Newark

Newark is the county seat of Licking County in the Greater Columbus area of Ohio, located about 40 miles east of Columbus. With a population of approximately 50,000, it is an industrial center for aerospace, lighting, and fiberglass insulation industries, and home to the Newark Campus of Ohio State University and Central Ohio Technical College. The city is perhaps best known for the basket-shaped building that served as headquarters for the now-defunct Longaberger Company, makers of baskets and home products from 1973 to 2018, which still stands on the eastern edge of the city.

Newark's most significant historical feature is its connection to the Hopewell civilization. The Moundbuilders Earthworks, which cover much of the city, include sites that are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks, encompassing eight such sites around Ohio. The Octagon Earthworks and the Great Circle are among the most impressive ancient earthworks in North America, dating to approximately 100 BC–AD 500.

The city experiences a continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. Spring and fall are the most pleasant seasons, with mild temperatures ideal for exploring the earthworks, museums, and nearby natural areas.

By Plane

The Newark-Heath Airport (KVTA) in Heath is open for civil aviation traffic but has no scheduled air service. The nearest airport with scheduled commercial flights is John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH IATA), approximately 40 miles west.

By Train

Newark has no scheduled passenger train service. The four nearest Amtrak stations are Alliance, OH (92.3 miles north), Elyria, OH (94.5 miles north), South Portsmouth–South Shore, KY (95.4 miles south), and Sandusky, OH (99.6 miles north).

By Car / Road

From Columbus: take Interstate 70 east to exit 129B (State Route 79 north). Newark is 9 miles north on SR 79. Alternatively, take SR 161 east to Granville, where it meets SR 16, then continue east on SR 16 another 5 miles to Newark.

Newark is a small, walkable city. The Thomas Evans Bike Trail connects to Granville. There is no public bus service to Newark, though Greyhound bus service is available in nearby Columbus and Zanesville. For local transportation, driving is the most practical option.

• Moundbuilders Earthworks — Two main areas have been preserved and are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks. One area features an embankment 1,200 feet in diameter with earthen walls 8 to 14 feet high enclosing a 26-acre area.

• The Octagon Earthworks — A golf course is located within this impressive earthwork, with efforts toward preservation. An observation stand allows visitors to view the site.

• Wright Earthworks — Located less than a block west of the SR 79/Grant St intersection, the remnants of Hopewell-era earthworks (100 BC–AD 500) can be viewed from James Street.

• Flint Ridge State Memorial — 3 miles south of Cynthia, off SR 668. A restored prehistoric quarry pit with a museum explaining the digging and shaping of flint. A flint knap-in (teaching, exhibiting, swapping) is held every Labor Day weekend.

• The Works: Ohio Center for History, Art & Technology, 55 S 1st St, ☏ +1 740-349-9277 — Museum complex featuring hands-on historical and technology exhibits, permanent glass-blowing display, and exhibits on Licking County communities.

• Dawes Arboretum — 2,000-acre arboretum with gardens, trails, and a 2-mile nature trail.

• Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve, 2200 Gratiot Rd SE — A narrow gorge carved by the Licking River, with hiking and bike trails.

• The Works museum complex — Downtown Newark, featuring hands-on exhibits, glass-blowing demonstrations, and Licking County history.

• High school sports — The Newark High School Wildcats and Newark Catholic High School Green Wave have loyal followings and numerous state championships.

• Blackhand Gorge — Hiking and bike trail with scenic views of the gorge and Licking River.

• Midland Theatre — Historic downtown theater hosting concerts and performances.

• Buckeye Lake — 13 miles south of Newark off Route 79, offering boating, swimming, and fishing.

Budget: Don & Sue's Pizza, 730 West Church St, ☏ +1 740 522-8457 — Local pizza favorite. Other casual dining options include diners and fast-food establishments along Newark's main corridors.

Mid-range: Downtown Newark and the surrounding area offer a variety of American, Italian, and Chinese restaurants. Several establishments feature outdoor seating during warmer months.

Local pubs and cafes in downtown Newark serve a selection of Ohio craft beers and wines. Nearby Granville, home to Denison University, has a slightly more varied nightlife scene with several bars and restaurants catering to the college community.

Budget: Budget motels along Route 79 and near I-70 offer affordable accommodation.

Mid-range: DoubleTree by Hilton Newark, 50 N 2nd St, ☏ +1 740-322-6455 — Modern hotel in downtown Newark. Cherry Valley Hotel, 2299 Cherry Valley Road SE, ☏ +1 740-788-1200 — Comfortable accommodations with meeting facilities.

Downtown Newark has a mix of local shops, antique stores, and specialty retailers. The area around the Longaberger building has some retail options. Nearby Granville, a charming college town, offers boutiques, galleries, and specialty shops along its tree-lined streets.

• Columbus (40 miles west, ~45 min) — Ohio's capital with COSI science museum, Short North Arts District, and Arena District dining.
• Granville (5 miles west, ~10 min) — Charming college town with Denison University, boutiques, and restaurants.
• Blackhand Gorge (5 miles east off Route 16) — Hiking and bike trail with canoeing on the Licking River.
• Buckeye Lake (13 miles south, ~20 min) — Large boating, swimming, and fishing areas.
• Newark (local) — The Works museum, earthworks, and Dawes Arboretum.