train – the suite life of travel

What a spectacular morning visiting the historical buildings of Sauder Village. On the Village Green, I explored the 1920’s Grime Homestead, admired the adorable farm animals, rode the free express train and explored the Natives and Newcomers exhibit. The remaining sites to explore are the Pioneer Settlement, the Little Pioneers Homestead, the Historic Community and the places in between.

I hope you have had the opportunity to read Parts 1 and 2 of my Sauder Village blog to put this amazing complex in perspective and to understand Sauder Village’s extraordinary beginnings.

Celebrating forty years as Ohio’s Largest Living History Destination, Sauder Village is an amazing replica of a small town dating back from 1803 to the 1920s. From the Natives and Newcomers Exhibit to the Pioneer Settlement there are close to forty buildings that will transport you to another place and time. I hope you enjoy the second part of my fun adventure at this attraction that ranks high on my list of places to see in Ohio.

When the Lauder family settled in northwestern Ohio, the area was considered a Black Swamp. Due to the conditions of the land, logs were laid side by side to accommodate carts and wagons, despite the bumpy ride.

It was also dangerous for the horses as their legs could be trapped between the logs. Regardless of the difficulties in crossing through the swamp, it seemed to have made transportation a little easier.

Inside of the early settlement of the Lauber family, they lived in temporary lean to structures until their homes are completed.

The log school is a recreation of a one-room schoolhouse that would have existed in the 1840s. Because the lighting inside was limited, the desks would face the walls where greased paper took the place of windows. The fireplace would keep the teacher and children warm, but overall, the schoolhouse was quite primitive.

During my visit to the Witmer-Roth home, it was already closed for the day. When open, there is a costumed guide that prepares a meal on either the stone hearth indoors or the outdoor bake oven. This is the original home of Anna Sauder Witmer-Roth, where she gave birth to ten of her 15 children. It is here where visitors can learn more about the woman’s role during the days of the early settlers.

Inside of the Etcher Cabin, a guide is making homemade noodles. She explains to me that this home was once owned by Jacob and Barbara Etcher who arrived in this area sometime in the 1850s.

The community jail on the premises was built in the late 1860s to house criminals in Edgerton, Ohio. Interestingly, there are only two cells as this was a temporary facility until the criminal stood trial.

The Peter Stuckey Farm includes the home, garden, summer kitchen, barn and wagon shop. Built in the 1870s, it was home to both him and his wife Catherine (Yoder). As a result of the drainage of the swamp, their farm became prosperous. Peter was also a successful wagon maker as well.

Building number 34 is the depot where the train stops to pick up passengers and drop them off to explore the Pioneer Settlement.

The next building is the Holdeman Church which was originally a Menonite Church from the local town of Pettisville and was once known as the Church of God in Christ Mennonite. It is here where the horse and buggy ride originates and requires a small additional fee.

The Little Pioneers Homestead is specifically geared towards young children and their families. There is a small cabin, Mary-Anne’s cabin and Miller barn where they can milk the cow.

One of my favorite parts of the day was finding a baby bunny in the Discovery Garden!

The Blacksmith Shop was temporarily closed.

The Harvesting Building is another special event space and location for group lunches and picnic space.

The Tiffin River Woodworks is a workshop where wooden products, including toys, are made and Cider Mill is only used in the month of September during Sauder Village’s Apple Week.

It has taken me the full day to explore Sauder Village and I have had such an awesome day exploring this gem of northwest Ohio!

I have reentered the welcome center where I find the Greenburg Gallery exhibit that provides more detail about Erie Sauder, Sauder Village and the making of this spectacular attraction.

In addition to the village, there is a campground, the Barn Restaurant, Doughbox Bakery and Sauder Store and Outlet within walking distance. With so much to experience, one could really spend a long weekend here.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Sauder Village? What was your favorite sight or activity while you were here? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many Thanks and Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Sauder Village Living History and Farm
221611 OH-2
Archbold, OH 43502
Telephone: 419 446 2541

Admission Fee: Adults: $24; Students, Ages 4 – 16: $18; Children, Ages 3 and under: Free; Seniors 60 and over: $22. person is permitted. 2-day Admission: Adults, $38; Students, Ages 4 – 16: $26; Valid for 2 consecutive days, non-transferable. AAA Discount: $2
Hours: Spring (May 3 – 27): Open Wednesday to Saturday from 10AM to 3:30PM; Saturday 10AM to 4PM; Summer (May 31 – September 2): Open Wednesday to Saturday from 10AM to 5PM and Closed Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Fall Hours (September 6 – October 8); Open Wednesday to Friday from 10AM to 3:30PM and Closed Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.
Length of the Tour: From 2 hours to 2 days.
Tips for Your Visit: Wear comfortable shoes as you walk through time visiting historical buildings. Download the map ahead of time and plan your day. There are several classes and demonstrations that you won’t want to miss. While there are several small shops to visit, make plans to eat at the Barn Restaurant for down-home cooking.

