In the Area

Ashland is located near the heart of Amish country. Cleveland, Columbus and Akron are all easily accessible. There are many city, county, and regional attractions. Each September, the city of Ashland hosts the Ashland County Fair, a county-wide social event that also provides entertainment, education, livestock competition, and building of character in our youth.

EDUCATION
Ashland University has been home to individuals seeking academic, professional and spiritual growth for more than 130 years and instills in students the discipline, confidence and values to succeed. AU brings many events and resources to the town.   Ashland City Schools are well-ranked and highly respected. Lincoln Elementary received an 8 out of 10 ranking, which means it ranked in the 80th percentile of state school rankings. The Ashland Middle School and Ashland High School received a 7 out of 10.
 
St Edward School is a U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon Award winner. The school is ranked in the top 50 out of 36,000 private schools in the nation. The performance of the school's students places it in the top 15 percent in the nation in English language arts and mathematics.   Ashland County West Holmes Career Center offers a wide variety of technical, vocational, and adult eduction classes.
 
ENTERTAINMENT and ARTS
The Ashland Symphony Orchestra consists of over 60 members performing under the artistic leadership of maestro Arie Lipsky. Musically, the orchestra is at the best quality in many years.   The Ashland Symphonic Youth Chorus and Ashland Area Chorus are just 2 of the many local arts organizations. Also found in Ashland is the Kroc Center which offers classes and activities for all ages.
 
OUTDOOR and RECREATION
Ashland County Park System and Recreation: The city and county of Ashland is well known for its outstanding park system and recreation facilities. In addition to 16 city and county parks, Ashland city facilities include and Olympic size swimming pool, two 18 hole golf courses, a mini golf facility, the Guy C. Myers Bandshell and many other public facilities and programs.   The annual Ashland Ballooonfest comes every July. Skies are filled with color and excitement as hot air balloons fill the air. The 3 day event features entertainment, music, shows, and food.
 
Mohican State Park and Forest are located just 20 minutes from Ashland. The park is comprised of 1,110 acres with 5 miles of the scenic Clear Fork Branch of the Mohican River running through it. Recreational opportunities include fishing, hiking, picnicking, camping, cottages and a resort lodge. The Mohican-Memorial State Forest surrounds the park with 4,795 acres. Hunting, hiking, and bridle trails are available.   The Cuyahoga Valley National Park is less than an hour from Ashland. The CVNP winds its way along the Cuyahoga River between Akron and Cleveland. It contains hundreds of miles of hiking, biking, and cross country ski trails, historically reconstructed Hale Farm and Village, 3 downhill ski areas, and historical remnants of the 19th century tow path and lock system.
 
The Ashland Area Council for Economic Development is a comprehensive economic development organization (EDO) operating under a public-private partnership. It strives to strengthen the local county economy by: Business Retention and Expansion; Business Recruitment; and Contributions to Quality Planning and Quality of Life. Companies like Barbasol, McGraw-Hill, Americarb, and Hedstrom have facilities in Ashland. Hundreds of other local and national companies make Ashland a thriving economic community.