Here in Ohio, there’s always something new to explore—if you know where to look.
The next time you’re brainstorming ideas for unique day trips the whole family can enjoy, consider visiting Ohio’s largest indoor fish hatchery. Freshwater Farms of Ohio is a one-of-a-kind farm in Urbana where you can observe, feed and even pet fish. The best part? Tours are free and you can even take home some of Ohio’s freshest fish after your visit.
Home to the annual Ohio Fish and Shrimp Festival, this unique farm is a fun day trip destination that families with children will especially enjoy.
Freshwater Farms of Ohio/Facebook You’ll find it at 2624 N U.S. Highway 68, Urbana, OH 43078.
Freshwater Farms of Ohio is the state’s largest indoor fish hatchery. Some of the fish raised here include rainbow trout, largemouth bass, yellow perch, bluegill, channel catfish and more.
Freshwater Farms of Ohio/Facebook Open year-round, you can visit Monday - Saturday from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
The outdoor rainbow trout exhibit is particularly fun for kids, as they can feed the fish themselves. It’s neat to watch the fish play and jump for food.
Freshwater Farms of Ohio/Facebook Please note: The farm is closed on Sundays.
Kids will especially enjoy looking into the tanks to observe the different species of fish raised here.
Freshwater Farms of Ohio/Facebook Tours here are self-guided and free, but there are plenty of knowledgable staff members available to answer any questions you might have about farming fish, aquaculture and even pond set-up and maintenance.
You’ll definitely want to spend some time at the Sturgeon Petting Zoo. This exhibit features a rare, endangered fish. They’re prehistoric and can weigh more than 1,500 lb., grow as long as 20 ft. and can live for more than 100 years.
Freshwater Farms of Ohio/Facebook Note: Be sure to call ahead to make sure the farm is open for touring the day of your visit as renovations are currently underway. For more tour information, click here.
Before you leave, you’ll want to visit the fish market and gift shop. The fresh trout fillets, seasoned trout patties and smoked trout spreads are popular options.
Freshwater Farms of Ohio/Facebook You’ll even find some local cheese, wine, craft beers and more.
Freshwater Farms of Ohio is located at 2624 N U.S. Highway 68, Urbana, OH 43078. Have you ever been here before? If so, we want to know what your experience was like!
Freshwater Farms of Ohio/Facebook
You’ll find it at 2624 N U.S. Highway 68, Urbana, OH 43078.
Open year-round, you can visit Monday - Saturday from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Please note: The farm is closed on Sundays.
Tours here are self-guided and free, but there are plenty of knowledgable staff members available to answer any questions you might have about farming fish, aquaculture and even pond set-up and maintenance.
Note: Be sure to call ahead to make sure the farm is open for touring the day of your visit as renovations are currently underway. For more tour information, click here.
You’ll even find some local cheese, wine, craft beers and more.
For more fishy fun in Ohio, check out our previous articles: You’ll Never Forget A Trip To This One Of A Kind Fish Market In Ohio and The Quiet Fishing Town In Ohio That Seems Frozen In Time.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.