Turkey Legs, Archery & Laughs: A Day at the Great Lakes Medieval Faire

​If you ever wanted to step into a different time preferably one with jousting, oversized turkey legs, and someone shouting “Huzzah!” every few minutes then the Great Lakes Medieval Faire is your place.
Nestled in the woods of Ohio, this magical little village appears every summer like clockwork, ready to transport you into a world of knights, fairies, and mischief. And for me? It’s more than just a day of fun. It’s where my husband and I had our very first date over twenty years ago. Yep, long before jobs, and the art of tag-team grocery shopping, we wandered these very dirt paths hand-in-hand, both pretending we weren’t totally awkward. Spoiler: we were.
Now, all these years later, we return like pilgrims to a sacred site with sunscreen, reusable water bottles, and a plan to eat everything in sight.
Archery: My Medieval Love Language
Let’s start with the obvious. If there’s archery, I’m in. The Faire has a little target range tucked between merchant tents and the smell of roasted meats. It’s nothing fancy, just some bows, straw targets, and the satisfaction of beating your spouse’s score with dramatic flair.
I may or may not have channeled my inner elven warrior, whispering “For the realm!” before each shot. (Okay, definitely did.)
Feasting Like Royalty... or Like a Peasant Who Hasn’t Eaten in Days
The food? Oh, friends. You don’t just eat at the Faire. You commit.
Giant smoked turkey legs that could double as medieval weapons? Check. Fried pickles on a stick? Yes. Cinnamon almonds that make your whole bag smell like Christmas? Always.
And if you haven’t tried the mead slushie yet, treat yourself. It's like someone looked at a wine cooler and said, “Let’s give this a noble makeover.” Delicious and just dangerous enough if you forget to hydrate.
Laughter Is Thy Best Medicine
We made sure to catch the comedy shows, and let me tell you—they’re not your average dad jokes (though my husband may have taken notes). The bawdy humor, improv antics, and quick-witted performers had the whole crowd howling.
We caught the Washing Well Wenches (still hysterical after all these years) and the Mud Show, which somehow gets funnier the dirtier it gets. Don’t sit in the splash zone unless you really want to be part of the action.
A Bit of Magic (and Nostalgia)
Somewhere between the axe-throwing booth and the fairy-winged toddlers dancing in bubbles, I looked over at my husband and smiled. This place—chaotic, dusty, loud, and weirdly wonderful—was where it all began. Just two young nerds in love, pretending we knew what we were doing.
Now, it’s part tradition, part time capsule, part annual excuse to wear flower crowns and eat funnel cake before noon. And honestly? I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Tips for Your Quest:

• Bring cash! Some vendors don’t take cards, and you need that handcrafted leather pouch. Trust me.
• Wear comfy shoes. You’ll do more walking than a medieval messenger with news of a dragon attack.
• Sunscreen, bug spray, and a sense of humor are essential gear.
• Always say “Huzzah!” back. It’s just good manners.

Have you been to the Great Lakes Medieval Faire? Got a favorite food or memory? Drop it in the comments, I’d love to hear your tales of the realm!
Until next time, may your aim be true and your turkey leg never dry.

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