Newark, OH

About the City
Landmarks
Climate and Weather
Transport
Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions
Museums
Sport and Sports Legends
Universities and Academic Institutions
Healthcare and Medical Institutions

Newark is a city in Licking County, Ohio, United States, and is part of the Columbus metropolitan area. It is renowned for the ancient Newark Earthworks, a UNESCO World Heritage site built by the Hopewell culture.

About the City

Official Status and Administrative Affiliation

Full Official Name: Newark, Ohio.
Administrative Role: Newark is the county seat of Licking County, meaning it serves as the administrative center for the county government .
Country and Region: The city is located in the state of Ohio, in the United States. It is part of the Columbus metropolitan area, Ohio's state capital . Licking County is known for its rolling hills, historic charm, and as a key part of Central Ohio's economic growth.

Historical Names and Nicknames

Official Motto: "Land of Legend — Past and Future" . This motto reflects the city's rich ancient history as a center of the Hopewell culture and its ongoing development.
Nickname: Locally, Newark is sometimes affectionately called "Nerk" . This shorthand is often used by residents and in casual writing.

Date of Foundation and Age

Settlement: The first European-American settlers, led by Gen. William C. Schenck, arrived in 1802 . He named the new village after his hometown of Newark, New Jersey.
Incorporation: Newark was officially incorporated as a city in 1813 .
Age: As of 2026, Newark is 224 years old (since its settlement) and has been incorporated for 213 years.

Geographical Position and Coordinates

Geographic Coordinates: 40°03′47″N 82°25′00″W (40.063014, -82.416779) .
Location: The city is located in central Ohio, approximately 33-40 miles (53-64 km) east of Columbus, at the junction of the forks of the Licking River .
Elevation: The elevation of the city center is approximately 254-260 meters (833-853 feet) above sea level .
Settlement Type: Geographically, Newark is a city situated in a river valley within the glaciated Allegheny Plateau region of Ohio.

City Type and Economic Specialization

Newark is a diversified economic hub for the region, with its roots in industry and manufacturing :

Industrial Center: The city has a strong industrial base, with major manufacturers including Holophane (lighting products), Owens Corning (fiberglass insulation), and Kaiser Aluminum . It also serves the aerospace industry .
Administrative and Commercial Center: As the county seat, it houses government offices and is home to the headquarters of Park National Bank and a regional hub for State Farm Insurance .
Educational Hub: The city hosts the Newark Campus of The Ohio State University and Central Ohio Technical College .
Tourism and Heritage: Increasingly, Newark is a destination for cultural heritage tourism, centered on the Newark Earthworks, a UNESCO World Heritage site .

Population and Demographics

Population: At the 2020 census, the city's population was 49,934, making it the 18th-largest city in Ohio .
City Class: Newark is a medium-sized city and serves as the principal city of the Newark, OH Micropolitan Statistical Area, which is also part of the larger Columbus-Marion-Zanesville, OH Combined Statistical Area .
Demographic Note: The city is predominantly White (92.8%), with smaller African American, Asian, and Hispanic communities . It is the second-largest city named Newark in the U.S. after Newark, New Jersey .

City's "Business Card" (Briefly)

Newark, Ohio, is where ancient history meets American industry. It is home to the Newark Earthworks, part of the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks—Ohio's first UNESCO World Heritage site—which features monumental geometric enclosures built by American Indians 2,000 years ago . Beyond this world-heritage treasure, Newark is known as a manufacturing powerhouse, once the headquarters of the iconic Longaberger Basket building, and a charming gateway to the natural beauty of Licking County .

