For Galion residents, Malabar Farm State Park is close enough for an easy fall drive. But the connection between Galion and one of Ohio’s best-known historic farms runs deeper than geography. Galion businessman and agricultural innovator Ralph Cobey was a close friend of Malabar Farm founder Louis Bromfield. After Bromfield’s death in 1956, Cobey became a driving force behind preserving the farm and ultimately seeing it become part of the Ohio state park system.
That history provides a fitting local backdrop as Malabar Farm prepares for one of its biggest annual celebrations.
Two Days of Ohio History
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is inviting families, history enthusiasts and anyone looking for a fall outing to Ohio Heritage Days on Saturday, September 26 and Sunday, September 27. The festival runs from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM both days at Malabar Farm State Park near Lucas. Admission and parking are free. The 2026 celebration also comes as Malabar marks 50 years as an Ohio state park.
“Heritage Days is a wonderful opportunity to step back in time and experience the traditions, craftsmanship, and stories that helped shape Ohio,” ODNR Director Mary Mertz said. “Malabar Farm’s history is woven into our state’s agricultural roots, and this event brings that legacy to life in a way that is fun, educational, and memorable for families.”
Throughout the weekend, visitors can watch demonstrations of blacksmithing, broom making, quilting and wool spinning, along with displays from modern craftspeople. Living history camps will represent periods stretching from the 1700s through World War II, while archaeological exhibits and antique tractors will offer different glimpses into Ohio’s past. Horse-drawn wagon rides and pony rides will add to the farm atmosphere.
Inside the Big House
Visitors will also have an opportunity to explore two of Malabar Farm’s best-known historic buildings. Free self-guided tours of the Big House and the Ceely Rose House will be available from 1:00 to 4:00 PM.
The Big House remains closely associated with Bromfield, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author who transformed the property into an internationally known experiment in conservation and sustainable agriculture. Today, Malabar Farm preserves both sides of Bromfield’s legacy. It remains a working farm while also offering visitors trails, historic buildings, farm animals and sweeping views across Pleasant Valley.
One of the park’s most recognizable vistas can be found from Mt. Jeez, overlooking the landscape Bromfield knew and wrote about.
Saturday Night in the Barn
Heritage Days will continue after the daytime demonstrations end on Saturday. A free barn dance is scheduled from 7:00 to 10:00 PM in the Main Barn, with music by the Back Porch Swing Band. No previous dancing experience is necessary. Visitors can park near the Visitors’ Center and walk down the lane to the barn. Water and soda will be available for purchase with cash. Food vendors, live music and other entertainment will also be part of the weekend festival.
A Galion Hand in Malabar’s Survival
The story of Malabar Farm after Bromfield is also part of Galion history. Cobey, known nationally for his work in agricultural equipment and conservation, shared Bromfield’s interest in farming and land stewardship. Following Bromfield’s death, he became founder, chairman and manager of the Louis Bromfield Malabar Farm Foundation. His efforts were instrumental in preserving the property and continuing Bromfield’s agricultural and conservation philosophy. Those efforts eventually resulted in Malabar Farm being transferred to the State of Ohio as a state park and working demonstration farm.
That gives Galion residents heading to Heritage Days something more than proximity to connect them with the farm. One of the people who helped make sure Malabar survived for future generations came from Galion. Be sure to look out for a tribute to Ralph in the Big House.
A Fall Weekend Close to Home
Malabar Farm State Park is located at 4050 Bromfield Road near Lucas. With traditional crafts, living history, historic buildings, wagon rides, music and the Saturday evening barn dance, Ohio Heritage Days offers a full weekend built around the history of the place and the agricultural traditions Bromfield and Cobey worked to preserve. And for Galion visitors, it is a reminder that one of Ohio’s most distinctive historic landscapes has a chapter of its story rooted close to home.
Source: ODNR; Photo: 1831Galion