Southeast Ohio Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Called "The Ridges" currently, this large, looming building that overlooks Ohio University's campus was formerly a mental health hospital called the Athens Asylum for the Insane. There's a small museum inside now, and the rest of the grounds are owned by the university, but there is still certainly a chilling aspect to the building that calls to its past. Take a walk around the grounds or visit the museum, it's something worth seeing. Behind the building is a community park with areas that would be worth visiting in warmer days. Take the road that loops up a hill (to the left of a campus sign) and you can view the cemetery of unnamed, forgotten patients who died and were only assigned a number. There are efforts to find the names of these individuals and give them the attention that is deserved. There's also a beautiful nature walk that I would have taken if it wasn't so cold! #roadtrips #ohio #historic #hospitals #roadtrip
Called "The Ridges" currently, this large, looming building that overlooks Ohio University's campus was formerly a mental health hospital called the Athens Asylum for the Insane. There's a small museum inside now, and the rest of the grounds are owned by the university, but there is still certainly a chilling aspect to the building that calls to its past. Take a walk around the grounds or visit the museum, it's something worth seeing. Behind the building is a community park with areas that would be worth visiting in warmer days. Take the road that loops up a hill (to the left of a campus sign) and you can view the cemetery of unnamed, forgotten patients who died and were only assigned a number. There are efforts to find the names of these individuals and give them the attention that is deserved. There's also a beautiful nature walk that I would have taken if it wasn't so cold! #roadtrips #ohio #historic #hospitals #roadtrip
This natural bridge is worth the hike.
About all that remains of Moonville is this old railroad tunnel. The town sprang up in the late 1800's because of the Marietta and Cincinnati railroad building through the uninhabited forest on its way to Cincinnati. The coal town's population peaked at just over one hundred. The last family left town in 1947. By the 1960s most of the buildings were gone and only the tunnel survives today. The Moonville Tunnel can be accessed via The Moonville Rail-Trail, a sixteen-mile #hiking trail comprising the abandoned railway inside the Zaleski State Forest.
Boord State Nature Preserve has a short 3/4 mile loop trail that meanders through an old pine plantation, into a natural woods and along a creek with a seasonal waterfall. #FindingtheUniverse

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Where to stay in Southeast Ohio

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West Logan

While West Logan may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Hocking Hills Craft Mall and Logan Antique Mall.

West Logan
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Wheeling Island

While there might not be top attractions in Wheeling Island, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Capitol Theater and Heritage Port Amphitheater.

Wheeling Island
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Downtown Wheeling

While visiting Downtown Wheeling, you might make a stop by sights like Heritage Port Amphitheater and Capitol Theater.

Downtown Wheeling
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Downtown Cambridge

If you're spending some time in Downtown Cambridge, The National Museum of Cambridge Glass and Dickens Victorian Village are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Cambridge
Ohio University Inn & Conference Center

Ohio University Inn & Conference Center

3.5 out of 5
331 Richland Ave Athens OH
The price is AU$184 per night from 22 Mar to 23 Mar
AU$184
22 Mar - 23 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Athens. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,009 reviews)
Room was clean and comfy. Restaurant was awesome!

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026

Ohio University Inn & Conference Center
Cherry Valley Hotel

Cherry Valley Hotel

3 out of 5
2299 Cherry Valley Rd Se Newark OH
The price is AU$157 per night from 15 Mar to 16 Mar
AU$157
15 Mar - 16 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Newark. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,012 reviews)
Clean room. Friendly staff.

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026

Cherry Valley Hotel
Postcard Cabins Hocking Hills, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy

Postcard Cabins Hocking Hills, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy

2 out of 5
38490 Todd Rd Nelsonville OH
The price is AU$234 per night from 11 Mar to 12 Mar
AU$234
11 Mar - 12 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this cabin in Nelsonville. Enjoy free parking, a picnic area and patios. Popular attractions Nelsonville Brick Park and Robbins Crossing Historical Village ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (108 reviews)
Room was spotless! Best experience ever!