Landmarks

Newark Earthworks (Great Circle, Octagon, and Wright Square)

Full Name: Newark Earthworks (Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks).
Overview: This is the most significant landmark in Newark. It is a vast complex of geometric earthen enclosures built by the Hopewell culture between 100 AD and 500 AD. It is the single largest earthwork complex in the Ohio River Valley and, in 2023, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List .
The Great Circle: Located at 455 Hebron Road in neighboring Heath, this portion features a circular embankment 1,180 feet in diameter with walls 8-14 feet high surrounding a 30-acre interior and a moat . It is the largest circular earthwork in the Americas . The site includes a museum and visitor center .
The Octagon: Address is 125 N 33rd Street, Newark. This portion is an architectural and astronomical marvel. It consists of a 20-acre circle connected to a 50-acre octagon. The Octagon is aligned with the complex 18.6-year cycle of the moon . It is so large that it could contain four Roman Colosseums . As of January 1, 2025, this site is fully open to the public for the first time .
The Wright Square: A smaller preserved portion of a square enclosure located on James Street, Newark, offering a glimpse into the full scope of the ancient complex .
Historical Note: An ancient roadway, known as the "Great Hopewell Road," is thought to have connected these earthworks to other ceremonial sites 60 miles away in Chillicothe . This site is operated by the Ohio History Connection .

The Works Museum & Glass Gallery

Full Name: The Works: Ohio Center for History, Art & Technology.
Location: 55 S 1st Street, Newark .
What it is: A comprehensive museum complex in downtown Newark that features hands-on historical and technological exhibits. It is particularly famous for its permanent glass-blowing studio and a significant exhibit on the history of the Heisey Glass Company, which operated in Newark from 1895 to 1957 . It also tells the story of the Newark Earthworks and local innovations.

The Longaberger Basket Building

Full Name: The Longaberger Company Headquarters (historic name).
Location: On the eastern edge of Newark .
What it is: A world-famous example of novelty architecture, this seven-story building is constructed to look exactly like a giant picnic basket, complete with two 75-ton handles. It served as the headquarters for the Longaberger Company, a basket manufacturer, from 1997 until the company's closure . It remains one of the most photographed and iconic buildings in Ohio.

The Dawes Arboretum

Full Name: The Dawes Arboretum.
Location: 7770 Jacksontown Road (south of Newark off SR 13) .
What it is: A vast, non-profit arboretum dedicated to inspiring conservation and connecting people with trees and nature. It features over 2,000 acres of gardens, collections of woody plants, a cypress swamp, a Japanese garden, and over 11 miles of hiking trails .

The Midland Theatre

Full Name: The Midland Theatre.
Location: 36 N. Park Place, on Courthouse Square in downtown Newark .
What it is: A historic, beautifully restored 1,500-seat theater that opened in 1928. It hosts a wide variety of performances, including concerts, Broadway shows, comedy acts, and classic films, serving as the cultural heart of the community.

Climate and Weather

Climate Type and General Characteristics

Newark has a humid continental climate (Köppen: Dfa) , characterized by four distinct seasons . It features warm to hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The weather is highly variable due to its mid-latitude location.

Average Temperatures

Hottest Months: July and August are the warmest, with average high temperatures around 28-31°C (82-88°F) and lows near 17-18°C (63-64°F) .
Coldest Month: January is the coldest, with average high temperatures around 2°C (36°F) and lows dropping to -6°C (21°F) .
Record High: The record high temperature is 41°C (106°F) .
Record Low: The record low temperature is -32°C (-26°F) .

Precipitation and Humidity

Precipitation: Newark receives consistent rainfall throughout the year. The average annual precipitation is significant, with estimates around 1,372 mm (54 inches) .
Wettest Months: April tends to be the wettest, averaging around 160 mm (6.3 inches) of precipitation . May, June, and July also see high rainfall, with about 11-12 days of rain per month .
Driest Month: August and September are typically the driest, with precipitation around 66-98 mm (2.6-3.9 inches) .
Snowfall: Snow is common in winter, with the most significant snowfall occurring from December to February. February typically sees the most snow, though snow can also fall in March and November .

Sunshine and UV Index

Cloud Cover: The sky is cloudiest from November to early June. The clearest months are August and September, when the sky is clear, mostly clear, or partly cloudy about 66% of the time . January is the cloudiest month.
Daylight: The longest days are in June, with about 15 hours of daylight. The shortest days are in December, with about 9 hours and 20 minutes of daylight .

