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

Where to stay in Southeast Ohio

Default Image

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
Default Image

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 Wheeling Island Casino and Racetrack.

Wheeling Island
Default Image

Downtown Wheeling

While visiting Downtown Wheeling, you might make a stop by sights like Capitol Theater and WesBanco Arena.

Downtown Wheeling
Default Image

Downtown Cambridge

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

Downtown Cambridge
Wingate by Wyndham St. Clairsville/Wheeling

Wingate by Wyndham St. Clairsville/Wheeling

2.5 out of 5
51130 National Road E St. Clairsville OH
The price is AU$108 per night from 1 Feb to 2 Feb
AU$108
1 Feb - 2 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in St. Clairsville. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (976 reviews)
Clean room , friendly staff!

Reviewed on 15 Jan 2026

Wingate by Wyndham St. Clairsville/Wheeling
Days Inn by Wyndham Columbus East Airport

Days Inn by Wyndham Columbus East Airport

2.5 out of 5
2100 Brice Road Reynoldsburg OH
The price is AU$124 per night from 25 Jan to 26 Jan
AU$124
25 Jan - 26 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Reynoldsburg. Enjoy an outdoor pool, room service and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,000 reviews)
Yes

Reviewed on 11 Jan 2026

Days Inn by Wyndham Columbus East Airport
Ohio University Inn & Conference Center

Ohio University Inn & Conference Center

3.5 out of 5
331 Richland Ave Athens OH
The price is AU$182 per night from 28 Jan to 29 Jan
AU$182
28 Jan - 29 Jan
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! (1,002 reviews)
Athens is a beautiful town, the bed was surprisingly comfortable. Breakfast was good in the onsite restaurant.

Reviewed on 17 Jan 2026

Ohio University Inn & Conference Center
See all 2,930 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! (103 reviews)
This little cabin was exceptional!!!! Super cozy! The high was only in the 20’s and we stayed nice and warm! Absolutely loved the large windows to lay in bed and look out! Our French Bulldog had a blast, they had him water dishes, and he loved the windows also!!!! They think of everything, we had ...

Reviewed on 19 Jan 2026

Postcard Cabins Hocking Hills, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy
The Hemlock Treehouse | Hocking Hills

The Hemlock Treehouse | Hocking Hills

South Bloomingville Ohio
Stay at this cabin in South Bloomingville. Enjoy patios, an in-room coffee maker and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Hocking Hills State Park and Blue ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
Amazing vibe! Fantastic amenities with the hot tub and fire pit and many seating areas! Great cleaning crew - it was spic and span inside! Highly recommend a stay at any of their treehouses!

Reviewed on 8 Dec 2025

The Hemlock Treehouse | Hocking Hills
Hickory Grove Cabin On 8 Acres With Private Fishing Pond.

Hickory Grove Cabin On 8 Acres With Private Fishing Pond.

Rockbridge OH
Stay at this cabin in Rockbridge. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, patios and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Hocking Hills State Park and Cantwell Cliffs are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (358 reviews)
Our host was very helpful anytime we talked. The cabin was super cozy and relaxing. Spent the weekend with my sisters and mama. Great place for a relaxing girls weekend. Thank you so much!

Reviewed on 15 Jan 2026

Hickory Grove Cabin On 8 Acres With Private Fishing Pond.
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
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
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
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
There are 1,930 people buried at the three cemeteries on the grounds of the former Athens Lunatic Asylum. Most graves are marked only with a number. After 1943, the state began putting names, births, and deaths, on the markers of the patients who died. 

Court Street

During your trip to Athens, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Court Street. Discover the area's festivals or seek out its hiking trails.

Court Street

Cities near Southeast Ohio

A dinosaur sculpture with a metal body and a fin made from painted chunks of clay.

Pickerington

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

Explore a world of travel with Expedia