10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips Near Springfield, Ohio (Clark County)
If you live in or around
Springfield, Ohio in
Clark County, you already know it’s a cozy place to call home. But what about those days when you feel like getting in the car, rolling the windows down, and exploring somewhere new—without driving across the entire state?
The good news: you’re surrounded by great little road trips in the nearby counties of
Champaign, Greene, Madison, Miami, and Montgomery. All of these spots are outside Clark County, but still close enough for an easy half-day or full-day escape.
Below are
10 short road trips near Springfield, Ohio that show off the best things to do in this part of the state—museums, small towns, nature trails, and more.
1. Champaign County: Historic Downtown Urbana & The Gloria Theatre
Only about 15–20 minutes north of Springfield,
Urbana in Champaign County is an easy first stop when you’re itching to explore.
Stroll through
historic downtown Urbana, where old brick buildings, local restaurants, and small shops line the streets. It has that “step back in time” feeling, but with good coffee and modern comfort food.
One highlight is the restored
Gloria Theatre, a 1904 opera house turned movie theater and live event space. Depending on the day, you might catch:
- A classic movie
- A local concert
- A community event or live show
You can easily pair this with lunch at a local café and a slow walk around town. It’s a simple, low-stress road trip that feels like a mini getaway from Springfield without a long drive.
2. Champaign County: Champaign Aviation Museum & Grimes Field
If you love airplanes—or you’ve got kids who do—head a bit farther into Urbana to the
Champaign Aviation Museum at
Grimes Field.
Here, you’ll find:
- Vintage military aircraft, including a B-17 bomber under restoration
- Hands-on displays where you can get close to the planes
- A chance to watch small aircraft take off and land
You don’t have to be a huge history buff to enjoy it. Standing under the wing of a massive old bomber really gives you a sense of what aviation used to be like.
There’s also an on-site restaurant at Grimes Field, so you can grab a bite while watching planes outside the window. For a short
family-friendly road trip from Springfield, this one’s tough to beat.
3. Greene County: Yellow Springs – Artsy Village & Street Wandering
About 25–30 minutes south of Springfield,
Yellow Springs in Greene County is one of the most popular day-trip destinations in this part of Ohio—and for good reason.
It’s a small, colorful village known for:
- Locally owned shops and art galleries
- Street musicians and murals
- Casual cafés and ice cream spots
You can spend an afternoon just wandering the main streets, popping into bookstores, checking out local art, and people-watching on a bench. It’s the kind of town where you’ll see bikes parked everywhere and overhear conversations about everything from music to organic gardening.
If you’re looking for a laid-back, walkable place that feels a bit different from everyday life in Clark County, Yellow Springs is a must.
4. Greene County: Hiking at John Bryan State Park & Clifton Gorge
Just a few minutes outside Yellow Springs, you’ll find some of the most scenic nature in western Ohio at
John Bryan State Park and nearby
Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve.
Here’s what you can do on this short nature road trip:
- Hike along deep limestone cliffs and rocky gorges
- Follow the Little Miami River as it twists through the forest
- Stop at overlooks and bridges for photos
Trails range from easy to moderate, so you can pick something that fits your energy level. Wear decent shoes, especially if it’s been rainy—some sections can get muddy or slick.
This is a great option if you’ve been craving trees, water, and quiet. Within about half an hour of Springfield, you can be walking through cool shade, listening to the river, and forgetting about your to-do list for a while.
5. Madison County: London, Ohio & the Prairie Grass Trail
To the east of Springfield,
Madison County makes a nice getaway if you prefer low-key small-town charm and open skies.
The town of
London, Ohio offers:
- A classic Midwestern downtown with local diners and shops
- Access to the Prairie Grass Trail, part of the Ohio to Erie bike trail
If you’re into biking, you can bring your bike and ride on the paved trail that once was a railroad line. It’s mostly flat and runs through farm country, so you’ll see wide fields, old barns, and plenty of sky.
Even if you don’t bike, London works well for a relaxed walk, a meal, and a slow drive through the countryside. It’s the kind of trip where you roll down the windows and just enjoy the quiet.
6. Madison County: Buck Creek State Park Access from the East Side
While
Buck Creek State Park touches Clark County, you can approach the eastern and southeastern edges from Madison County backroads for a different view and a more “just driving” style outing. This is a nice option if you don’t want to plan much—just get in the car and go.
