Walking through downtown Lancaster is a pleasant experience. Beyond the central town square, the original streets form a checkerboard pattern, much like Ben Franklin's layout of colonial Philadelphia. As the city grew and spread out from the center, developers maintained this orderly progression. From its earliest days, Lancaster was a town made for walking. Nearly everyone went on foot to work, to shop, and to socialize. Today, you'll see more cars than pedestrians, but wide, well-maintained sidewalks still exist almost everywhere. As you walk through the downtown, you should be prepared to climb some hills. But your efforts will be rewarded by a view some of the best-preserved examples of early American and Georgian architecture in this area of the country.

The Lancaster Historic District covers over 24 city blocks. This district is one the most significant historic districts in the Midwestern States, and one of the best ways to explore it is on foot. Visitors can take advantage of a self-guided walking tour of the Square 13 Historic District at any time at no charge. Several specialty tours are also available at different times of the year. These specialty tours are guided by members of the Fairfield Heritage Society, and require reservations and a small donation to participate. They include a walk through Lancaster's oldest cemetery and a reenactment of historic events in October, a tour of eight Ohio Heritage Churches with candlelight Christmas programs at each in December, and a tour of historic private homes in downtown Lancaster in May.

Square 13 Historic District Tour, Anytime

Local Legends and Myths Tour, Elmwood Cemetery, fourth Friday in October

Christmas Tour of Heritage Churches, second Saturday of December

Pilgrimage Tour of Homes, first weekend of May