Historic Nelsonville

Situated at the edge of the Hocking Hills, Historic Nelsonville is home to the famous Star Brick, Rocky Boots and one of Ohio's prettiest town squares.

Historic Nelsonville in the Hocking Hills Region

fullbrooks thumbNo trip to the Hocking Hills Region or Southeast Ohio would be complete without a stop in Historic Nelsonville.  Home to one of Ohio's most beautiful town squares, this town provides so much family fun that you might need to stay overnight!  Stroll the Public Square and discover eclectic shops and galleries along the way.  And don't miss the famous Star Brick sidewalks!  Just 12 minutes from Athens or Logan, on State Route 33.  With the bypass nearing completion, just look for the Nelsonville exits on the highway.

Nelsonville's Public Square    

Centered around a beautiful fountain, the Public Square is home to a thriving collection of shops, galleries and restaurants.  Antiques, quilting, gifts, ceramics, locally-made items, and amazing art can be found all around the square!  Follow the Star Brick sidewalks and spend an afternoon browsing the Square.  For a complete list of shops, click HERE.

Rocky Outdoor Gear Store  

nelsonville fountain

Housed in the former Rocky Boot Factory, the Rocky Outdoor Gear Store offers three amazing floors of boots, outdoor gear and clothing, housewares, gifts and accessories and specialty food.  Don't miss lunch or dinner at the delicious Boot Grill and enjoy dining right in the middle of the store.  This is a must-see place for anyone visiting the region.  

Hocking Valley Scenic Railway  

Ride the rails on an original coal train line!  Plus special trains for holidays and events.  Considered one of the top 10 scenic railways in America!

Stuart's Opera House  

nelsonville fountain

This beautifully-restored coaltown-era opera house is the diamond of the Nelsonville Public Square! Stuart's Opera House attracts musicians from all over the world to Southeast Ohio for amazing concerts and special events.  

Hocking College / Robbins Crossing Pioneer Village

Hocking College is best known for their culinary arts, music production and naturalist interpretation training programs.  Also located on campus is the Robbins Crossing Pioneer Village, home to many restored log cabins and the site of the Nelsonville Music Festival – a great place for picnic, and a regular stop on the Hocking Valley Railway.

Wayne National Forest 

Ohio’s only national forest is located in Nelsonville and the surrounding areas, providing many opportunities for outdoor recreation.  The forest includes the best ATV trails in all Ohio, along with birdwatching, mountain biking, camping and other activities.  

Final Fridays on the Square

Final Fridays on the Square

On the final Friday of every month (excluding December), galleries and retail shops on Nelsonville's Historic Square stay open late for one of the town's most beloved arts events.

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