Our city is rich with history that we would love to share with you.
Although we have a heavy focus on our student programs, we always welcome people of all ages to our campus to learn the history of our region. From campus tours to downtown tours, we have so much history to share with you. Not a big history buff? That's okay, we have other events and workshops that can appeal to all interests.
Historical Village Tour
Hour Long - Mostly Walking / Some Sitting
Step back in time on this one-hour guided tour of the Sylvania Historical Village! Led by one of our knowledgeable staff members, you'll discover Sylvania's story from its earliest settlement in the 1830s through the turn of the century.
Explore history inside our original and replica buildings, including an authentic log home, a one-room schoolhouse, a trade barn showcasing early crafts and occupations, and the original Sylvania Train Depot. You'll even have the chance to see an original train engine and caboose, bringing Sylvania's railroad history to life.
Restrooms are available on campus. All buildings are wheelchair accessible except the train engine and caboose.
A tour group cannot exceed 15 people due to the limited size of the buildings.
Tour Cost: $75 per group
Cooke-Kuhlman House Tour
Half Hour Long - All Walking
Step inside the historic Cooke-Kuhlman House on this engaging 30-minute guided tour. Discover the home of Dr. Uriah Cooke and his family as one of our knowledgeable guides shares the history of both the family and the house itself. From unique architectural details to fascinating stories and fun facts, this beautifully preserved home offers a glimpse into life as one of Sylvania's prominent families.
Explore Dr. Cooke's preserved office and exam room, stroll through the historic home, and enjoy our latest rotating exhibit.
Restrooms are available. The first floor is wheelchair accessible; however, the second floor is accessible by stairs only.
A tour group cannot exceed 15 people due to the limited size of the buildings.
Tour Cost: $40 per group
Lathrop House and Grounds Tour
Half Hour Long - All Walking
Get a first hand tour of one of the only Underground Railroad sites in Northwest Ohio, open to the public. Your tour will start outside of the building with a 360 view of the house and ravine, where escaped slaves would have travelled. You will then enter the house through the finished basement to learn about local abolitionists and how Sylvania fit into the Underground Railroad. You'll have a chance to see the hidden room that Lucian Lathrop built to hide escaping slaves, behind a false brick oven. Finally, you'll have a quick glimpse of the unfinished first floor of the Lathrop House, exiting through the front door.
There is a restroom in the basement of the house. The exterior ramp to the basement and the basement floor of the house are wheelchair accessible. Most of the grounds are accessible. The first floor of the house is not accessible.
A tour group cannot exceed 15 people due to the limited size of the buildings.
Tour Cost: $40 per group
Heritage Sylvania Complete Campus Tour
Two Hours Long - Mostly Walking, Some Driving Required
Experience the best of Heritage Sylvania with one comprehensive two-hour tour of all three historic campuses! If you can't decide which site to visit, this tour lets you enjoy them all. Begin at the Sylvania Historical Village, where you'll step into the daily lives of the community's earliest settlers. Next, explore the historic Cooke-Kuhlman House and discover what life was like for one of Sylvania's prominent families at the turn of the 20th century. Finally, take a short half-mile drive to the Lathrop House to learn about another influential Sylvania family and their courageous role in the Underground Railroad.
Restrooms are available at all three sites. All buildings are wheelchair accessible except the train engine and caboose at the Historical Village, the second floor of the Cooke-Kuhlman House, and the first floor of the Lathrop House.
A tour group cannot exceed 15 people due to the limited size of the buildings.
Tour Cost: $150 per group
Downtown Sylvania Historical Tour
Hour and a Half Long - All Walking
Go beyond our campus and learn about how Sylvania was established and the mile marker events that lead us to the Downtown Sylvania that we know and love today. Learn about the feud that resulted in the creation of downtown, the devastating events that changed the downtown, and the people who helped create what it is today. This tour takes place along Main Street, between Erie and Monroe. Start to finish is about a 1/2 mile of walking. NOTE: In 2026 there will be some construction during our walk. In severe cases we will cancel or reschedle tours if the walkways are impassable.
Public restrooms are available. All walking will be on wheelchair accessible sidewalks.
Each tour group cannot exceed 25 people. Minimum of 10 people per tour.
Tour Cost: $20 per person
Downtown Sylvania Haunted Brew Tour
in partnership with Upside Brewing
Sylvania is rich in history but do you know of it's dark, eerie past? Join one of our tours in collaboration with Upside Brewing, as we tour Main Street and uncover the true historical stories and mysterious details of our downtown. This guided tour includes 2 Dora adult beverages from Upside Brewing (Must be 21 and over). Tours are only offered each Sunday in October.
Tickets will be on sale in September 2026, through Upside Brewing's Facebook Page. Tours sell out fast so be sure to get your tickets once registration opens.
Tour Cost: $40 per person- TOURS ONLY OFFERED IN OCTOBER