Communities
City of Mansfield
Mansfield – Richland County’s largest municipality – is the manufacturing center of our economy. The city boasts a diverse mix of metals and plastics manufacturers in the region’s largest industrial park, with 100 manufacturers/distributors and 5,000 industrial jobs. The park borders Mansfield Lahm Airport, with its fixed-base operator (Niss Aviation) and a 9,000′ and a crosswind runway of 6,819 ft. x 150 ft. Easy highway access, close multimodal rail support and a storied base of manufacturing accomplishments make Mansfield ideal for those with high-output manufacturing goals.
Looking for a more urban feel? Downtown Mansfield is the place to be! Enjoy fine dining, a locally owned brewery and new distillery, great bakery selections, a world-class children’s museum, beautiful carousel and a number of terrific unique stops to get coffee, tea, and something to eat. And the best part? They’re all within walking distance.
The arts scene is strong as well. The Renaissance Performing Arts Theater and the Mansfield Art Center both feature national artists and rotating exhibits. Live music can be found all around downtown, culminating in summer’s live “Final Friday” concerts at the Brickyard that draw thousands of residents and music lovers to the free monthly series. Unique specialty shops and a cool eclectic feel make Downtown Mansfield a great destination.
City of Shelby
To the north in Richland County lies the City of Shelby, original home of the seamless tube industry and the county’s second largest municipality. Emboldened by early industrial successes, Shelby is now home to both global and local manufacturers in the metals, wood and value-added produce industries. The city continues to strengthen its position with a 2.5 MW solar field added to its municipal power portfolio in 2019.
Shelby boasts a historic downtown where you will find the annual Bicycle Festival, local shops and bakery, as well as a retail corridor on its south side. With just under 10,000 residents, Shelby offers a robust park system and a revitalized downtown center. It is home to Pioneer Career and Technology Center where area students train for in-demand jobs while still in high school. The James W. Kehoe Center for Advanced Learning is part of North Central State College and specializes in business and technical training for manufacturing, computer technology, engineering and business.
City of Ontario
Long the retail and restaurant hub of Richland and surrounding counties, the City of Ontario is a shopper’s paradise where big box and specialty stores abound and eateries are on every corner. The Ontario Center – formerly the Richland Mall – hosts over 50 retail stores and a large Avita medical campus. Whether seeking gyms, boutiques, furniture stores or more—you will find it in Ontario. In addition to this retail hub, there are many hotels in Ontario to accommodate a short or long stay.
Community members gather at Ontario’s Marshall Park for ball tournaments or park concerts during the summer months. Just north of the city, both North Central State College and The Ohio State University Mansfield Campus are available for those seeking higher education. NCSC is the place for upskilling incumbent workers and getting technical certificates to land a great job with a local employer. If that’s not your style OSU-Mansfield offers an intimate and interactive experience.
Bellville
Richland County’s storied B&O Bike Trail begins in Butler’s Hitchman’s Park in this quiet, quaint village nestled on the edge of the Clear Fork Valley. The small village is the gateway to Mohican State Park where hikers and campers gather in all seasons to test their footing on the trails that wind through the scenic park. In the fall, just outside of the village is the Prairie Peddler, an open-air market in the woods where crafters and artisans sell their wares to the sounds of live acoustic music that draw crowds from near and far. Butler is the furthest southeastern municipality in the county.
Butler
Richland County’s storied B&O Bike Trail begins in Butler’s Hitchman’s Park in this quiet, quaint village nestled on the edge of the Clear Fork Valley. The small village is the gateway to Mohican State Park where hikers and campers gather in all seasons to test their footing on the trails that wind through the scenic park. In the fall, just outside of the village is the Prairie Peddler, an open-air market in the woods where crafters and artisans sell their wares to the sounds of live acoustic music that draw crowds from near and far. Butler is the furthest southeastern municipality in the county.
Lexington
Lexington is home to Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, known worldwide as “The Most Competitive in the U.S.” With a host of nationally televised events like IndyCar, IMSA sports cars and Superbikes, motorsports fans around the globe regularly visit the historic facility. The village proudly maintains over 60 acres of public parks dedicated to athletic fields, playgrounds and walking trails including boating and fishing recreation at the Clear Fork Reservoir. As home to Ohio’s largest blueberry farm, the village comes together to celebrate the Blueberry Festival every summer where blueberries take top billing amongst food vendors, families and fair goers. Lexington truly is a “growing community of families” and counts great corporate partners like CNG and HiStat among its great assets!
Lucas
To the southeast of Mansfield you will find the rolling hills and colorful countryside that comprise the village of Lucas, made famous by Pulitzer Prize winning author Louis Bromfield and his Malabar Farm homestead. This stunning farm is now an Ohio State Park and worth a trip to explore farmland, wooded trails and the famed “Big House” where Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall were married. They hold the Maple Syrup festival in the fall showcasing start-to-finish production. Swing through and grab a bottle of the good stuff in the gift shop, then travel the rural countryside to Mt. Jeez on a crisp fall day for a gorgeous view from the top.
Plymouth
Established in 1818, the Village of Plymouth has a historic downtown that uniquely straddles both Richland and Huron counties. The Plymouth Branch of the Richland County Public Library regularly hosts village events, especially for the youngest residents. The community pool and schools are assets to this charming bedroom community. The annual Christmas in the Village Street Market event draws visitors from both counties and beyond to enjoy the many vendors and food trucks, as well as showcase an iceless skate rink that is sure to bring a smile to little and big faces alike.
Shiloh
Established in 1874, the village of Shiloh embraces wide-open spaces and farmland. Home to a large Mennonite population, Shiloh’s claim to fame lies with their bulk food store where you will find all things baking, bulk and affordable with delicious meats and cheeses to boot! In this rural market area, you can also find a giant fabric store, a meat market and country metals who can build you a custom barn or shed. These primitive marketplaces draw patrons from surrounding areas for their unique offerings and affordable prices. It’s a lovely day trip!