On this short scenic drive:
- Follow country roads in Madison County that angle toward the lake
- Look for pull-offs, small bridges, and quiet places to snap pictures
- Enjoy open fields, farmhouses, and occasional glimpses of the water
It’s less about a specific attraction and more about the experience of driving peaceful backroads outside Clark County. Pack a thermos of coffee or a cold drink, put on your favorite music, and make it your own little “Sunday drive”—even if it’s a Tuesday.
7. Miami County: Exploring Downtown Troy & the Great Miami River
Head about 30–40 minutes northwest to
Troy in Miami County, a charming river town with a polished but comfortable vibe.
In downtown Troy, you’ll find:
- Historic buildings and a pretty courthouse square
- Local restaurants and coffee shops with sidewalk seating
- Public art and seasonal events on the square
Walk a few blocks and you can reach the
Great Miami River and the trail that runs alongside it. It’s a great place for:
- A riverside walk or bike ride
- Watching kayakers and paddleboarders in warm weather
- Relaxing on a bench and enjoying the view
Troy makes a perfect
day trip from Springfield, Ohio when you want a change of scenery but still appreciate that comfortable small-town feel.
8. Miami County: Tipp City – Canal Town Vibes & Local Eats
Just south of Troy,
Tipp City is another easy road trip from Springfield, and it has its own distinct character.
Downtown Tipp City offers:
- Blocks of well-kept historic storefronts
- Antique shops and boutiques
- Several popular local restaurants and pubs
The town grew up along the old Miami and Erie Canal, and you can still sense that canal-town history in the layout and the old brick buildings. It’s a fun place to window-shop, grab dinner, and walk off your meal as the sun goes down.
If you enjoy old architecture and local food more than big attractions, Tipp City is worth the drive.
9. Montgomery County: Carillon Historical Park in Dayton
About 30–35 minutes southwest of Springfield,
Dayton in Montgomery County is packed with things to do, and
Carillon Historical Park is one of the standouts.
This large history park shares the story of Dayton’s role in innovation and industry. On this road trip, you can:
- See early airplanes and learn about the Wright brothers
- Walk through historic buildings from the 1800s and early 1900s
- Check out old trains, cars, and other machinery
The park is spread out, so you’ll be walking outside between buildings. It’s a nice mix of museum and open-air village, which keeps it from feeling stuffy or overwhelming.
If you’re looking for
things to do near Springfield that mix history and fresh air, this is an excellent choice for couples, families, or even a solo trip.
10. Montgomery County: Dayton Aviation Heritage & the Oregon District
You can easily turn a trip to Dayton into a “two-in-one” outing by pairing
aviation history with some city flavor.
First, stop by the
Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park sites, where you’ll find:
- Exhibits on the Wright brothers’ bicycle shop and early flight
- Stories about Paul Laurence Dunbar, a famous African American writer from Dayton
Then, head downtown to the
Oregon District, one of Dayton’s oldest neighborhoods. There, you can:
- Walk past colorful historic homes and storefronts
- Grab pizza, burgers, or something more upscale—there’s a bit of everything
- Check out bars, breweries, and music venues in the evening
This combo gives you a full day: history during the afternoon, then dinner and a walk under string lights in the Oregon District before heading back to Springfield.
Tips for Enjoying Short Road Trips from Springfield, Ohio
To make the most of these
out-of-county getaways near Springfield, keep a few simple tips in mind:
- Go off-peak: Weekdays or earlier in the morning are often quieter, especially in Yellow Springs and Dayton.
- Pack basics: Water, snacks, comfortable shoes, and maybe a light jacket—Ohio weather can change fast.
- Check hours: Small-town shops, museums, and restaurants sometimes have limited or seasonal hours.
- Leave wiggle room: The best part of a road trip is often the unplanned stop—a roadside farm stand, a scenic overlook, or a local bakery you didn’t know was there.
If you treat these trips as mini adventures instead of rigid schedules, you’re more likely to come home with a good story.
Where Will You Drive Next?
Living near
Springfield, Ohio puts you close to small towns, riverfront cities, hiking trails, and historic sites—all within an easy drive outside Clark County. Whether you’re in the mood for:
- An artsy afternoon in Yellow Springs
- A history-filled day in Dayton
- A quiet country drive through Madison or Champaign County
- A riverside stroll in Troy or a meal in Tipp City
there’s always somewhere new to explore.
Now it’s your turn: Which of these short road trips sounds best to you? Have you discovered a favorite stop in Champaign, Greene, Madison, Miami, or Montgomery County that others should know about?
Share your thoughts in the comments—and if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family who are looking for fun, easy road trips near Springfield, Ohio. Your next adventure might be just a half-hour drive away.
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