Where to Stay:

Sauder Heritage Inn
22611 State Route 2
PO Box 235
Archbold, OH 43502
Telephone: 800 590 9755

If you are traveling by RV, make reservations at the Sauder Village Campground.

Where to Eat:

The Barn Restaurant
22611 State Route 2
PO Box 235
Archbold, OH 43502
Telephone: 800 590 9755

Select the buffet or order from the menu loaded with down-home recipes.

What to Eat:

Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes
Soups and Salads
Fried Chicken
Roast Beef Dinners

What to Read:

Heritage of the Black Swamp, by Cynthia Covert Harger

Photo Guide to Sauder Village

Visit Sauder Village in the spring for newborn baby animals

Concord is a charming literary village established in 1635. It is most known as the town that incited the American Revolution with the “shot that was heard round the world.” With its steeped history in combat, Concord’s Walden Pond is the antithesis of war. A muse of Henry David Thoreau, the lake stands to represent the simple life of the author who spent over two years here living off the land. Building a cabin close to the lake, Thoreau was drawn to the simple things in life and immersed himself in the surrounding nature.

Strolling the trail that followed the perimeter of the pond, I stopped to enjoy the playful chipmunks and rabbits scurrying along the path and chasing each other among the forest of maples and pine.

I could hear the crunching of dried leaves and the crackling of slender branches beneath me as I explored Thoreau’s solitary refuge. Walden Pond was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1962 and a replica of Henry David’s cabin was reconstructed at a location near the current parking lot of this 335 acre state park and recreation area.

In addition to hiking the pond, visitors can swim, canoe, fish and cross country ski during the winter months. Walden Pond would soon become a popular vacation destination after Henry David Thoreau’s book was published. This area had previously served as an excursion park in the late 1860s. Visitors would be able to swim, swing, boat, play baseball, bike and run. Concession stands, dining halls, bathhouses and a baseball diamond stood on this site until it burned in 1902.

Henry David Thoreau was born in Concord in 1817. After graduating from Concord Academy, he went on to pursue his education at Harvard. Interested in ornithology, the study of birds, it is no wonder that Thoreau pursued the natural beauty of Walden Pond. While he was also interested in Greek mythology and British ballads, he returned to his hometown of Concord to teach school. Influenced by writers such as Hawthorne, Alcott, Fuller, Thoreau wanted to become a writer as well. His friendship with Emerson and death of his brother would lead Henry David to Walden Pond to journal about his experience and later publish his famous manuscript.

About a quarter of a way along the hike, there were a series of stones that marked the original site of Thoreau’s one bedroom cabin. Several quotes from the author are on display as well as a marker which identifies the site of his original home.

Much like many of the other famous writer’s of his time, Thoreau became involved in many political manners and had even helped runaway slaves cross into the border of Canada. This led Thoreau to write the essay Fit, which brought him international fame.

Prior to Thoreau’s stay at Walden Pond, the Fitchburg Railroad was built to bring hundreds of visitors to the site. I had wandered off of the well-hiked trail to check out the train tracks that seemed to expand endlessly into infinity. I had expected a train or two to pass by yet there was no activity along the tracks. I imagined the incoming of visitors loading and unloading in a nearby spot and was disappointed that I did not see a single train.

By the time I had reached the end of the trail, I knew exactly how Thoreau could fall in love with this place. From the abundance of wildlife to the time of solace, a side trip to Walden Pond was well worth the visit.

Have you visited Walden Pond State Reservation? Did you experience Thoreau’s love for the area? I would love to hear about your time at the park if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for checking out my post about Walden Pond and wishing you many Happy Travels!

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What to See and What to Do:

Walden Pond State Reservation
915 Walden Street
Concord, MA 07142
Telephone: 978 369 3254

Where to Stay:

Concord’s Colonial Inn
48 Monument Square
Concord, MA 01742
Telephone: 978 369 9200

Where to Eat:

The Liberty at Concord’s Colonial Inn
48 Monument Square
Concord, MA 01742
Telephone: 978 369 9200

I couldn’t help myself and decided to make it a seafood night. I started with the clam chowder and then ordered the Lobster Roll which was overloaded with delicious Maine lobster and served with Truffle fries. There was so much food that I did not have room for dessert, but if I had the chance, I would have ordered the Flourless Chocolate Cake.

What to Eat: