Yellow Springs

The Village of Yellow Springs was founded in 1825. It was named for a natural spring rich in iron ore in Glen Helen. Legend has it that if you drink from the spring you will always return.
In the conservative stronghold of Southwest Ohio not far from a major air force base, Yellow Springs has the reputation for being an island of left-wing activism supported by its small liberal arts school, Antioch College. Some locals go as far as to call it the Berkeley of Ohio. When school is in session, people watching is an interesting event given the personalities this college attracts.
The Village offers some of the best dining in the Dayton area, along with several artisan groups and a downtown bustling with side-walk shops. All of this lies a short distance from Ohio's best natural area, including John Bryan State Park and Glen Helen.
The Village can get quite congested on warm-weathered weekends, but nearly all of its attractions are open during weekdays, which offer less in the way of crowds. As of the 2000 census the population was 3,761.

Visitor Information

• Yellow Springs OhioAdditional visitor information for Yellow Springs.

By car

Yellow Springs is on route 68, just 7 1/2 miles south of route I-70. It is approximately a half hour drive from Dayton, and a one hour drive from Columbus. Dayton is serviced by the James M. Cox Dayton International Airport. Columbus is serviced by John Glenn Columbus International Airport. Rental cars are available at both locations.

By bus

The Greyhound bus stops in nearby Springfield, about 15 minutes from Yellow Springs.

By bicycle

Yellow Springs is accessible by the excellent system of bicycle trails thanks to Ohio's Rails to Trails program. A 10 mile ride south on the trail will lead to Xenia. Parking and access to the trail, are available at the Chamber of Commerce which also houses public restrooms.

Yellow Springs is 1.9 square miles. The downtown area is easily walkable. It is relatively flat and a great town to get around by foot or on a bike. Bike rentals are available at Corner Cone, at the corner of Dayton and Walnut Streets, during its open season. If you want to visit any of the attractions outside of the town you will need a car. Yellow Springs has limited public transportation through Greene County's GreeneCATS program.

Despite it's small size, Yellow Springs punches above it's weight in cultural attractions.

• Little Art TheatreIntimate theatre showing a savvy mix of mainstream and independent films. Operating since 1929, renovated in 2013 for digital projection.

• Young's Jersey DairyYoung's offers miniature golf, batting cages, a driving range and a petting zoo. The Golden Jersey Inn serves "home-style country cooked meals", handmade ice cream and gelato.

• National Museum of the United States Air Force400 aerospace vehicles, and an abundance of historical items. Admission to the museum is free, however there is a fee for the Imax theater.

• Clifton MillBuilt in 1802 is one of the largest water powered grist mills. Here you can tour the mill, visit the 1940s Gas Station Museum and even cross the Little Miami River on a ninety foot covered bridge.

• Antioch CollegeA historic college in Yellow Springs

• Antioch University MidwestSeparate from Antioch College.

• Coretta Scott King Center for Cultural and Intellectual FreedomGives community lectures and talks on civil rights and non-violence. Founded by Coretta Scott King, the wife of Martin Luther King Jr who once studied here.

There are lots of outdoor activities in and around Yellow Springs.

• Glen Helen Nature PreserveIn Glen Helen there is a dedicated to the rehabilitation of birds of prey. You can see some of the permanently disabled birds in outdoor cages, and there are flight cages for birds who are recovering.

• Clifton GorgeA 268-acre State Nature Preserve adjoining the nearby Village of Clifton. It has many geological and botanical features. Great for hiking.

• John Bryan State ParkThe park offers camping, fishing, hunting, canoeing, mountain biking, rock climbing and repelling.

• Little Miami Scenic TrailA linear park with 72 paved miles for biking, jogging, roller blading, or walking.

Festivals

• Yellow Springs Street FairHappens twice a year. On the second Saturdays of June and October the main streets in town are closed for vendors, live music and international cuisine.

Yellow Springs has a plethora of independent shops and artisans.

• Bonadies Glasstudio

• Dark Star Books and Comics

• Winds Wine Cellar and Bakery

  address: 209 Xenia Ave

Yellow Springs offers many dining options with something to please every palate.

• Bentinos Pizza

  phone: +1 937-767-2500
  address: 1/2 Xenia Avenue
  107. Regional chain serving pizza, salads, pasta, calzones and wings. Delivery available.

• Corner Cone Dairy Bar and GrillSoft serve ice-cream, burgers, fries and shakes. Outside seating only. Open seasonally.

• Current CuisineDelicatessen and bakery with indoor and outdoor tables. Catering available.

• Dino's Cappuccinos

  phone: +1 937-767-3466
  address: 225 Xenia Ave
  A cozy, independent espresso bar with coffee and tea drinks and pastries.

• Emporium Wines and the Underdog CafeFresh bread, croissants, sandwiches, coffee and newspapers. Breakfast is served Tu-Su until 11:30AM.

• HA HA Pizza

  phone: +1 937-767-2131
  address: 108 Xenia Ave
  An independent restaurant serving pizza, subs and calzone with a well stocked salad bar. Vegetarian entrees. Delivery available.

• Sunrise CafeLovingly prepared food using local and organic ingredients. Vegetarian and vegan entrees. Wine list.

• Winds Cafe and BakeryFine dining with an extensive wine list, on premises bakery and homemade desserts, espresso and mixed drinks. Menu changes monthly. Special events include the Annual Garlic Dinner.

• Dayton Street Gulch

  phone: +1 937-767-9027
  address: 128 Dayton St
  This hometown favorite dive draws an eclectic crowd. Pool table.

• Peach's Grill

  phone: +1 937-767-4850
  address: 104 Xenia Ave
  Live music in the evenings. A great selection of sandwiches, wraps and Mexican entrees. Domestic and imported Beers on tap, wine and spirits.

• Ye Olde Trail Tavern

  phone: +1 937-767-7448
  address: 228 Xenia Ave
  Serving cold beer and great bar food in an 1844 log cabin, the original structure was once a stop on the Underground Railroad. Over forty beers and wines to choose from. Enjoy one in front of the fireplace, in the solarium or out on the deck.

• Yellow Springs Brewery

  phone: +1 937-767-0222
  address: 305 N. Walnut St.
  Enjoy fresh craft brews directly out of the tap. Seasonal selections change weekly with many favorites always available. The beautiful taproom is also an art gallery featuring a wide array of local and regional artists. Brewery tours every Saturday at 4 pm. Enjoy the deck overlooking the Little Miami Scenic Trail.

There are many comfortable and unique places to stay in Yellow Springs

• Arthur Morgan House Bed and Breakfast

• Grinnell Mill Bed & Breakfast

• The Springs Motel

• Jail House Suites

  phone: +1 937 626-2227
  address: 111 N. Winter St
  Fully renovated historic town jail offers a contemporary private suite for short term stays.

• Mills Park Hotel

  phone: +1 937-319 0400
  address: 321 Xenia Ave. 7

• Yellow Springs Community Library

  phone: +1 937-352-4003
  address: 415 Xenia Avenue
  Offers free Wi-Fi and public computers.

• WYSOAn NPR Affiliate with local programming run by Antioch College.

The cities of Columbus and Cincinnati are each about an hour's drive from Yellow Springs if you are looking for a more urban setting.