dog fountain in mt vernon
Midwest,  Travel,  Weekend Trips

Visit The Dog Fountain In Mt. Vernon, Ohio, And These Nearby Stops

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A true hidden gem is the Dog Fountain in Mt. Vernon, Ohio. Bring your family and furry friends to see 18 cast aluminum dog sculptures circling a golden bone. If you look close enough, you will even find a cat!

Dog Fountain in Mount Vernon Ohio
Dog Fountain in Mount Vernon Ohio

The charming small town of Mt. Vernon offers visitors more than its iconic Dog Fountain; it is a town full of surprises. This article will recap the Mt. Vernon Dog Fountain and give you a list of nearby places worth visiting.

Where Is Mt. Vernon, Ohio

Mt. Vernon is a small town roughly 40 miles northeast of Columbus, Ohio. It is in Knox County and 25 minutes from Mohican State Park.

Dog Fountain Address: 201 S Main St, Mt Vernon, OH 43050

Mount Vernon Dog Fountain
Mount Vernon Dog Fountain

What Is The Dog Fountain

The dog fountain was installed in the fall of 2019 as part of the restorations of downtown historic Mt. Vernon. The fountain is in South Main Plaza and was created to be a family-friendly community space. 18 different dog breeds are represented, each one with its eye on the golden bone in the middle. Four dogs are touchable ( not in the fountain), and my daughter loved the lone cat!

The Dog Fountain is the perfect family spot
The Dog Fountain is the perfect family spot

There are benches and picnic tables nearby, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a coffee in the morning, picnic lunch, or evening ice cream.

Street parking will be your best bet, but there is a public parking lot around the corner.

Dog Fountain In Mt. Vernon
Dog Fountain in Mt. Vernon

Dog Fountain Rules

  • Do not enter or allow your pet to enter the fountain.
  • Do not climb, walk, stand or run on any part of the fountain.
  • No throwing coins in the fountain
  • Do not feed the animals
  • Do not skateboard or rollerblade on the fountain
  • Clean up after yourself and your pets
  • Do smile for the camera since the plaza is monitored 24/7

Other Things To Do In and Near Mt. Vernon

Grab A Cup of Coffee at Happy Bean Coffee Shop

Next door to the Dog Fountain is a lovely coffee shop with incredible coffee. If mommy is taking the kids to the fountain, this is the first stop! The Happy Bean Coffee Shop offers more than coffee, such as local bakery goods and ice cream. I recommend getting your order to go and enjoy it by the fountain.

Browse the Books at Paragraphs Bookstore

It is hard to pass by Paragraphs Bookstore without the urge to go in and browse. Paragraphs is a darling bookshop that has books for readers of all ages. In addition to books, they sell unique gifts, greeting cards, and toys.

Tip: It is only a few storefronts down from the Dog Fountain!

SPI Spot

This fun science museum is truly a hidden gem. Kids of all ages will enjoy exploring the wonderful world of science. From a fun woodland-themed toddler area to hands-on science experiments, this is one museum that is bound to keep them busy. 

SPI Spot In Mount Vernon, Ohio
SPI Spot In Mount Vernon, Ohio

While the museum may not be huge, every nook and cranny is filled with activities designed to spark curiosity.

Tip: If you have a museum membership to COSI, the Cleveland Science Center, or another museum, check to see if they are members of the ASTC Travel Passport. Having a membership will give guests discounts or free admission to other museums.

Mohican State Park

Only twenty-five minutes away from the Dog Fountain, guests can transport themselves into the beauty of the scenic Mohican State Park. Hike along the gorge, climb the fire tower, then relax by a calming creek near the covered bridge.

Mohican State Park
Mohican State Park

The Mohican State Park makes the perfect spot to set up a home base for a weekend of exploration. Stay overnight at the Mohican State Park Lodge, or opt for a unique getaway with a treehouse rental at the Mohican’s Treehouse Resort.

Plan A Day Trip To Mansfield

Discover all the fun things to do in nearby Mansfield, Ohio. Hike the trails at the historic Malabar Farm, see the Mansfield Reformatory, then cap your day with a stroll through Kingwood Gardens.

Malabar Farm
Malabar Farm

Kids will love to take a spin on the Richland Carrousel and then explore the Buckeye Imagination Museum. Adults will enjoy tossing axes at the Axe Social Lounge and then venturing to the Phoneix Brewing Company.

Things to do near Mount Vernon, Ohio
Things to do near Mount Vernon, Ohio

Don’t miss out on exploring the small town of Mount Vernon along with the unique Dog Fountain!

Did you enjoy our article on the Mount Vernon Dog Fountain? If so, check out these related articles:

Beautiful Places To Explore In Ohio This Fall 

11 Last-Minute Summer Ideas In Ohio 

A Perfect Weekend Getaway To Athens, Ohio 

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The Dog Fountain In Mount Vernon, Ohio

Mount Vernon Dog Fountain