Zaleski OhioATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Zaleski, Ohio.
1. Zaleski State Forest
OHIO'S SECOND LARGEST FOREST
Zaleski State Forest covers an impressive 28,000 acres of natural beauty, making it Ohio's second largest forest. Visitors can explore extensive backpack trails that wind through the lush woodland landscape. The forest encompasses Lake Hope State Park and offers opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and connecting with nature.
2. Lake Hope State Park
SERENE WOODLAND RETREAT
Lake Hope State Park is a tranquil natural area nestled within the larger Zaleski State Forest. The park features a beautiful lake surrounded by forested hills, offering opportunities for swimming, fishing, and boating. Visitors can also enjoy camping facilities, including a designated campground suitable for various outdoor experiences.
3. Equestrian Ridge Farm
HORSEBACK ADVENTURE DESTINATION
Equestrian Ridge Farm offers memorable horseback riding tours through the scenic countryside of Zaleski. Guests can experience guided trail rides suitable for various skill levels while enjoying panoramic views of the Appalachian foothills. The farm provides a unique opportunity to connect with horses while exploring the natural beauty of southeastern Ohio.
4. Hope Furnace
HISTORIC IRON PRODUCTION
Hope Furnace stands as a remarkable remnant of Ohio's iron-producing past, once operating as part of the region's thriving iron industry. The restored stone structure offers visitors a glimpse into 19th-century industrial processes that helped shape the area's economic development. Interpretive displays around the furnace explain the historical significance and operation of this important piece of local heritage.
5. Moonville Tunnel
MYSTERIOUS RAILWAY RELIC
Moonville Tunnel is a captivating abandoned railway tunnel located near Zaleski State Forest with a reputation for being haunted. The brick tunnel, built in 1856, stands as the last remnant of the once-thriving mining town of Moonville that has since disappeared. Visitors can hike to this atmospheric historical site along the Moonville Rail Trail and experience the eerie ambiance that has inspired numerous local legends.
6. Lake Hope Lodge
RUSTIC DINING EXPERIENCE
Lake Hope Lodge offers a welcoming dining destination featuring a menu of regional favorites in a stunning natural setting. The lodge's rustic architecture complements its woodland surroundings with large windows offering views of Lake Hope State Park. Visitors can enjoy hearty meals after a day of outdoor adventures, making it a popular gathering spot for both locals and tourists.
7. Vinton County Farmers Market
LOCAL HARVEST SHOWCASE
Vinton County Farmers Market brings together local producers offering fresh produce, handcrafted goods, and specialty foods from throughout the region. The market creates a vibrant community gathering space where visitors can connect directly with farmers and artisans. Seasonal offerings reflect the agricultural bounty of Appalachian Ohio, providing a taste of authentic local flavors.
8. John Glenn Boyhood Home
AMERICAN HERO'S BEGINNINGS
The John Glenn Boyhood Home preserves the early environment that shaped NASA astronaut and Ohio's longest-serving U.S. Senator, John Glenn. Visitors can experience life during the Great Depression and on the home front during WWII through carefully maintained period furnishings and exhibits. The historic home offers insights into the formative years of one of America's most celebrated public figures.
9. Leo Petroglyph State Memorial
ANCIENT INDIGENOUS CARVINGS
Leo Petroglyph State Memorial features remarkable ancient American Indian carvings etched into sandstone at the edge of a scenic ravine. The site showcases outstanding examples of American Indian rock art thought to date between A.D. 1000 and 1550. A small museum provides context for understanding these significant archaeological treasures that offer glimpses into the spiritual and cultural life of Ohio's indigenous peoples.
10. National Road/Zane Grey Museum
AMERICA'S HISTORIC HIGHWAY
The National Road/Zane Grey Museum tells the story of U.S. 40, the old National Road that came to be called 'the Main Street of America.' Exhibits explore the adventure novels and Westerns of Zanesville author Zane Grey, whose works helped shape America's perception of the frontier. Visitors can also view examples of the art pottery for which this region of Ohio was famous in the 20th century.
11. Ohio River Museum
RIVERBOAT HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Ohio River Museum presents the rich history of the Ohio River and its profound impact on regional development and commerce. Visitors can step aboard the W.P. Snyder Jr., the nation's last intact steam-powered, stern-wheeled towboat. The museum's exhibits chronicle river transportation evolution from flatboats to modern barges, highlighting the waterway's crucial role in American expansion.
12. Our House Tavern
HISTORIC FEDERAL-STYLE INN
Our House Tavern is a meticulously restored Federal-style tavern built in 1819 that once hosted the Marquis de Lafayette during his tour of the United States in 1825. The historic structure offers visitors a glimpse into early 19th-century travel accommodations and social spaces. The tavern stands as a testament to the French heritage of Gallipolis and its importance as a stopping point for travelers in Ohio's early development.
13. The Ridge Inn
CLASSIC APPALACHIAN DINING
The Ridge Inn serves authentic Appalachian cuisine in a charming country setting near the Hocking Hills region. The restaurant specializes in hearty, home-style meals using recipes passed down through generations of local families. Diners enjoy a warm, welcoming atmosphere that reflects the hospitality traditions of southeastern Ohio.
14. Robinson's Cave
HIDDEN NATURAL WONDER
Robinson's Cave features impressive rock formations and natural chambers carved by water over thousands of years in the hills near Zaleski. The cave system offers adventurous visitors the chance to explore underground passages and witness unique geological features. Local legends and historical significance add an extra layer of intrigue to this natural attraction.
15. Hocking Valley Scenic Railway
HISTORIC TRAIN EXPERIENCE
The Hocking Valley Scenic Railway takes passengers on a journey through time aboard vintage train cars traveling through the picturesque Hocking River Valley. The railway operates on historic tracks once used for transporting coal and other goods from the region's mines and industries. Seasonal themed rides, including fall foliage tours and holiday specials, make this attraction a year-round destination for visitors seeking both history and natural beauty.