EXPLORE
Builders, Traders & Trailblazers
Spring Homeschool Days
April 23 & 24 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
At Historic Roscoe Village, students explore an authentic 1830s canal town where Ohio history becomes visible and memorable. They walk real streets, enter historic buildings, and connect what they are studying at home to a place shaped by commerce, craftsmanship, and community.
In select buildings, students may observe traditional skills in action, such as a blacksmith shaping heated iron at the forge and explaining how essential tools were made for canal-era trades. Other buildings offer focused stories and learning moments about daily life, business, education, and civic responsibility in a growing town.
Our newly designed Trailblazer Trail™ transforms village exploration into an interactive challenge, helping students connect people, places, and purpose through movement and discovery.
Students follow historically grounded clues through authentic village buildings, turning exploration into active learning.
Inside each location, costumed educators share clear, fact-based stories about canal-era life, commerce, and community. Each stop includes a short lesson tied to real 1830s tools, trades, and responsibilities.
Along the way, students collect Trailblazer Cards featuring brief motivational reflections inspired by perseverance, ingenuity, cooperation, and civic responsibility — qualities that shaped early Ohio and still matter today.
The full Trailblazer experience takes approximately 90 minutes and may be completed at your family’s pace throughout the day.
Students who complete the Trail earn a Trailblazer Badge.
- Hands-on, living history
Students move, observe, and ask questions rather than simply listen.
- Clear curriculum connections
The experience supports studies in Ohio history, early American commerce, transportation systems, and civic life.
- Multi-age friendly
Elementary students enjoy the discovery and movement. Middle school students engage more deeply with historical context and responsibility.
- Family-centered
The village is walkable and welcoming, with space to explore together, linger, and make meaningful memories.
Add a Hands-On Craft Experience
$13 per student
- Candle dipping
- Tin punching
- Rope making
- Potted plant painting
These crafts reflect the practical skills that supported canal-era commerce and daily life.
Optional Canal Boat Ride
$10 per person
Ride the canal boat and experience the transportation system that once connected Roscoe to markets across Ohio.
Students learn how the canal system was engineered to move boats across changing elevations using locks, gates, and controlled water flow. They discover how this early infrastructure required practical problem-solving, teamwork, and careful design.
The canal boat offers a hands-on look at 19th-century transportation technology and the engineering ingenuity that helped build Ohio’s economy.
Families may also explore the nearby Johnson-Humrickhouse Museum to extend the learning day.
- Homeschool families begin at the Visitor Center, where students receive their Trailblazer materials and village map before heading into town.
- Free parking is available near the Visitor Center. Restrooms are located on-site.
- Bring a picnic and enjoy designated outdoor seating areas, or visit one of the local restaurants within Historic Roscoe Village to make a full day of learning and connection.
- Tour and Trailblazer Trail | $8 per student/adult 6+ under 6 is FREE
- Craft Experience | $13 per person
- Canal Boat Ride | $10 per person 6+ under 6 is FREE
- Johnson-Humrickhouse Museum | $5 per person
Includes Tour, Trailblazer Trail, Craft Experience, and Canal Boat Ride.