Historic Zoar Village

Founded by the German religious dissenters called the Society of Separatists of Zoar in 1817 as a communal society, Zoar today is filled with 1817 Old-World charm. Many of the German-style structures built by the Zoarites have been restored and are open to the public as Zoar Village. Others are privately owned and serve as residences, shops and bed and breakfast inns. Visitors can experience the life of the Zoarites by visiting restored buildings, which are staffed with costumed interpreters and furnished with items made or used by the Separatists. Some buildings are staffed; others are open for guided tours.

Tourism has long been a draw to the Ohio & Erie Canalway - and Zoar is a particular favorite. In the late 1800s, President McKinley was a frequent visitor to Zoar and the Zoar Hotel. Also, Frederick Gottwald, considered to be the "Dean" of the "Cleveland School" of Art, led groups of artists to Zoar - finding inspiration in its pastoral views.