Explore Licking County

06/24/2026

See the comments for all the 💥 FIREWORKS 💥 dates!

06/23/2026

It is the last week to view "Licking County's Big Beautiful Backyard" a collection of photographs by our Creative Director, Garrett Martin. We are open Tuesday - Friday, 10am until 3pm.

06/05/2026

Sneek Peek - Opens Saturday, June 6
Meet the Artist, Garrett Martin 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Explore Licking County invites visitors to experience Licking County's Big Beautiful Backyard, a new gallery exhibition showcasing the stunning nature photography of Garrett Martin. Through years of carefully captured images, Martin reveals the beauty, character, and quiet moments that make Licking County feel like home. Reflecting on the collection, Martin shares, “My Big Beautiful Backyard is what I discovered when I finally slowed down and looked back. Spread across years of images, a truth had been quietly collecting itself: I'd been capturing my home all along.” Rather than portraying Licking County simply as a destination, the exhibit offers a deeply personal perspective on the landscapes that have shaped Martin and his family. “This collection is Licking County as I know it,” he explains, “the place that gave roots to my family, shaped us, and continues showing me something worth remembering.” The gallery experience celebrates both the natural beauty of the region and the lasting impression it leaves on those who call it home.
Licking County's Big Beautiful Backyard is also part of the Ohio 250 commemorative exhibition series featured in the Sullivan Welcome Center. The rotating series highlights the monthly themes established by the Ohio 250 Commission, commemorating Ohio's rich history, culture, and heritage in advance of the state's 250th anniversary. June's theme, Ohio Outdoors: Exploring Ohio's Natural Resources, is reflected throughout Martin's work, which captures the forests, waterways, wildlife, and scenic landscapes that define Licking County and showcase the natural beauty that makes Ohio an extraordinary place to live, work, and explore. America 250-Ohio Ohio Travel Association

05/28/2026

https://thesullivanbuilding.com

The Sullivan Welcome Center will be open this weekend during the Newark Kiwanis and the Newark Strawberry Festival and to welcome passengers from Dennison Railroad Depot Museum. Hours are: Saturday & Sunday, 11:00 am until 2:00 pm, last tour at 1:30 pm.

The Sullivan Bank Building - Week of Sullivan presented by Explore Licking County.

05/27/2026

What's better than a picnic to celebrate Ohio and America 250? Please join us either Saturday or Sunday at the Canal Market District!

This weekend ☀️🇺🇸

Join us May 30 & 31 from 11 am to 2 pm at the Canal Market District for Newark’s 250 Homecoming Picnic.

Bring your picnic lunch, gather your friends and family, and enjoy live music from Barefoot McCoy as we celebrate 250 years of history and community.

Tables and chairs will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Thanks to sponsors First Federal Savings, the Downtown Newark Association, and Explore Licking County for supporting this incredible community event. We hope to see you there!

05/21/2026

The Hunt Begins! Find The Glass 2026 starts this Friday, May 22. Will you find one of the select America 250 “Bottle Glass Green" star pieces? Or maybe one of the very limited “Bottle Glass Green" Hopewell Points to add to your collection? It’s not too late to sign up! Head over to https://findtheglass.com/ to make sure you are registered to receive hints and notifications.

05/18/2026

Newark and Licking County have a long history of glassmaking, rooted in factories like the Newark Star Glass Works, whose “Star” symbol inspired the Star Bottling logo. As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, Explore Licking County’s “Find the Glass” scavenger hunt invites the community to discover hidden handmade glass treasures in parks and public spaces, celebrating the region’s glassmaking legacy and inventive spirit. https://findtheglass.com/

05/12/2026

Hello and welcome to Find the Glass 2026! We can’t wait for this season’s scavenger hunt to kick off. Whether you’ve played before or are joining us for the first time, we’ve added some new twists while keeping your favorite parts from past years.
One of the biggest updates this year is our new Find the Glass website (https://findtheglass.com). Over the winter, we built a player-focused dashboard where you can register, get email hints, receive live text messages, log your finds, and join our new Hall of Fame. That’s just the start. The dashboard also helps you check park difficulty levels and find great stops for coffee, ice cream, or other treats while you’re out hunting.
That’s not all. In 2026, we’re marking the 250th anniversary of the United States with a special piece of glass. This year, you’ll search for glass inspired by Licking County’s glassmaking history: it’s round, bottle-green, and has a raised star in the center. We’re also including a select number of the original flint point designs every week for those who love the classic hunt.
One thing that hasn’t changed is the playing season. This year’s hunt runs from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Kick off is Friday, May 22, and our final hint for the season will drop on Friday, September 4th.
If you’re ready, so are we. Get out there and start the adventure.

05/07/2026

Looking for a unique gift for the Mom/Dad/Grad in your life? Visit our curated retail collection to select a one of a kind piece of functional art! Handcrafted in Licking County by Markgraf Clayworks.

Here are just a few of the beautiful pieces.