Heath: Canal Lock, Culture and Parks

In Heath, a landmark of canal history, a Gothic Revival house with a cultural purpose, and a variety of outdoor activities come together. The original canal lock in Canal Lock Park is associated with the groundbreaking for the Ohio and Erie Canal. The park also offers a splash pad, walking and cycling trails, and pickleball facilities. When choosing a vacation rental in Heath, you can first consider whether history and culture or exercise and water activities should play a bigger part in your stay.

Canal Lock and Cultural History

Canal Lock Park is home to the original canal lock, where the groundbreaking for the Ohio and Erie Canal took place. This connects the park to a specific moment in the canal’s creation. Those interested in the history of transportation and infrastructure will find a distinctive point of connection here: not only the canal’s name, but the lock itself is part of the story of its construction.

Another historic building in Heath is the Davis-Shai House. Built in 1861 in the Gothic Revival style, it serves as a nonprofit center for arts and cultural events. The center serves Heath, Newark, Granville, and the greater Columbus area. Heath therefore offers two distinct cultural interests: the history of the canal and a house whose present-day role includes arts and cultural events.

Splashing, Sports and Outdoor Activities

Heath City Water Park features a 5,500-square-foot splash pad. Its features include an interactive play feature, tipping buckets, water cannons, and Lemon Drops. If you’d like to include water activities in your travel plans, this is a specific option to consider.

The Geller Park Pickleball Complex at Geller Park offers something different. It has twelve courts, shaded seating areas, and restrooms. The long-running Star Spangled Celebration on Independence Day is also associated with Geller Park. There, you’ll find both a sporting option and a festive event that may appeal to different interests when planning your trip.

If you prefer to get around on foot, John C. Geller Park has a two-mile walking trail. Hoback Park provides access to wooded areas for hiking and picnicking.

Cycling Trails and More Green Spaces

Heath’s pedestrian and cycling trail corridor includes an underpass for cyclists at State Route 79. The corridor also includes a cycling trail leading to Heath City Water Park. If you’re planning to cycle during your trip, both the underpass and the trail to the water park are useful landmarks. Dorsey Mill Park is the southern terminus of the Riverfront Walkway. Forry Preserve covers more than 200 acres, adding another extensive green space to the options.

Choose Heath to Suit Your Interests

When looking for a vacation rental in Heath, it’s worth first deciding which experiences matter most to you. The canal lock and Davis-Shai House are ideal for a focus on history and culture; the splash pad, walking trail, wooded areas, and cycling trail offer a range of outdoor activities. Pickleball adds another sporting option. This selection can help you consider Heath as a destination based on your own interests, without limiting your trip to just one activity. If you’re planning a trip with children, you may want to pay particular attention to the specific splash pad and park amenities.

More destination pages: Buckeye Lake, Granville, Hebron, Pataskala.

For the broader travel overview: Licking.