Hale Farm & Village — Attraction in Bath Township

I’m writing this review after hearing a deeply disturbing story from my younger sister, who was a student in the Stow School District. Over the years, she visited this establishment multiple times through school-organized field trips. Her earlier experiences seemed educational and age-appropriate, but her final visit in 8th grade was traumatizing and completely unacceptable.

On her first visit, she was a young child, excited to explore history. She remembers playing with wooden toys and engaging in fun, interactive activities. It was a harmless and enjoyable experience.

On her second visit in 4th grade, the experience was still fairly lighthearted—she milked cows, churned butter, and watched glassblowers at work. It seemed like a continued effort to connect children with the past in a safe and engaging way.

But her third visit in 8th grade took a shocking and horrifying turn. During this “A Fugitive’s Path: Escape on the Underground Railroad” experience, my sister and her classmates were:

Placed in shackles and treated like slaves

Forced to simulate escaping through the Underground Railroad

Exposed to the sound of blank bullets being shot into the air

Surrounded by the cracking of whips

Yelled at and intimidated by adults playing the roles of slave catchers or owners

This wasn’t education—it was trauma packaged as a learning experience.

As her older sibling, hearing her describe the fear, humiliation, and confusion she felt during this simulation was gut-wrenching. I cannot understand how any school district, let alone an educational institution trusted with children's development, would approve of such a psychologically scarring experience.

How could you slowly build a relationship with this place over several years, only to subject children—still minors—to a reenactment of slavery that includes the sounds of gunfire and whips? What kind of message does that send? What makes anyone believe that this is appropriate or effective?

Let me be very clear: no child should ever have to go through this. Teaching about the horrors of slavery is important—but traumatizing children in the process is not education. It’s irresponsible and deeply damaging.

To the school district and the organizers of this program: What made you think this was okay? You crossed a line that should never be crossed. You failed these students.

As a sibling, I’m heartbroken. And as a community member, I’m calling for serious accountability and immediate re-evaluation of what is considered “educational.”

This should never happen again—to any child, in any school, anywhere. This event took place in 2013-2014 school year however her trauma is still valid in...

Hale Farm and Village is nestled in the heart of Ohio, offering a charming glimpse into the region's rich history and heritage. From the moment you arrive, you're transported back in time to the 19th century, where life unfolds at a leisurely pace amidst picturesque surroundings.

The village itself is a delightful reconstruction of a rural community from the 1800s, complete with historic homes, working farms, and artisan workshops. It's a living museum where you can witness skilled artisans demonstrating traditional crafts like blacksmithing, candle-making, and pottery, providing an immersive and educational experience for visitors of all ages.

The beauty of Hale Farm and Village extends beyond its historical buildings and demonstrations. The natural surroundings are equally captivating, with scenic trails that invite you to explore the tranquil landscapes and learn about Ohio's agricultural roots.

For families, this destination is a treasure trove of activities. Kids can engage in hands-on experiences, such as participating in old-fashioned games, interacting with farm animals, or trying their hand at historical chores, making it a perfect blend of fun and learning.

The staff and volunteers at Hale Farm and Village are passionate and knowledgeable, adding depth to your visit with insightful tours and engaging stories about the community's history and evolution over time.

Whether you're a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of modern life, Hale Farm and Village offers something special. It's a place where history comes alive, where traditions are celebrated, and where every visit leaves you with a deeper appreciation for Ohio's cultural heritage.

In conclusion, Hale Farm and Village is a hidden gem that deserves to be explored and cherished. Plan your visit and prepare to be enchanted by the charm and authenticity of this remarkable historical...

We wanted to have our wedding here….

The management from the start was horrible.

We started the process of planning the wedding…sent in our deposit, and then heard nothing from Hale Farm for over a month. We called multiple times and kept being sent to a voicemail. We left many messages trying to get in contact with someone. Nobody called us back. We heard nothing about our deposit. We didn’t know if they received it…silence for well over a month. So it stalled our wedding planning significantly, to the point where we tried to call and cancel….then, we get an email, well over a month later saying “we found your deposit”. At this point, we no longer wanted to have the wedding there due to the terrible experience so far… we were having issues with catering, as we had them waiting for so long on a decision…. Finally, we got a call back. I told them that we were canceling, and expressed my issues, and asked for a least some of our deposit back, because if the bad experience…they told me that the refund wouldn’t be returned, per their policy. but, we were trying to get a hold of Hale Farm to cancel, and couldn’t. I then asked if they could “check, and call me back”….once again, I never received a call back. Nothing. Not even to say “hey, sorry, we can’t give you the deposit back”.

All in all, this whole experience is why we had ultimately decided to cancel the wedding, well before they had even “found” the check… I do not recommend this place. It ruined the experience our wedding wanted to have and was a major let down to the bride. I have warned many others wanting to come here about the way we were treated with zero communication. It’s too bad, it would have been a lovely location, it is...