Downtown Bellefontaine
Plan a Visit
Everything you need to make the most of a day -- or a whole weekend -- in Ohio's most loveable downtown.
Come See Why We're So Loveable
Bellefontaine sits at the highest point in Ohio, just an hour from Columbus and Dayton. Shopping, scratch-made dining, live entertainment at The Holland Theatre, outdoor adventures on Indian Lake and Mad River Mountain -- it's all here, packed into a walkable downtown. Use the guides below to start planning.
A Few Ways to Spend the Day
The Perfect Saturday
- Coffee and pastry to start the morning
- Browse the boutiques and antique shops
- Lunch at one of our scratch-made kitchens
- Historic walking tour around the square
- Dinner and a drink to wind down
Family Day Out
- Start at the Transportation Museum
- Toys and games at The Fun Company
- Treats at Whit's Frozen Custard
- Snap a photo on McKinley Street
- Pizza dinner downtown
Downtown Days Night
- Arrive early -- the square fills up fast
- Live music and entertainment
- DORA cup in hand, stroll the shops
- Extended retail and restaurant hours
- Learn more about Downtown Days
Want more? We've mapped out dozens of ready-made days — kids' outings, girls' weekends, foodie tours, cave trips, and more.
Browse all day agendasBefore You Come
Everything you'll want to know -- from where to sleep to which night to come.
Close to Everything
Downtown Bellefontaine sits in west central Ohio, right off US-33 and US-68, at the highest point in the state. Columbus and Dayton are about an hour away, and Indian Lake and Mad River Mountain are just minutes up the road.
Indian Lake
15 min
West Liberty
15 min
Mad River Mountain
15 min
Marysville
35 min
Springfield
40 min
Lima
45 min
Columbus
1 hr
Dayton
1 hr
Easy to Find, Easy to Park
Free parking surrounds the downtown square -- find a spot, then explore on foot. Most shops, restaurants, and the Holland Theatre are within a few blocks of each other.
Looking for the broader Logan County experience? Visit experiencelogancounty.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Downtown Bellefontaine?
Downtown Bellefontaine is the historic center of Bellefontaine, Ohio, the county seat of Logan County in west central Ohio. It is built around the Logan County Courthouse at Main Street and Columbus Avenue, just off US-33 and US-68.
How far is Bellefontaine from Columbus and Dayton?
About an hour from each. Bellefontaine is roughly 55 miles northwest of Columbus on US-33 and about 55 miles north of Dayton. Indian Lake and Mad River Mountain are about 15 minutes away.
What is Bellefontaine known for?
Bellefontaine is home to Campbell Hill, the highest point in Ohio, McKinley Street, known as the shortest street in America, and the first concrete street in America. Downtown is known for world-champion pizza, Ohio's #1 beer bar, the historic Holland Theatre and year-round Downtown Days events.
Is there parking downtown?
Yes. Public parking lots surround the downtown square, along with plenty of on-street parking. Park once and walk, since most shops, restaurants and the Holland Theatre are within a few blocks of each other.
When is the best time to visit?
Any weekend is a good bet. Downtown Days, summer evenings on the square and the holiday season, when Bellefontaine celebrates as Ohio's Christmas Capital, are especially lively. Check the events calendar before you go.
What is there to do near downtown?
Indian Lake, Mad River Mountain, Ohio Caverns, the Piatt Castles, Marmon Valley Farm and Campbell Hill are all within about a half hour of downtown, which makes Bellefontaine an easy home base for a weekend.
Is there a printable visitors guide?
Yes. The Downtown Visitors Guide has a numbered map, a full business directory, signature events and a scavenger hunt, and the PDF download is always up to date.