Reviewed on 1 Mar 2026

Postcard Cabins Hocking Hills, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy
See all 2,982 properties in Southeast Ohio
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Postcard Cabins Hocking Hills, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy

Postcard Cabins Hocking Hills, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy

2 out of 5
38490 Todd Rd Nelsonville OH
Stay at this cabin in Nelsonville. Enjoy free parking, a picnic area and patios. Popular attractions Nelsonville Brick Park and Robbins Crossing Historical Village ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (108 reviews)
Room was spotless! Best experience ever!

Reviewed on 1 Mar 2026

Postcard Cabins Hocking Hills, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy
2-Person Romantic Treehouse Getaway in Hocking Hills, Ohio

2-Person Romantic Treehouse Getaway in Hocking Hills, Ohio

South Bloomingville OH
Stay at this cabin in South Bloomingville. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and patios. Popular attraction Tar Hollow State Park is located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (302 reviews)
The hard work put into the structure and creation of the treehouse was very much appreciated. Only catch was the Keurig, but we left a not on the counter about that one. One small recommendation, maybe using gravel where the steps are to help filter water and keep the wood from becoming slippery ...

Reviewed on 19 Feb 2026

2-Person Romantic Treehouse Getaway in Hocking Hills, Ohio
Beautiful Villa - Pool, Hot tub, Sauna, sleeps 29!

Beautiful Villa - Pool, Hot tub, Sauna, sleeps 29!

Lancaster OH
Stay at this family-friendly holiday home in Lancaster. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, private pools and a sauna. Popular attractions Charles F. Alley Park and Goslin Nature ...
10/10 Exceptional! (66 reviews)
Had a blast. Host was responsive!

Reviewed on 1 Feb 2026

Beautiful Villa - Pool, Hot tub, Sauna, sleeps 29!
See all properties in Southeast Ohio
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Called "The Ridges" currently, this large, looming building that overlooks Ohio University's campus was formerly a mental health hospital called the Athens Asylum for the Insane. There's a small museum inside now, and the rest of the grounds are owned by the university, but there is still certainly a chilling aspect to the building that calls to its past. Take a walk around the grounds or visit the museum, it's something worth seeing. Behind the building is a community park with areas that would be worth visiting in warmer days. Take the road that loops up a hill

Ohio University

Explore the campus of Ohio University during your travels in Athens. Discover the bars and its entertainment venues while you're in the area.

Ohio University
The Wilds is a private, non-profit #safari park and #conservation center that combines cutting-edge conservation science and education programs with hands-on experiences and one-of-a-kind adventures that include ziplining, horseback riding, fishing and more. With this much #nature, the Ohio white tail deer would not be out done!!

The Wilds

See the exotic and native animals who live at The Wilds during your travels in Chandlersville. Discover the area's museums and monuments.

The Wilds
Since its completion in 1924, Swasey Chapel has been Denison’s most iconic structure. The chapel seats 990 and plays host to notable campus events such as baccalaureate services, lectures, concerts, and academic award convocations.

Denison University

Enjoy the student vibe when you visit Denison University during your trip to Granville. Take in the entertainment venues in this romantic area.

Denison University
The sign says it all! Some folk history to check out in the small town of pt pleasant. #roadtrip #wv

Mothman Museum

You can spend an afternoon exploring the galleries in Mothman Museum in Point Pleasant. You can enjoy the bars while in the area.

Mothman Museum
Sunset on Lake Logan from the eastern half of the lake.

Lake Logan State Park

You can take time to visit Lake Logan State Park during your travels to Logan. Amble around the area's parks or seek out its hiking trails.

Lake Logan State Park

Wheeling Island Casino and Racetrack

Why not try your luck with a visit to Wheeling Island Casino and Racetrack during your time in Wheeling? While you're in the area, find time to visit its casinos.

Wheeling Island Casino and Racetrack

Cities near Southeast Ohio

Zeller-Smith Covered Bridge in Fairfield County, Ohio

Pickerington

Aerial of Lake Vesuvius on Snowy Winter Day - Wayne National Forest - Ohio

Nelsonville

Welcome to Zucchini-Fest! The crowning achievement of the village of Obetz, OH. Come celebrate all the culinary delights of Cucurbita pepo! Clockwise we have deep fried zucchini chips with ranch dressing, zucchini bread batter ice cream with lemon curd and finally, a zucchini funnel cake with cinnamon and cream cheese icing!

Obetz

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