CANAL WINCHESTER, Ohio — A central Ohio farm is helping visitors travel back in time.
Slate Run Living Historical Farm gives visitors a glimpse of what farm work and family life were like in the 1880s. The vegetables grown in the garden, livestock in the barn, décor in the restored farmhouse and attire worn by staff and volunteers are all reminiscent of life during that time.
Farm Program Manager Ann Culek, has worked at Slate Run for 32 years. She said each day brings a new experience.
“The seasons change, the animals change, the activities change,” said Culek. “It’s never a boring day.”
The expansive farm includes an orchard and grape arbor, summer kitchen and woodshed, root cellar and smokehouse, a barn built in 1881, a hog shed, windmill and more.
Visitors are also invited inside a restored farmhouse built in 1856. Inside, period décor and appliances fill the rooms.
“Visitors ask how did people survive back then,” said Culek. “I remind them that people were living in the most modern times that they could have in the 1800s just like we are living in modern times now.”
Entry to the farm is free. Visitors are invited to tour the space at their own pace and speak with staff about the different areas along the way. The farm also provides opportunities for a hands-on experience, in some cases inviting guests to join in on parts of the farm work or venture across from the farmhouse to play games.
“There is nothing more fun than to watch the kids out on the obstacle course,” said Culek. “Or to see them experience an animal for the first time.”
Slate Run Living Historical Farm is located in Canal Winchester inside Slate Run Metro Park.
Visiting hours vary by season and guided tours for groups larger than 15 must be made in advance.