Seasonality and Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Newark for outdoor activities like hiking and exploring the earthworks is from mid-June to mid-September .

Spring (March-May): Temperatures warm up considerably, from cool to pleasantly warm (11-23°C / 52-73°F). This is one of the wettest times of the year, so be prepared for rain. The landscape becomes lush and green.
Summer (June-August): Warm to hot and humid, with average highs in the upper 20s°C (80s°F). This is the peak season for visitors, with the clearest skies and long daylight hours, perfect for sightseeing.
Fall (September-November): Temperatures cool down from warm to crisp. September is often dry and sunny. October brings stunning fall foliage, making it another excellent time to visit.
Winter (December-February): Cold and snowy, with average highs around 2-4°C (36-39°F). While the earthworks are open year-round during daylight, the weather can be harsh for extensive outdoor exploration .

Specific Weather Phenomena

Severe Weather: Being in the Midwest, Newark is subject to severe thunderstorms, which can produce heavy rain, strong winds, hail, and occasional tornadoes, particularly in the spring and summer.

Transport

Main Airports

Nearest Major Airport: John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) in Columbus, Ohio, is the closest airport with scheduled commercial service, located about 40 miles (64 km) west of Newark .
Regional Airport: Newark-Heath Airport (KVTA) is a general aviation airport located in neighboring Heath. It is open for civil aviation traffic but has no scheduled commercial flights .

Train and Bus

Passenger Rail: Newark currently has no scheduled passenger train service. The nearest Amtrak stations are in Alliance, Elyria, and Sandusky, Ohio, all over 90 miles away .
Bus Service: There is no intercity bus service (like Greyhound) directly to Newark. The closest Greyhound stations are in Columbus and Zanesville, Ohio .

Main Highways

Newark is well-connected by road, making it easily accessible by car.

State Route 16: The primary east-west route through the city, connecting it to Columbus to the west and Coshocton to the east .
State Route 79: A major north-south highway that connects Newark to Interstate 70 (at exit 129B) to the south and serves as a direct link from the interstate .
State Route 13: Runs north-south through the area, connecting Newark to surrounding communities.
Interstate 70: While it doesn't pass through Newark, I-70 is just 9 miles south of the city via SR 79, providing high-speed access to Columbus, Dayton, and points east and west .

Local Public Transportation

Bus System: The Licking County Transit (LCT) provides public transportation services within Newark and Licking County, offering demand-response and fixed-route services for residents.

Bike Trails

Thomas J. Evans Foundation Bike Path: A popular multi-use trail that runs through Newark, connecting it to nearby Granville and other areas. It offers a scenic route for cycling, walking, and jogging along the Raccoon Creek and Licking River valleys .

Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions

Newark's dining scene offers a blend of classic American comfort food and more refined, contemporary dining experiences, often with a focus on quality ingredients and family tradition.

1922 On The Square

A standout fine-dining establishment in downtown Newark is 1922 On The Square, a restaurant that beautifully bridges the city's past and present. It is the spiritual descendant of a family eatery opened by the current owner's great-grandfather in 1922, and it operates in the very building where the original moved in 1934 . The menu elevates old family recipes with a focus on sustainably sourced ingredients. Signature dishes include the Chilean sea bass with charred green beans and the prime rib ravioli . The atmosphere, with its banquette seating and dark wood paneling, feels both modern and classic, offering a dining experience that is an "anomaly among the fast-food joints" in the area. For a taste of their heritage, try the shrimp scampi or Parmesan garlic bread, favorites from the original business .

Classic American Fare

For a more casual, pub-style atmosphere, Newark has several popular spots. Red Oak Pub and Restaurant is a beloved family-owned establishment known for its welcoming vibe, extensive menu, and multiple TVs for watching sports . It's a great place to try classic American dishes like burgers (including a highly-regarded blue cheese burger and a unique PB Bacon burger), fresh haddock, and hearty meatloaf, which one reviewer described as "an unforgettable dish" . They also offer a variety of imported beers and creative cocktails, such as a Pumpkin Spice Martini .

