The massive double-penned log barn, constructed in 1808, is reputed to be the oldest and largest of its type in Ohio. Nearby is a ring-shaped earthwork constructed over 2,000 years ago by the mound-building Adena culture. Also nearby is a modern museum whose exhibits trace the story of the Eastern Woodland Indians of Ohio and display artifacts from the canal era.

From the patio, visitors can see a restored mile-long section of the Miami and Erie Canal, which once extended across Ohio from Toledo to Cincinnati. Mule-drawn canal boat rides aboard the 70-foot-long General Harrison are also available.

The Cedar Bog State Nature Preserve, home to many rare plants and animals, offers 427 acres to explore. Orchids and prairie wildflowers in bloom will thrill the family gardener. Call 1-800-860-0147.

Your family's adventurers will have more fun at the Ohio Caverns, where 45-minute, one-mile guided tours are offered at regular intervals. For details, call (937) 465-4017, or visit OhioCaverns.com.

Also, stop by the National Museum of the United States Air Force. This is the world's largest and oldest military aviation museum, and it's free!

For visitors wishing to visit the Presidential and Research and Development Galleries housed on the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, special regulations apply. Log on to NationalMuseum.af.mil to learn more.

Through the region winds a series of trails that may be used for biking, rollerblading and walking. The Prairie Grass Trail travels south from South Charleston. The Simon Kenton Trail connects Champaign County to Clark County. The Buck Creek Trail, extending into Buck Creek State Park, hooks into the Little Miami Scenic Trail and continues on to Cincinnati. The Buck Creek Trail is presently being expanded to lead into downtown Springfield.

For extreme shopping, head to the Upper Valley Mall. There are four anchor stores and 76 specialty shops. For items that improve with age, check out the region's 15 antique shops, including the Midwest's two largest. Or head to the Clark County Fairgrounds where the Springfield Antique Show and Flea Market is held once each month and is reputed to the best in the state!

For more information on where to sleep and eat and what to do in the Springfield/Clark County region, visit SpringfieldNet.com, or phone (937) 325-7621.

BUCKEYE LAKE
Don't visit Ohio without fishing Buckeye Lake! This 3,100-acre lake in Fairfield County is stocked annually with hybrid bass and is also home to plentiful saugeyes, perch, muskellunge and channel catfish.

Access is available at Buckeye Lake State Park on Lakeshore Drive, the North Shore Ramp on Route 79 and the Brooks Park area.

Buckeye Lake State Park is in Millersport. In the park, there are two swim areas, one at Fairfield Beach and the other at Brooks Park on the lake's south side.

Stocking began back in the 1890s when the "Buckeye Fish Car," a state-run railroad car, would transport crappies and bass from Lake Erie. Call (740) 467-2690 for more state park information.

For family-friendly lodging nearby, check out the Lazy River at Granville, which offers tent and RV sites and cabin rentals. Lazy River has a heated swimming pool, a large recreation hall, a mini-golf course, pedal carts and banana bikes.