A Local's Guide to Chillicothe, Ohio
Chillicothe is one of Ohios best kept secrets. Located just 45 miles south of Columbus, this town of ~22,000 offers visitors and residents alike a glimpse into Ohio's founding story while providing all the amenities of contemporary small-town living. Set beside the Scioto River in the rolling foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Chillicothe, Ohio is a place where ancient history, early American heritage, and community spirit come together.
Here at Woodland Heights, Chillicothe's premier apartment community, we love to sing our hometown's praises. That's why we've put together the ultimate locals' guide to the city. Youll find information on the weather in Chillicothe, careers in Chillicothe, favorite restaurants and entertainment venues, as well as its rich history as Ohios very first capital!
Weather in Chillicothe, OH
Like the entire American Midwest, Chillicothe experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are long, warm, and humid, with temperatures typically reaching 85°F and occasionally climbing to 90°F in July and August. Winters are typically short but very cold, with temperatures typically ranging from 24°F to 42°F, though they can drop below 7°F! The area receives occasional snowfall during winter months. Spring and fall are often pleasant and ideal for going on outdoor adventures and exploring historic sites.
Despite some intensely cold moments during the winter, the weather in Chillicothe is mostly temperate and provides locals with variety throughout all four seasons.
Career Opportunities and Economy
Chillicothe's economy is strong and diverse, offering opportunities across multiple industries including healthcare, manufacturing, education, retail, and corrections. Here’s a breakdown of the major employers:
· Adena Health System - The region's leading healthcare provider with numerous medical positions.
· Kenworth Truck Company - One of the city's main employers, specializing in the manufacturing of heavy trucks.
· State of Ohio – The state provides many jobs in Chillicothe, including careers in government, the department of agriculture, and corrections through the Ross Correctional Institution and Chillicothe Correctional Institution.
· Ohio University-Chillicothe – Chillicothe is home to a Ohio University branch campus with a range of bachelor’s and associate degree programs. The university also provides careers in education, administration, and maintenance.
As you can see, the Chillicothe job market includes a wide range of career tracks in nursing, manufacturing, education, retail, skilled trades (electricians, HVAC technicians), administrative roles, and hospitality.
History
Chillicothe's historical significance in Ohio and the greater region cannot be overstated. The city's name derives from the Shawnee word "Chalagwatha," meaning "principal town," and the area was indeed a central settlement for thousands of years. Long before European contact, the region was the center of the ancient Hopewell culture, which flourished from 200 BC to 500 AD and built elaborate earthen mounds that visitors can still see today at the Hopewell Culture National Historical Park and the Junction Earthworks Preserve which ius just a short (5-minute) walk from the Woodland Heights Apartments.
Chillicothe’s period of American history began in the late 18th century when it was first founded in 1796 by Virginia General Nathaniel Massie— Chillicothe quickly became a political powerhouse. The city served as the capital of the Northwest Territory from 1800 to 1803, hosted the Ohio Constitutional Convention in 1802, and became Ohio's first state capital when Ohio achieved statehood in 1803. After a brief relocation to Zanesville, the capital returned to Chillicothe from 1812 to 1816 before permanently moving to Columbus.
One of Chillicothe’s most unique features is the abundance of museums, mansions, and historical parks that commemorate the city’s storied history. Let’s check out some of Chillicothe’s most compelling attractions.
Adena Mansion & Gardens
The Adena Mansion is the hilltop estate of Thomas Worthington (1773-1827), known as the "Father of Ohio Statehood." Worthington was one of Ohio's first U.S. senators and served as the state's sixth governor from 1814 to 1818.The Federal-style sandstone mansion was designed by Benjamin Latrobe, considered America's first professional architect, who also designed the U.S. Capitol under President Thomas Jefferson. Completed in 1807, Adena is one of only three Latrobe-designed houses still standing in the country. The estate was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 2003.
The mansion has been restored to reflect its appearance during Worthington's governorship (1814-1818) and features many of the original Worthington family furnishings. Guided tours run hourly and last approximately one hour, led by knowledgeable historians who bring the family's story and era to life. The visitor center features interactive exhibits including the ceremonial pipe shaped like a tomahawk that Tecumseh gave to Worthington in 1807 to promote regional peace.