Elements, located within the DoubleTree by Hilton, offers a full-service casual dining experience with an outdoor patio and cozy indoor fireplaces . Their menu features dishes like the "meatloaf griller," served with Parmesan herb fries and Brussels sprouts. The carrot cake, topped with caramel drizzle and candied pecans, is a rich and popular dessert option .

Museums

Newark is home to a unique and comprehensive museum complex that serves as a cornerstone for hands-on learning and cultural exploration.

The Works: Ohio Center for History, Art & Technology

The Works is central Ohio's premier destination for history, art, science, and glassblowing, all located in downtown Newark . Its mission is to enrich lives by providing interactive opportunities that inspire creativity and learning, and it has exhibits and activities for every guest .

The museum is organized into several key areas:

Science: Visitors can engage with interactive STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) displays and explore the stars in the SciDome Planetarium .
Art: The facility includes an art gallery and a working Glass Studio, where guests can watch demonstrations or even create their own blown glass piece .
History: The museum presents local history through its collection of unique items and stories, connecting visitors to the region's heritage .
Children's Museum: The Works also features a dedicated Children's Museum with interactive exhibits and programs designed specifically for young visitors to encourage exploration and creativity .

Founded in 1996, The Works is a leader in STEM education and provides learning opportunities for the entire east Central Ohio region .

Sport and Sports Legends

While Newark may not have major professional sports franchises, it has a strong high school sports culture and recently made history with a unique volleyball event.

High School Sports and a Historic Event

Newark is home to two main high schools: Newark High School and Newark Catholic High School. Their athletic programs are a point of community pride, with teams competing in sports like basketball and volleyball .

In a notable recent event, the two schools co-hosted the "Showdown at Sundown" on August 8, 2024, at White Field in Newark . This event is believed to be the first outdoor high school volleyball contest in Ohio. Inspired by a record-breaking outdoor match in Nebraska, the local athletic directors and coaches worked together to bring the concept to Newark. The event featured six local high school teams playing under the lights, with the final match timed so that the peak of sundown occurred during play, creating a memorable atmosphere and "super cool" photo opportunities . More than 500 fans attended, and organizers hope it will become a successful annual tradition, showcasing the community's passion for the sport .

In boys' basketball, Newark Catholic consistently fields a competitive team, as evidenced by their 2026 Division VII tournament run .

Universities and Academic Institutions

Newark is home to a regional campus of one of the nation's largest and most prominent public universities.

The Ohio State University at Newark

The Ohio State University at Newark is a public university campus founded in 1957 . Located on a 225-acre campus about 30 miles east of Columbus, it offers students the opportunity to earn an associate's or bachelor's degree from The Ohio State University in a smaller, suburban campus setting .

As a regional campus, it shares the academic reputation and resources of the main university in Columbus while providing a more intimate learning environment. In the fall of 2023, the campus had an undergraduate enrollment of 2,422 students, with an equal split between male and female students . The campus setting is classified as a small suburb, providing a quieter atmosphere than a large urban university .

Healthcare and Medical Institutions

Healthcare services in Newark are provided by a network of local facilities and practices, serving the needs of the community.

Licking Memorial Hospital

While not detailed in the provided search results, the primary full-service hospital for Newark and Licking County is Licking Memorial Hospital. It is a nationally recognized, not-for-profit institution that provides a comprehensive range of medical services, including emergency care, surgery, and various specialized treatments. It serves as the central hub of the local healthcare infrastructure.

Behavioral Healthcare Partners of Central Ohio

For specialized behavioral health services, residents have access to Behavioral Healthcare Partners of Central Ohio, located at 1445 W Main St . This practice offers a range of services with specialists in Adult, Child/Adolescent Psychiatry, Family Medicine, and Nurse Practitioner care, accepting a wide variety of insurance plans .