Tourism Brings Millions of Dollars to Marion County

The exterior of a 2-story building with siding and a G&R Tavern sign above the door. — The G&R is located at 103 N. Main St., Waldo.

On a recent Saturday night, the G&R in Waldo was packed for fried bologna sandwiches and mile-high slices of pie. However, there were only two local license plates. All of the rest were outside of Marion County.

The famous bologna sandwich is a 1' thick slice of bologna with melted white Monterey Jack cheese, pickles, raw onion, and a soft hamburger bun. The bar is in the background. — A fried bologna sandwich at the G&R.

Those visitors, along with many others, make a tremendous impact on Marion’s economy. In 2023, direct visitor spending totaled $80.1 million dollars, according to an economic impact report by the Ohio Department of Development and Oxford Economics.

“That’s incredible for a community of our size. It makes a difference,” said Bev Ford, executive director of the Marion Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB).

Two women smile. Teri his a younger woman with long, light brown hair and a red shirt. Bev has short brown hair with some gray highlights, a white blouse and tan suitcoat. — Teri Shipley, Office Coordinator, and Bev Ford, Executive Director, Marion Area Convention and Visitors Bureau

The tourism industry supports 1,860 jobs. Visitor spending generated $4.1 million in local tax revenue. One way to track tourism locally is the lodging tax, which is paid by visitors staying in Marion accommodations. The lodging tax funds the CVB. In 2024, this key indicator was the highest it had been in a decade, according to the study.

“Some are hotels are staying 70-90% full, even in the off season,” Ford said. “Marion has become an attractive, affordable destination to hold weddings. We also have people coming to enjoy our historic attractions, parks, restaurants, and drinkeries.”

Tourists Flooded Marion in 2024

In 2024, the Marion County Historical Society saw consistent increase in monthly attendance. The Harding Presidential Sites reported more than 10,000 visitors. More than 20,000 people visited Lawrence Orchards, including 500 from around the globe for the solar eclipse last April.

A couple smiles while wearing "Appleclipse" shirts. — George and Vickie Lawrence

“According to a recent industry study, historic attractions and museums are among the top travel draws,” Ford said. “In 2025, they project the road less traveled will carry a higher appeal as people are opting for small communities like Marion to avoid crowds and lower stress.”

Shopping, Eating, and Nature Drive Tourism

Long-time local resident Ellen Messenger loves bringing friends to her hometown.

“I love Marion! Some college friends from Fredericktown were tired of driving into Columbus. I said, ‘Come here!’ We shopped at Charleston Place, ate at a local restaurant and visited the Harding Home. They loved spending the day here. It was neat to see the community through their eyes,” Messenger said.

While food and drink remain top attractions, more travelers are looking at nature-based experiences such as cycling across the Marion Tallgrass Trails or playing disc golf at a local park.

“Tourism has done really well in 2024,” Ford said. “Marion is warm, friendly, and welcoming – I hear that all of the time from visitors.”

Bases are Loaded with Sports Tourism

A player in a baseball uniform and glove reaches for a ball. — Elliot Durain is one of thousands of athletes to play at the River Valley Sports Complex. (Photo by Amy Evers Roston)

Sports tourism is another huge attraction. In 2024, the River Valley Sports Complex hosted seven sold-out tournaments. It’s on track to match or beat that in 2025. The tournaments have 72 teams each, bringing thousands of people to Marion. Lincoln Park also brings large numbers of players, coaches, proud parents and fans.

“Sometimes, travelers have to stay as far away as Ashland because all of the closer hotels are sold out,” Ford said.

Exterior of a building with large windows. A large red cardinal statue is in the foreground. — The Marion Area CVB at 198 W. Center St. in downtown Marion, Ohio.

Downtown Revitalization Attracts Tourists

More tourists are stopping by the CVB in its new location in downtown Marion. Visitors stop in to get a free map of the cardinal statues and local attractions. The Night Moves shuttle bus is another feature to help tourists get around.

A cardinal statue stands in front of a Fire Dept.

“We are fortunate to have people willing to invest in downtown and revitalize it!” Ford exclaimed. “If local residents haven’t been down here, now is a great time to check it out. Sometimes, long-time residents take it for granted.”

“We can really see a snowball effect going into 2026,” Ford said. “The Strong Towns group will make a documentary promoting Marion. Many local leaders are also planning events to highlight Marion’s role in the nation’s history in 2026 as a part of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations. This will only grow.”

For more info:

Marion Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
198 W Center Street
Marion, OH 43302

Toll Free: 800-371-6688
Local: 740-389-9770

For info on weekend events, follow the CVB on social media or sign up for the monthly e-newsletter. They also host a free community calendar on the CVB’s website.