If you’re typing "where is Newark Ohio" into a search bar, you’re probably trying to figure out if it’s near Columbus or if you’ve accidentally stumbled onto the New Jersey version. Honestly, it happens more than you’d think. Newark, Ohio, is a city of about 50,000 people tucked into the rolling landscape of Central Ohio. It’s the county seat of Licking County, and while it might look like just another Midwestern dot on the map, it’s actually sitting on top of some of the most significant ancient history in North America.
It's basically 40 miles east of Columbus. If you’re driving from the state capital, you’re looking at a 45-minute straight shot down State Route 16 or 161. To the east, Zanesville is only about 25 miles away. Newark sits right where the North and South forks of the Licking River meet, which is exactly why people have been living here for literally thousands of years.
Pinpointing the Geography of Newark
Newark isn't in the flat, cornfield-heavy part of Ohio that most people picture. It’s situated in the transitional zone where the flat "Till Plains" of the West start to ripple into the foothills of the Appalachian Plateau. The elevation is roughly 833 feet above sea level. This specific spot was chosen by settlers in 1802—led by General William C. Schenck—specifically because the river junction made it a prime location for trade.
The city is roughly 21 square miles of land. It’s bordered by Heath to the south and Granville to the west. If you’re looking for it on a map, use the coordinates 40.0581° N, 82.4013° W.
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What Most People Get Wrong About the Location
The biggest misconception? That it's just a "suburb" of Columbus. While it’s part of the Columbus Metropolitan Area, Newark has a distinct, gritty industrial history that feels very different from the shiny sprawl of the capital. It was once a massive hub for glassmaking—specifically the famous Heisey Glass—and it’s still home to major players like Owens Corning and State Farm.
Also, don't confuse the city's landmarks with its neighbors. People often say the "Big Basket" is in Newark. Technically, the famous seven-story Longaberger Basket building (which is now a local icon looking for a new lease on life) is located on State Route 16, just east of the city in a township area.
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The World Heritage Connection
This is the part that actually puts Newark on the global map. In 2023, the Newark Earthworks were officially designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. These aren't just hills; they are massive, geometrically precise earthen enclosures built by the Hopewell Culture between 1 and 400 C.E.
- The Octagon Earthworks: This site is so precise that it tracks the 18.6-year lunar cycle. For over a century, it was actually used as a private golf course, which sounds fake but is 100% true. As of 2025, it's finally becoming more accessible to the public as a historical site.
- The Great Circle: Located nearby in Heath, this is one of the largest circular earthworks in existence, with walls 14 feet high.
- The Wright Square: A smaller remnant of what was once a sprawling 4-square-mile complex of interconnected mounds.
Archaeologists have found artifacts here made of obsidian from the Rockies and mica from the Appalachians. People were traveling thousands of miles to get to this specific spot in Newark two millennia ago.
Getting There and Moving Around
If you’re planning a visit, Newark is remarkably easy to reach but has almost no public transit connecting it to the outside world. You need a car.
- From Columbus: Take OH-161 East. It turns into OH-16 and drops you right into the downtown "Square."
- From the East: Take I-70 West to OH-79 North.
- From Cleveland: It’s about a 2.5-hour drive down I-71 South to US-36 East.
Once you’re in town, the downtown area is actually quite walkable. The Licking County Courthouse sits in the middle of a classic Midwestern square surrounded by local favorites like The Skylark or Drafting Table Brewing Company.
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Actionable Next Steps for Visitors
If you're actually headed to Newark, don't just drive through. Start your morning at the Great Circle Museum to understand the scale of what you're standing on. From there, take the 10-minute drive to the National Heisey Glass Museum to see the craft that built the city's 20th-century wealth. If you have time, head over to Dawes Arboretum (just a few miles south) for one of the best tree collections in the Midwest. Check the moon phase before you go; if you're lucky enough to be there during a lunar event, the Octagon Earthworks is a spiritual experience regardless of your beliefs.