The 300-acre grounds include five unique buildings and stunning gardens with over 4,000 flowering heirloom plants, a fruit orchard, vineyard, and vegetable gardens. Most notably, the view from the mansion's north lawn looking out over the Scioto River is what inspired the Great Seal of the State of Ohio.
Stepping into the Adena Mansion & Gardens Historic Site is stepping into the early history of the Buckeye State.
Hopewell Culture National Historical Park
The Hopewell Culture National Historical Park preserves the mounds and earthworks built nearly 2,000 years ago by the Hopewell culture, which flourished in the region for 700 years. The “Mound City Group” located at the site is the only fully restored Hopewell earthwork complex in existence. In 2023, the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks (with five major complexes in Ross County) received UNESCO World Heritage Site designation, joining the ranks of Stonehenge and the Pyramids of Giza— quite the honor. This is a must-see for locals and visitors alike.Junction Earthworks Preserve
Lucky for residents of Woodland Heights Apartments, Junction Earthworks Preserve, another famous Hopewell mounds site, sits just a hop, skip, and jump away from the community. In fact, we’re essentially neighbors! The preserve features nine large mounds that were built for ceremonial purposes by an indigenous group known as the “Hopewell.” Spread across 70 beautiful acres, visitors can learn about the Hopewell culture while experiencing a stunning natural landscape featuring flower-speckled meadows, riparian forests, and the Paint Creek tributary, which flows east into the Scioto River.Ross County Heritage Center
As we’ve seen, the city of Chillicothe is a key historical center in Ohio. The Ross County Historical Society, founded over one hundred years ago in 1896, aims to preserve the storied history of the region by curating exhibits, collecting artifacts, and putting together programs for visitors of all ages. The facilities include the centralizing Heritage Center, the McKell Library, a research center with thousands of books and historical documents, the Franklin House, a family home built in 1907 with original interior and exterior, as well as the Knoles Log House, a reconstructed 1820’s farmhouse that shows how Ohioans lived pre–Industrial Revolution.Ross County Historical Society is one of Ohio’s oldest historical societies and provides Chillicothe with an incredible opportunity to explore local history.
Chillicothe’s Food Scene
Chillicothe offers an impressive variety of restaurants that cater to every palate. Let’s take a look at our top three:
Barbeque enthusiasts will love Old Canal Smoke House, a downtown establishment that specializes in BBQ, creative cocktails, and craft brews. Located where the historic Ohio & Erie Canal once ran, this restaurant serves hickory-smoked meats in a renovated 1850s forge. Their brisket, pulled pork, and baby back ribs consistently receive rave reviews.
The Pour House is one of Chillicothe’s best hangouts for brews, hand crafted burgers, signature cocktails, and much more. Located inside of the historic Machinery Hall in the heart of downtown, The Pour House offers a full-size bar, tables for larger parties, and one of Chillicothe’s hippest open-air rooftops.
Bell Farms Homestead, situated in a cozy pre-1848 building downtown, is one of Chillicothe’s hidden gems. Owned and operated by husband-wife duo Mike Shawna Bell, the restaurant offers exceptional beef brisket and home-cooked meals in a family-style atmosphere complete with historic maps and period decor.
Chillicothe also has many options for pizza lovers including Fire and Stone Pizzeria, Giovanni’s Pizza, and Hooks Pizza On the Hill.
Chillicothe and Woodland Heights Apartments
There’s no doubt— Chillicothe offers residents an exceptional mix of history, natural beauty, and cultural attractions. If you’re a local, you already know! If you’re not, we invite you to visit Chillicothe and experience Ohio’s first capital for yourself. For those looking for their next home in Chillicothe, we invite you to stop by Woodland Heights Apartments. We offer spacious 1, 2, 3, and 4 bedroom floor plans designed to balance comfort, style, and functionality. Each home is fitted with fully equipped kitchens, energy efficient appliances, plush carpeting, spacious closets, and personal air conditioning. Residents also gain access to an onsite laundry center, picnic areas, and a private basketball and tennis court. Schedule your tour today and discover your next home at Woodland Heights Apartments. The city of Chillicothe is ready to welcome you with open arms!