Peebles OhioATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Peebles, Ohio.
1. Serpent Mound
ANCIENT EFFIGY WONDER
Serpent Mound is the largest and finest serpent effigy in the United States, stretching nearly a quarter of a mile long and representing an uncoiling serpent. The impressive earthwork lies on a plateau overlooking the valley of Brush Creek and includes a museum with educational exhibits on its cultural significance. Visitors can view this fascinating 1,300-foot long, 25-foot wide, and 5-foot high ancient wonder from a tower or along a walkway that hugs the serpent's twisted body.
2. Serpent Mound Museum
HISTORICAL EDUCATIONAL CENTER
The Serpent Mound Museum offers captivating illustrations and stories about the famous effigy mound and theories behind its mysterious history. Open daily from March to December, the museum serves as an educational hub for visitors seeking to understand this ancient earthwork's significance. The facility provides context for the nearby mound through exhibits that explore the various scientific theories about who built the serpent effigy and why.
3. Fort Hill State Memorial
ANCIENT HILLTOP FORTRESS
Fort Hill State Memorial features an ancient hilltop enclosure built by the Hopewell culture approximately 2,000 years ago with stone and earthen walls extending more than 1.5 miles. The 1,300-acre preserve includes a museum explaining the site's archaeological significance and the native cultures who created it. Visitors can explore several hiking trails that wind through old-growth forests while offering views of this impressive prehistoric monument.
4. Arc of Appalachia Preserve
NATURAL WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE
The Arc of Appalachia Preserve System protects over 7,000 acres of natural habitat across southern Ohio with its headquarters near Peebles. The preserve system features numerous hiking trails through diverse ecosystems including old-growth forests, limestone caves, and prairie remnants. Visitors can experience the rich biodiversity of the Appalachian foothills while learning about conservation efforts to protect these unique natural areas.
5. Pike Lake State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION HAVEN
Pike Lake State Park offers a serene 13-acre lake surrounded by the beautiful hills of southern Ohio, providing opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming. The park features camping facilities, cabins, picnic areas, and several miles of hiking trails through wooded terrain. Visitors can enjoy seasonal activities including winter sports and wildlife viewing throughout the year in this tranquil natural setting.
6. Brush Creek State Forest
PRISTINE WOODLAND RETREAT
Brush Creek State Forest encompasses over 12,000 acres of woodland near Peebles, offering extensive opportunities for outdoor recreation. The forest features numerous trails for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking through diverse Appalachian terrain. Visitors can enjoy hunting, fishing, and primitive camping while experiencing the natural beauty of one of Ohio's largest state forests.
7. Wheat Ridge Amish Community
TRADITIONAL CULTURAL EXPERIENCE
The Wheat Ridge Amish Community near Peebles offers visitors a glimpse into traditional Amish life with numerous craft shops, bakeries, and furniture stores. Visitors can observe traditional farming methods and purchase handcrafted items directly from Amish artisans. The area is especially known for its furniture makers, quilt shops, and homemade food products that showcase traditional craftsmanship and cultural heritage.
8. Miller's Bakery & Furniture
AMISH CRAFTS AND TREATS
Miller's Bakery & Furniture is a popular Amish-owned establishment offering handcrafted furniture alongside freshly baked goods near Peebles. The shop showcases traditional woodworking techniques with custom-built furniture pieces made from quality hardwoods. Visitors can purchase delicious homemade breads, pies, cookies, and other baked treats while browsing the selection of Amish-crafted furniture and home goods.
9. Tranquility Wildlife Area
HUNTER'S PARADISE
Tranquility Wildlife Area spans nearly 4,000 acres of diverse habitat including forests, grasslands, and wetlands near Peebles. The area is managed for wildlife conservation and provides excellent hunting opportunities for deer, turkey, and small game. Visitors can also enjoy wildlife observation, nature photography, and hiking throughout this expansive natural area.
10. Edge of Appalachia Preserve
BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOT
The Edge of Appalachia Preserve System protects over 20,000 acres of ecologically significant land containing some of the most diverse natural communities in Ohio. The preserve features several hiking trails that showcase rare plant species, limestone cliffs, and abundant wildlife. Visitors can explore different sections of the preserve including Lynx Prairie, Buzzardroost Rock, and the Wilderness Trail to experience the natural beauty of this biodiversity hotspot.
11. Murphin Ridge Inn
RUSTIC DINING EXPERIENCE
Murphin Ridge Inn offers an exceptional farm-to-table dining experience featuring locally-sourced ingredients in a charming rural setting near Peebles. The restaurant is known for its Amish-country inspired cuisine served in a restored 1828 farmhouse with views of the surrounding countryside. Diners can enjoy seasonal menus that showcase the bounty of southern Ohio while experiencing the warm hospitality of this acclaimed country inn.
12. Blake's Family Restaurant
HOMETOWN COMFORT FOOD
Blake's Family Restaurant serves hearty, homestyle meals in a casual, welcoming atmosphere in the heart of Peebles. The restaurant offers generous portions of American classics including breakfast favorites, burgers, and traditional comfort food dishes at reasonable prices. Locals and visitors alike appreciate the friendly service and consistent quality that have made this establishment a community gathering place.
13. Olde Wayside Inn
HISTORIC DINING DESTINATION
The Olde Wayside Inn is a historic restaurant housed in a building dating back to 1804, making it one of Ohio's oldest continuously operating inns. The establishment serves traditional American fare with specialties including their famous fried chicken and homemade pies in a charming historic atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy a meal surrounded by period decor while learning about the inn's rich history that includes hosting notable guests throughout the decades.
14. Adams County Farmers Market
LOCAL HARVEST SHOWCASE
The Adams County Farmers Market brings together local farmers, artisans, and food producers to offer fresh produce, handcrafted items, and homemade goods. The market operates seasonally and features the agricultural bounty of southern Ohio including fruits, vegetables, honey, maple syrup, and baked goods. Visitors can connect with local producers while experiencing the rural character and agricultural traditions of the region around Peebles.
15. Great Serpent Mound Crater
ANCIENT IMPACT SITE
The Great Serpent Mound Crater is a five-mile-diameter geological anomaly believed to have been caused by a meteorite impact or volcanic explosion millions of years ago. This dramatic landscape feature creates the unique terrain that surrounds the famous Serpent Mound effigy. Visitors can view this impressive geological formation from several vantage points while contemplating the relationship between the ancient earthwork and this unusual natural feature.