A Brief History of OBERLIN, OH
Founded in 1833 by John Jay Shipherd and Philo P. Stewart, Oberlin is the home of Oberlin College- a liberal arts college featuring a world-renowned conservatory of music. Having met and bonded in nearby Elyria, the pair headed south on a mission to create a community and school that would be more in line with their religious beliefs. Riding through the forests in search of an ideal location, Shipherd and Stewart stopped to rest and pray in the shade of an elm tree.
Legend says that a nearby hunter witnessed a family of bears climb down a nearby tree. Although the bears saw the men, they turned away without harming them. Upon hearing this story from the hunter, the two ministers took this as a sign that they had selected the site of their community and school. The name of the said community would be named after Jean-Frederic Oberlin, a minister whose prior achievements in a poor and remote area, served as an inspiration to them.
Did You Know?
Oberlin is also the birthplace of the Anti-Saloon League and the Hall-Héroult Process which reduces aluminum from its fluoride salts by electrolysis and made it possible to industrialize the production of aluminum.
Tappan Square and the Elm
Centered in Oberlin sits the public park, Tappan Square. Until 1965, this National Historic Landmark was home to the Historic Elm, where Shipherd and Stewart decided on the location of Oberlin to build their new found community and school. Today, a beautiful memorial stands where the historic elm once stood.
OBERLIN HERITAGE CENTER
Explore the history of Oberlin with a tablet tour, history walks, bus tours, or a do-it-yourself tour through the Oberlin Heritage Center.
20 WEST VINE STREET | OBERLIN, OH | 44074
COMMON GROUND - The Cindy Nord Center for Renewal
Zip tree to tree on an exciting, 2.5 hour family-friendly zipline tour through the beautiful Vermilion River Valley in the heart of Ohio.
Take in the incredible views while enjoying 7 ziplines, 2 spiral staircases, 2 aerial bridges, 1 unique floating staircase, and a final rappel at the end.
14240 BAIRD ROAD | OBERLIN, OH | 44074
GOLF
Just minutes from the hotel are several award-winning golf courses including Oberlin Golf Club, Forest Hills Golf Course, and the Elyria Country Club
BACK ROADS AND BEACHES
Enjoy leisurely summer days visiting stops along the Back Roads and Beaches trail, including art galleries, museums, historical sites, shopping, restaurants, and wineries.
