Flight to Freedom: Ohio's Underground Railroad Tour

Travel across the southwestern part of the state and discover Ohio’s important contributions on the Underground Railroad.
2 days/2 nights tour

Day 1
John Rankin House (OHS)
937-392-4188
Ripley (contact Brown County)
A National Historic Landmark, this was the home of Presbyterian Minister John Rankin. He is reputed to have been one of Ohio's first and most active "conductors" on the Underground Railroad. From 1822-1865 Rankin and his family assisted 2,000 escaped slaves in their trek to freedom. Take a guided tour of the house and grounds, which provide panoramic views of the Ohio River.

Lunch at Coheart's River House
937-392-4819
Ripley (contact Brown County)
Have lunch in this quaint restaurant with great views of the river.

Driving Tour of Ripley, including the John P. Parker House
937-392-4188
Ripley (contact Brown county)
Sitting on the Ohio River, Ripley was one of the first stations on the Underground Railroad. It became home to numerous freedom conductors. John Parker was a former slave who planned rescue attempts of slaves held captive in Kentucky. His house is now a National Historic Landmark. Tour the 55-acre historic district with researcher and step-on guide Betty Campbell.

Drive to Dayton and overnight

Day 2
Underground Railroad Presentation
at Paul Laurence Dunbar House State Memorial (OHS)
800-221-8235
Dayton (Montgomery County)
The presence of pro-slavery activist Clement Vallandingham and his crew of slave catchers stopped many, but some people still used the county as a station. Hear from an expert researcher about Montgomery county's stations and Vallandingham's efforts to return slaves to their owners. Also see a portrayal of Joshua Dunbar, Paul's father, who was a slave and escaped to freedom using Underground Railroad stations. Learn about his flight to freedom and his service in the military during the Civil War with a first-person portrayal.

Follow the Drinking Gourd
Boonshoft Museum of Discovery
937-275-7431 ext. 16
Dayton (Montgomery County)
Used as a musical road map, this song led slaves from the deep south to Ohio. At the planetarium learn more about this trail method used by the slaves.

Springboro Historical Society
513-748-0916
Dayton area (Warren County)
Take a driving or walking tour of this small town, which has many houses identified as Underground Railroad stations. Perhaps as many as 4,000 slaves came through Springboro on their flight for freedom. Visit the Null Log House, built in 1798, with a hiding area in the basement. An expert guide will escort you through this Quaker community.

For lodging and additional restaurant information call:
Brown County Tourism
937-378-1970
Dayton/Montgomery Convention & Visitors Bureau
800-221-8235
Warren County Convention & Visitors Bureau
800-791-4386