Slate Run Historical Farm is the era of the 1800s. You will know you have stepped back in time as you learn how to operate a farm without the use of electricity or gas-powered equipment.
The barn is multi-bay and was restored by Amish carpenters. It was originally built by the fourth owner of the farm, Samuel Oman.
The house built in 1856 is gothic revival and was restored by Metro Parks. The kitchen, living room, and parlor can be toured. You can watch the ladies as they take care of the house and prepare meals.
When you visit the farm, you will see the volunteers and staff in costume from the era doing their daily chores in the gardens, the house, and the fields. The chores, of course, will depend on the time of year you visit.
The farmers may be plowing with the help of the Percheron Draft Horses. That’s right, no gas powered tractors or equipment will be found.
The ladies may be canning yummies from the garden in the summer kitchen.
You’ll also see some unique animals such as the Poland China Hog, the Merino sheep, and the Percheron Draft Horses. Flocks of geese and ducks make their home there as well as chickens and turkeys.
There are some great programs offered so families and children can help with the chores and activities on the farm. Depending upon the season and weather, it may be sheep shearing or maple syrup time. Whatever it may be, it’s well worth the time and education to visit.
Some of the things you’ll find available to do are listed below. (There may be new programs not listed and older programs that are no longer available)
For ages 5 and older – Help the farmer with barnyard chores and feeding the animals
Keeping the Harvest
Gathering and storing vegetables for winter in the root cellar.
The History and Uses of Apples
Tasting apples from the 1880s, you will help press apple cider, stir apple butter over an open fire and learn of the many uses of apples.
All About Ears (Corn that is)
Husking corn and learning the uses on an 1880s farm.
Old Ways of Woodworking
Using traditional methods and tools… try your hand at shaping wood.
Draft Horse Workshop
Hands-on lesson in grooming, harnessing, and ground driving the Percheron Draft Horses.
Ax In Hand
Aldo Leopold reads from the Sand County Almanac and then you will learn about the many varieties and uses of wood on the farm. Learn to use the shingle splitter and two-man saw.
Drool as you watch the ladies make candy and other goodies for gifts and company. They will share the recipes and tastes.
Challenge your mind with 19th century puzzles, games and toys.
Slate Run Historical Farm is really an awesome adventure, especially for the youngins’, to see and do what our ancestors did over 100 years ago.
Slate Run Historical Farm is right next door to Slate Run Metropark.
Location: 1375 State Route 674 North, Canal Winchester, Ohio 43110 (northeastern Pickaway County). Phone: (614) 833-1880.
From I-270, take U.S. 33 east toward Lancaster to the Canal Winchester/S.R. 674 exit. Turn right onto Gender Rd./S.R. 674 and go about 2 miles until it dead-ends into Lithopolis Road. Turn left and go about 1/2 mile to S.R. 674. Turn right and go about 4 miles to the entrance on the right. Once inside the park, go past the ranger station and take the first road left and follow the signs to the farm.
For schedules of the programs, changes or additions, and other information, please visit the Friends of Slate Run Farm blog.