Preble, trail-style. Start out at the Preble County Historical Society in the southeastern corner of the county. The society’s six trails total 5 miles taking you through wooded areas, prairies and along a pond.
The historical society, located on a 255-acre farmstead established in 1974, also features 11 acres of museum grounds, a farmstead built in 1860, an 1813 log house and an 1855 smokehouse.
To the northeast, Lewisburg’s Garber Nature Center, which is part of the Preble County Park District, features 5 miles of trails meandering through wetlands, a forest, over bridges and more. The center is also home to guided hikes and educational classes. Plus, tours of the Allen and Adaline Garber Home offer a step back in time, flower gardens and more.
Finally, Hueston Woods State Park in College Corner offers a whopping 12 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Plus, the teepee-inspired lodge is a great place to stop for lunch and take in must-see views of Acton Lake.
The leaves may be falling, but the events are popping during autumns in Preble County.
Little piggies can chow down on a buffet-style meal featuring pork chops, sausage and more at the annual Preble County Pork Festival, held each September. While it celebrates all things pork, there’s also a parade, live music, racing pigs, a craft shopping area, sausage-making classes and more.
Get to the core of delicious fun at the New Paris AppleFest, which is also in September. Aside from an apple baking contest, the event features zip lines, carnival games, fireworks, live music and a car show.
Savor more fall flavors by snacking on black walnut ice cream at the Camden Black Walnut Festival, or traditional German-style comfort foods at West Alexandria Oktoberfest, which is also great for handmade arts and crafts shopping.
For even more events, including antique car shows, checkout the Preble County Passport’s full calendar of events.
Explore the county’s covered bridges with a map guiding you to the eight bridges.
Get more ideas for lodging, shopping, recreation and more in Preble County.
Dig into the many culinary options sure to please foodies, comfort food lovers and more.
