For visitors arriving in Mount Vernon, Ohio, the CA&C Visitor Center is more than a place to pick up a brochure. Housed inside a historic railroad passenger station, the visitor center offers a connection to Mount Vernon‘s transportation history while serving as a starting point for exploring downtown, local trails, parks, attractions, restaurants, and communities throughout Knox County.
Located at 501 South Main Street, the CA&C Visitor Center sits at an important crossroads for both visitors and outdoor enthusiasts. The historic building welcomes travelers, cyclists, walkers, and residents while providing information about things to see and do throughout Mount Vernon and Knox County.
A Historic Railroad Station
The building that now houses the CA&C Visitor Center was constructed in 1905 as a passenger station for the Cleveland, Akron and Columbus Railroad, commonly known as the CA&C.
During the first half of the 20th century, the station was an important part of Mount Vernon‘s transportation network. Trains carried passengers, visitors, industry, and commerce through the community, connecting Mount Vernon with other cities and towns in Ohio.
Passenger service continued at the station until 1952, when the last passenger train passed through.
Today, the restored station provides a tangible reminder of a time when railroad travel played a much larger role in everyday life. The historic architecture and original purpose of the building make it an interesting destination in its own right, even for visitors who are simply stopping by to gather information about the area.
From Railroad Station to Visitor Center
While its original role was transportation, the building now serves a very different purpose.
The CA&C Visitor Center houses the offices of the Knox County Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Knox County Chamber of Commerce. The shared facility serves as a welcome center for people visiting Mount Vernon and Knox County.
Visitors can stop inside to find information about local attractions, restaurants, accommodations, events, outdoor recreation, and other destinations throughout the county.
For someone visiting Mount Vernon for the first time, the visitor center can be a convenient place to get oriented before exploring the community.
A Starting Point for the Trails
One of the most useful features of the CA&C Visitor Center is its location within Mount Vernon‘s trail network.
The visitor center sits near the connection between the Heart of Ohio Trail and the Kokosing Gap Trail, making it a popular starting point and stopping point for cyclists and pedestrians. Knox County is also located near the midpoint of the Ohio to Erie Trail, a multi-use route extending across Ohio.
Trail users can use the visitor center as a place to park, take a break, use the public restrooms during operating hours, and get information about the surrounding trail system.
There is also a public bike repair station on the east side of the building, providing cyclists with a convenient place to make basic repairs or adjustments during a ride.
For anyone exploring Mount Vernon by bicycle, the CA&C Visitor Center can therefore serve as much more than an information stop.
American Heritage Park
The area surrounding the CA&C Visitor Center has also become an important part of Mount Vernon‘s public spaces.
In July 2024, the City of Mount Vernon officially named the green space surrounding the visitor center American Heritage Park. The park was envisioned as an important connection point for the city’s recreation and transportation network.
One of the most recognizable features of the park is Liberty Plaza, home to a bronze replica of the Statue of Liberty.
The statue was given to the City of Mount Vernon by the Ariel Foundation in 2023. The nine-foot-tall, 1,500-pound bronze statue was created from the final maquette used by French sculptor Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi during the development of the original Statue of Liberty.
The statue was officially dedicated in October 2024, creating another distinctive landmark for visitors arriving in Mount Vernon.
A Connection to Mount Vernon’s Outdoor Recreation
The CA&C Visitor Center’s location makes it particularly useful for people interested in exploring Mount Vernon‘s outdoor attractions.
From the visitor center, travelers can access nearby trails and connect with other recreational destinations throughout the community.
Mount Vernon and Knox County offer numerous opportunities for walking, cycling, hiking, kayaking, fishing, and exploring parks. The visitor center provides a convenient place to gather information before heading out on an adventure.
For trail users traveling through the area, the combination of parking, restrooms, visitor information, and bike-repair amenities makes the CA&C a practical stop along the way.
A Place for Local Art and Community Events
The historic visitor center isn’t used only for tourism information.
The building and surrounding area also serve as a venue for community activities and special events.
In 2026, for example, the CA&C Visitor Center hosted Art at the Park, a community art exhibition featuring two-dimensional, three-dimensional, and multimedia artwork from artists of different ages and experience levels.
Using the historic railroad station as a gallery creates an interesting connection between Mount Vernon‘s past and its current arts community.
Events and exhibits like these also give residents and visitors another reason to step inside the historic building.
A Gateway to Downtown Mount Vernon
The CA&C Visitor Center’s location on South Main Street places it close to many of the attractions that make downtown Mount Vernon a destination in its own right.
Visitors can use the center as a starting point before exploring downtown restaurants, local shops, historic buildings, cultural attractions, and public spaces.
The visitor center is also close to other recreational and cultural destinations, including Ariel-Foundation Park and the downtown area. The Knox County Convention & Visitors Bureau specifically recommends the center as a place to get information about things to see, do, eat, and experience throughout the county.
Visiting the CA&C Visitor Center
The CA&C Visitor Center is located at:
501 South Main Street
Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050
The visitor center is currently open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Public restrooms are available during those business hours. Trail users are encouraged to use the visitor center parking area for daytime trail access.
The center also provides visitor guides and information about attractions throughout Knox County.
Because hours and access can occasionally change for meetings, holidays, or special events, visitors may want to check the current information before planning a visit.
Discover Mount Vernon From the CA&C Visitor Center
The CA&C Visitor Center represents an interesting chapter in the evolution of Mount Vernon.
A building that once welcomed passengers arriving by railroad now welcomes visitors arriving by car, bicycle, and foot. Its role has changed, but its purpose as a place of arrival and connection remains remarkably similar.
Today, the historic station provides information about the community while connecting downtown Mount Vernon with the Heart of Ohio Trail, Kokosing Gap Trail, American Heritage Park, and other local destinations.
Whether you’re visiting Mount Vernon for the first time, cycling through Knox County, exploring the city’s history, or simply looking for ideas about what to do locally, the CA&C Visitor Center is a great place to begin discovering Mount Vernon, Ohio.