Adventures for the Entire Family!
Athens County is a family's playground, bursting with fun-filled adventures kids of all ages will enjoy. Take a train ride into the past, a scenic hike, a bike ride along the Hocking River, or tour the first college campus in the Northwest Territory.
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Athens County History Geotrail
The first GeoTrails in Ohio and the ONLY handicap-accessible trail in the nation!
Athens Farmers Market
Called one of the nation's best markets by Audubon Magazine, the Athens Farmers Market is more than fresh produce. You'll also find meats, eggs, cheeses, baked goods and much more.
Athens Parks and Recreation Community Center
The Athens Arts Parks and Recreation Department maintains over 260 acres of land in 7 different locations, oversees many diverse facilities, and provides programs for all ages and interests.
Dairy Barn Arts Center
With activities and exhibits all year round, The Dairy Barn Arts Center is respected regionally, nationally and internationally, and is a must-see for any Athens County visitor.
Fiber Fun Studio
Anyone can learn to create fiber arts at Fiber FUN Studio! They offer supplies and classes to support the artistic dreams and needs of weavers, knitters, crocheters, and other fiber artists.
Final Fridays
On the final Friday of every month, except December, galleries and shops on Nelsonville's Historic Public Square stay open late. Visitors are treated to art exhibits, plays, street performers or hands on workshops with the artists themselves.
Hockhocking Adena Bikeway
A cyclist's dream, the 19-mile Hockhocking Adena Bikeway is a smooth and easy ride connecting Athens to Nelsonville. Ride along the banks of the winding Hocking River and make stops at Ohio University, Robbins Crossing, or Nelsonville's Historic Arts District.
Hocking Hills Adventure Trek
The BEST way to experience the Hocking Hills? With the Hocking Hills Adventure Adventure Trek! Choose from guided hikes, rappelling adventures, Shawnee Storytelling treks, and Naturalists-on-the-Go! See the permit-only areas of the Hocking Hills and other areas in Southeast Ohio.
Hocking Hills Tourism Association
From the moment you enter these lush, rolling hills, you sense that you've arrived someplace remarkable. The scenery is simply dazzling. Deep craggy gorges carry hikers down hundreds of feet along gorgeous scenic trails.
Hocking Valley Scenic Railway
The Hocking Valley Scenic Railway is one of the most popular attractions in Athens County. Completely restored to their original splendor, the Scenic Railway passenger cars are a treasure unto their own. Passengers are treated to a ride through the beautiful Hocking Hills Region, from Nelsonville to Logan or Haydenville and back.
Moonville Tunnel Trail
Located deep in Zaleski Forest in Ohio near Lake Hope State Park, the Moonville Tunnel is all that remains from a small mining town that existed in the late 1850s.
Nelsonville Farmers Market
In collaboration with the popular Final Fridays event on the Historic Square in downtown Nelsonville, local farmers will join the fray from 5pm-8pm every Final Friday from May through October. The goal is to promote healthy food options as well as supporting local agricultural entrepreneurs and hobby gardeners alike.
Quilt Barn Tour
Don't forget your camera when you head out for the beautiful Quilt Barn Tour. No matter the season, the Quilt Barn Tour makes the perfect afternoon getaway. You'll see historic barns with quilt blocks painted by area artists and community groups, and all while driving on the scenic back roads of Athens County.
The Athens Skate Park
Located on East State Street next to the Athens Community Center, the 17,000 square foot concrete skatepark is one of the most innovative and challenging parks in the Eastern United States.
The Ridges Cemeteries & State Mental Hospital
The Ridges, formerly the Athens Lunatic Asylum, is now the home of Ohio University's Kennedy Museum of Art and other university offices, as well as a great location for hiking and exploring nature.
Touch the Earth Adventures
Touch the Earth Adventures is an outdoor adventure experience created to inspire people to be in tune with our Earth through hiking, kayaking and cycling expeditions. Make new friends and lifetime memories through guided day- and weekend-long trips.
ARTS/West
ARTS/West: Athens Community Gateway to the Arts is a multipurpose community arts space utilized by groups ranging from actors, dancers, and DJs to photographers, musicians, and neighborhood associations.
Athens County Historical Society & Museum
History buffs and the slightly curious alike can enjoy the Athens County Historical Society and Museum. With fantastic exhibits year round there are always new stories to discover.
Bird Arena (Ice Skating)
Feel like ice skating? Ohio University's Bird Arena offers recreational ice skating and skate rental.
Dow's Rollarena
Dow's Rollarena in Nelsonville offers open skating sessions for roller and inline skaters. It can also be rented out for your special event.
Eclipse Company Town
An old mining town, The Eclipse Company Town is just two miles north of Athens and Ohio University off of US 33 and Johnson Road near The Plains. Or ditch the car and take the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway straight there.
Fast Traxx Motoplex
Have a need for speed? Fast Traxx Motoplex has got it! Off-road motorcycle and all-terrain vehicles race before your eyes on Supercross, Motorcross, and Grand Prix courses.
Hocking Hills Canopy Tours
Fast, fun and exhilarating, this adventure offers a unique opportunity to zip through the treetops. An amazing experience!
Hutchison Horsedrawn Wagon Rides
John Hutchison raises Percheron horses on his farm in Vinton County Ohio. They work the farm together and raise Christmas trees. His farm is a favorite destination for families during the holidays. He is a seasonal favorite during the Christmas season in uptown Athens and at Lake Hope State Park during the Festival of Lights. He and his team can often be found at Lake Snowden during Summer and Fall Holiday weekends and at numerous festivals.
Little Cities of Black Diamonds
Many of Southeast Ohio's coal mining boom towns still stand today. Tour the Little Cities of Black Diamonds and discover Athens County's rich past. Glouster, Trimble, Millfield, Sugar Creek and Buchtel are just a few of the little cities that were once flourishing economic centers for coal miners and their families.
Nelsonville Water Park
Beat the heat with a trip to the Nelsonville Water Park, open seasonally May - August.
Ohio University Athletics
The pomp and pageantry of NCAA Division I sports come to life at Ohio University in Athens. Students, faculty, locals, and family all don the green and white to root their beloved Bobcats to victory.
Ohio Valley Summer Theater
From Peter Pan to Inherit the Wind, the Ohio Valley Summer Theater has been wowing audiences for over 55 years.
Putt People First Miniature Golf Course
Putt People First is an eighteen-hole miniature golf course featuring hole obstacles unique to its Athens County sponsors. This game is a fun family experience unlike any other. And what's more, all proceeds benefit those with autism or other developmental disabilities.
Robbins Crossing
A completely restored 1850'-era Ohio Village, Robbins Crossing is an interactive way to give yourself or the kids a great history lesson. Talk to villagers, watch the blacksmith at work, or stop into the General Store.
Rollerbowl Lanes
Rollerbowl Lanes features open bowling, youth and adult league bowling, and pool tournaments.
Skyline Speedway
If you're looking for racing, Skyline Speedway is the place to be. The 3/8 mile, high banked track features 410 Sprints, Super Late Model, Street Stock, AMRA Modified, Pure Stock and 4 Cylinder races.
Southern Ohio Copperheads
When the weather heats up, the boys of summer charge the baseball diamond. Bring the whole family out to watch the Southern Ohio Copperheads take on their Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League rivals.
The Ridges Outdoor Challenge Course
Looking for a great team-building group activity? Try Ohio University Outdoor Pursuits' Challenge Course at The Ridges.
Athens County Visitors Bureau · 1-800-878-9767 · Contact Us
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