Ohio - Southeast Attractions

Noah's Lost Ark Animal Park Sanctuary provides refuge for abandoned and unwanted exotic animals. The animal park survives off donations and admission fees. Visitors who tour the facility are educated about the issues surrounding exotic animals born in captivity as well as endangered species.

The old Jewel Evans Grist Mill in Bidwell is located on the Hidden Valley Ranch. The Grist mill is known for being the largest grist mill of this type in the United States.

The Byesville Historical Society & Museum is located in a historical bank building in downtown Byesville. The museum explores the history of Byesville and the local are from the early 19th Century to present. The collection includes historical photographs of the area along with antiques and other artifacts.

Leo Petroglyph State Memorial is located near and named for the town of Leo. The site contains prehistoric Indian inscriptions, thought to have been created by the Fort Ancient Indians who inhabited this area 1,000 years ago.

Leo Petroglyph State Memorial protects a sandstone petroglyph with 37 drawings of humans, animals, and animal tracks. Visitors can see the petroglph from viewing platforms.

Dresden proudly calls itself "Basket Village USA" and is where Longaberger Baskets first began. The town has a giant picnic basket which is claims to the "World's Largest Basket". Visitors to Dresden can tour the Longaberger Homestead and manufacturing facility.

Dresden also has lots of unique shops and an assortment of restaurants. Other local or nearby attractions include the Dresden Junction Toy Train Museum, Roscoe Village, and The Wilds.

The Germantown Museum displays a wide range of historical items. Displays include furniture from the 17th to 20th Century in all kinds of styles, textiles and textile tools, a huge collection of clothing from various periods for all kinds of events and everyday where, decorative arts, jewelry, and more. There is also an exhibit depicting life in Germantown from the 18th to 20th Century.

The mid sized town of Jackson has just over 6,000 residents. It is located in the far Southern portion of Ohio. It is an active community and well served by local services. Jackson boasts of all brand new schools, three medical facilities, and a full time city recreation program. The town's economy is primarily based on manufacturing.

The Hocking Valley Scenic Railway runs between Nelsonville and Logan offering fine views of the rolling landscape of this area of southeastern Ohio. The train is powered by a diesel locomotive and uses original coaches from the 1920s.

In addition to the regular service the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway also runs theme trains according to season. Some of these excursions include the Easter Bunny Train, the Fourth of July Fireworks Shuttle, and the October Fall Foliage, to name just a few.

The National Road / Zane Grey Museum is located in Norwich and as the name suggests, divided into two sections - the National Road and the Zane Grey Museum. The first section showcases the National Road that passed through this location and its role in developing the United States. The second section is devoted to author Zane Grey, the "Father of the Adult Western".

Meigs County Museum in Pomeroy preserves artifacts and archives from Meigs County. Visitors can learn about the history of the area through a variety of displays and the museum library.

The Meigs County Museum has expanded, and acquired the adjoining property, now called the Howard and Geneva Nolan Meigs County Museum Annex. As a result the museum will be able to display many more items which were previously in storage.

Buffington Island, not actually an island at all, serves to commemorate the only major Civil War battle to take place in the state of Ohio. A stone monument marks the 1863 battle. The park consists of four acres with plaques on the history of the site and picnic tables where visitors can relax and enjoy the outdoor area.

The Bob Evans Farm in Rio Grande is where it all began for this man, who is so famous now for his restaurants. Visitors can tour the Homestead Museum or shop in the extensive Craft Barn with all kinds of crafts and nic nacs, or enjoy a meal at the original Bob Evans Restaurant.

The Bob Evans Farm is set in the beautiful rolling countryside and is a popular spot with families. The farm also presents theme days and special events throughout the year.

Big Bottom State Monument in Stockport marks the location of a conflict between Ohio Company settlers and the Delaware and Wyandot Indians that developed in the late 18th Century. The event is known as the Big Bottom Massacre. The conflict was later resolved with the signing of the Treaty of Greene Ville.

For those looking for an escape from urban life, the Wayne National Forest is just the spot. Here outdoor enthusiasts will find over 480 km / 300 of hiking, biking, equestrian, and walking trails, not to mention an abundance of forest creatures. The Wayne National Forest is the only National Forest in Ohio.

The Philip Moore Jr. Stone House in West Portsmouth is interesting both for its architecture and for the fact that it is one of the oldest houses in Scioto County. The house was built for Philip Moore Jr. in the Pennsylvania Stone House style. Visitors can tour the house to see what homes in the late 18th Century were like. The interior displays a variety of pioneering artifacts.