2027 National IFYE Conference
Thursday, June 24, 2027: Ohio Day Tours
Tour reservations will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
- We regret that the bus company does not provide wheelchair accessible buses. If this is a consideration for you, we will work with you to use your own vehicle or find an IFYE that can accommodate transportation. For those with walkers or canes, we will hold seats in the front of the bus. Please indicate limitations/devices on the registration form "Please list any medical, or other special restrictions needed."
- Dress for the weather and tour. Wear casual clothing. Be comfortable, bus rides and walking tours for all options below.
- Tours will go immediately to Varian Orchards and will not stop back at the hotel prior to evening activities.
Tour #1: Agriculture & Amish Country Tour | $99
Spend a day where Ohio's farm heritage meets Amish tradition, with a home-style lunch.
Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute 5082 Oil City Road, Wooster, OH 44691
The campus dates to 1882, when it was established as the Ohio Agricultural Experiment Station. See what the OSU students are learning. Visit the Trimble lab where students learn precision ag electronic calibrations. Tour the test plots and learn about some of the research being done. Hear how dandelion tap roots may become sources of rubber in the future
Mrs. Yoder's Kitchen (lunch) 8101 State Route 241, Mt. Hope, OH 44660
Gloria Yoder opened this local favorite in 1994, and it draws Amish regulars and visitors alike. The buffet is best known for its crispy fried chicken, made fresh daily.
Amish Food in Ohio's Amish Country | Mrs. Yoder's Kitchen
Behalt, Amish & Mennonite Heritage Center 5798 County Road 77, Berlin, OH
At Behalt there is a 10 by 265-foot cyclorama that brings Amish & Mennonite history to life from Christ to the present day. See why this painter is referred to as the Michelangelo of the Amish. Tour the gift shop and then head to a preserved Amish one room school house where their education system is explained, Q & A available. Holmes county has more than 300 Amish school houses. Next walk up the hill to a recently built barn erected with Amish craftsmanship. Get your picture taken in an Amish buggy.
The Amish & Mennonite Heritage Center – Holmes County, Ohio
Lehman's Hardware 4779 Kidron Road, Dalton, OH 44618
This 35,000-square-foot store gathers four pre-Civil War era buildings under one roof, and the full shopping experience is nearly a quarter mile long. Lehman's is known worldwide for non-electric goods and the motto "For a Simpler Life."
Lehman's - Products for Simple Living
Tour #2: Pro Football Hall of Fame | $94
MAPS Air Museum 2260 International Parkway, North Canton, OH 44720
Aviation, gridiron glory, and First Ladies history, all in the Canton area. The museum holds more than 50 aircraft, most on loan from the U.S. Air Force or Navy for restoration. Displays include Medal of Honor exhibits, a Gallery of Heroes, and the Ohio Military Museum. Highlights include a Blue Angels A-4 Skyhawk and the Goodyear blimp "Spirit of Akron. Upper-level rooms dedicated to the Vietnam War and a Bob Hope room.
Pro Football Hall of Fame (lunch on your own) 2121 George Halas Dr NW, Canton, OH 44708
Canton is the birthplace of the NFL. The Hall of Fame Gallery, with bronze busts of every member, is often the most emotional stop. The immersive theater "A Game for Life" features holograms of Joe Namath, George Halas, and Vince Lombardi. The NFL was founded in Canton in 1920. The 120-acre Hall of Fame Village next door offers plenty more to explore.
First Ladies National Historic Site 205 Market Ave. South, Canton, OH 44702
It is the only site in the world dedicated to the First Ladies of the U.S. It includes the museum and Library. Artifacts on display include a pair of Mary Jane shoes worn by Florence Harding.
The National First Ladies Library and Museum » National First Ladies
Tour #3: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame & Science Center | $105
Head to Cleveland's lakefront for a day of music, hands-on science.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame & Great Lakes Science Center & William G. Mather Maritime Museum (lunch on your own) 1100 Rock & Roll Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44114
Designed by I. M. Pei, the Rock Hall opened in 1995 and honors influential performers, producers, songwriters, and disc jockeys.
Cleveland earned the museum thanks to its rock history. Alan Freed popularized the term "rock and roll" here, and the first rock concert, the Moondog Coronation Ball, was held in the city in 1952. Exhibits include instruments and clothing from legends like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and David Bowie. The museum sits on the shores of Lake Erie in North Harbor and has a café and music shop.
Next door, the Great Lakes Science Center offers more than 400 hands-on exhibits and an OMNIMAX theater (not included in your tour cost). It is also home to the NASA Glenn Visitor Center and The Walter Mather Maritime Museum is short walking distance. Make sure to visit the NASA Exhibit and space capsule
All Tours will finish the evening at Varian Orchards
A 325-acre working orchard with lakes, forests, and stunning views. Enjoy a BBQ dinner and entertainment before returning to the Hotel. 6344 Orchard View Dr. SE, East Canton, OH 44730
Varian Orchards Wedding Venue | Where Love & Nature Flourish
