You’ve probably heard of Fremont, Ohio, for one of two reasons: either you’re a history nerd obsessed with the Gilded Age, or you’re a fisherman trying to pull a massive walleye out of the Sandusky River. Most people just breeze through on their way to Cedar Point or the Lake Erie islands. Honestly? They’re missing out.
Fremont isn't just a "drive-through" town. It's a place where you can stand on the site of a 19th-century battlefield in the morning and eat at a 127-year-old gastropub by night. It’s got this weirdly charming mix of presidential prestige and "small-town Ohio" grit that you don't find anywhere else. If you’re looking for things to do in Fremont Ohio, don’t just stick to the main road.
The Presidential Giant: Spiegel Grove
Let’s get the big one out of the way. You cannot visit Fremont without going to the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums. But here is what most people get wrong: they think it’s just a boring building full of dusty books. It’s not. It’s a 25-acre estate called Spiegel Grove, and it’s basically the "OG" of presidential libraries.
The 31-room mansion is the real star. You have to take the guided tour—there’s no way around it if you want to see the inside. You’ll see the "Smithsonian" room where Hayes kept his random travel trophies and the bed where both he and the First Lady, Lucy, passed away.
Pro Tip: Look for the "Bicentennial Oak" on the grounds. It dates back to 1776. Also, if you’re here on a quiet night, locals swear the place has a vibe, but the lantern tours in October are the only time they really lean into the spooky stuff.
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The museum itself recently had some upgrades. They’ve got over 19,000 artifacts. You’ll see Lucy’s Haviland china (it has paintings of American wildlife on it) and even a carriage Hayes used. It costs about $20 for a site pass, which covers the house and the museum. If you’re on a budget, just walking the grounds of Spiegel Grove is totally free and honestly one of the best ways to spend a Tuesday afternoon.
Dirt Tracks and "Old Betsy"
Fremont has this deep, almost aggressive love for two things: racing and history.
If it’s a Saturday night in the summer, you’re going to the Fremont Speedway. It’s located at the Sandusky County Fairgrounds. This isn't NASCAR; this is dirt track racing. It’s loud, it’s dusty, and you will leave with a fine layer of grit on your skin. It’s wonderful. They’ve been doing this since 1951, and the "Track that Action Built" is legendary in the sprint car world.
Right nearby, you can find Old Betsy. She’s a cannon. Not just any cannon, but the one used by Major George Croghan during the Battle of Fort Stephenson in the War of 1813. It’s sitting right in front of the Birchard Public Library. It’s a quick stop, but standing there makes you realize that Fremont was literally the front line of a war once.
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Where to Eat When You’re Starving
Don't go to a chain. Just don't.
- The Garrison: It’s in a building from the 1890s. The vibe is "upscale but I can still wear jeans." Their food is arguably the best in town.
- Root’s Poultry: You haven’t lived in Northwest Ohio until you’ve had a shredded chicken sandwich. It’s a regional thing. Root’s is the gold standard.
- Whitey’s Diner: It’s a classic. Cheap, fast, and exactly what you want on a Saturday morning when you’ve got a headache.
- Scarpetta’s: If you want Italian, go here. It’s right downtown and feels much fancier than the price tag suggests.
The Nature Part (That Isn't Just Fishing)
Most people know about the walleye run. In the spring, the Sandusky River is basically elbow-to-elbow with people in waders. It’s intense. But if you aren’t into competitive fishing, head to Walsh Park.
It’s the biggest park in the city. There are trails, a fountain, and a lot of space to just exist without someone's fishing line getting tangled in your hair. For something a bit more "wild," check out Creek Bend Farm. It’s part of the Sandusky County Park District. They do weirdly specific programs, like making tropical self-care products or 1950s-themed afternoon teas.
Then there's the North Coast Inland Trail. If you brought your bike, you can ride this 28-mile stretch all the way to Bellevue or Elmore. It’s flat (it’s Ohio, after all) and cuts right through the heart of the county.
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The Creepy Factor: Sandusky County Jail
If you like "Ghost Adventures" style stuff, you have to book a tour of the Sandusky County Jail and Dungeon.
It’s not open every day, so you have to check the historical society’s schedule. They built the "dungeon" part in the 1840s under the courthouse. It is dark, damp, and genuinely unsettling. They used it until the 1890s. Walking through the old cell blocks gives you a perspective on 19th-century justice that a textbook just can't.
Why Fremont Still Matters
Fremont isn't trying to be Columbus or Cleveland. It’s comfortable being itself. It’s a place where the local phone directory once listed the former President of the United States simply as "General Hayes."
There's a lot of talk about the "revitalization" of downtown. You can see it in places like the Down Thyme Café or the new boutique shops popping up. But the real soul of the city is in the stuff that’s been there forever—the old brick streets, the river that keeps flooding and providing, and the massive trees at Spiegel Grove that have seen everything from the Civil War to the invention of the internet.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Visit
- Check the Hayes Center Calendar: They do specific events like "Spiegel Grove Squires" vintage base ball (yes, two words) which is a blast to watch.
- Book the Jail Tour Early: These sell out, especially the "flashlight" tours.
- Timing the Walleye: If you want to fish, late March through April is your window. If you hate crowds, stay far away from the river during those months.
- Pack for the Speedway: Bring earplugs and maybe a pair of goggles if you’re sitting close to the track. The dirt is no joke.
Start your morning at Whitey’s, spend three hours at the Hayes estate, and end your night watching sprint cars flip around a dirt track. That is the most "Fremont" day you can possibly have.