Amesville Ohio
ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Amesville is a village located in Athens County, Ohio. Listed below are the best attractions and things to do in Amesville.
1. Gifford State Forest
SCENIC HIKING TRAILS | AMESVILLE OH
Gifford State Forest is the smallest of Ohio's state forests, offering 320 acres of pleasant hunting and hiking opportunities. It features two main hiking trails: Vista Trail (1.5 miles) and Indian Stone Trail (2.3 miles), providing gorgeous scenery and great workouts. The dense forest is littered with large boulders, stones, and towering stone cliffs that cover the hillsides. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, picnics, and plant identification in this scenic natural area.
2. Athens County Quilt Barn Tour
SCENIC DRIVING TOUR | ATHENS OH
The Athens County Quilt Barn Tour offers a unique way to explore the hills of Athens County. Visitors can see over 20 historic barns featuring unique quilt patterns displayed on their sides. The tour includes three route options: the 45-mile Appliqué Loop, the 45-mile Stitch Loop, and the 55-mile Quilter's Loop. Along the way, travelers will discover winding creeks, fields of wildflowers, spectacular overlooks, and covered bridges. It's recommended to pack a picnic and bring a camera to capture the scenic Appalachian hill country views.
3. Dutch Creek Winery
ARTISANAL WINERY & CIDERY | ATHENS OH
Dutch Creek Winery specializes in mead, cider, and fruit wines, offering a unique tasting experience. The husband-and-wife team manages both the farm side, including beekeeping and an apple-peach-pear orchard, and the production of artisanal, small-batch beverages. Visitors can enjoy sample flights of honey wines and hard ciders in the tasting room, along with a selection of local beers. The winery also offers food options, including hot pizzas, Bavarian-style soft pretzels, and liège pearl sugar waffles to complement their wine and cider selections.
4. Village Productions
COMMUNITY ARTS CENTER | AMESVILLE OH
Village Productions is a private, non-profit community-based organization serving the rural, mostly Appalachian area around Amesville. The center offers a diverse range of classes seven days a week, including yoga, dance, music, pilates, and drumming. Drop-ins are welcomed to participate in the various activities. Village Productions plays a vital role in fostering arts and culture in the local community. The organization provides a space for creativity, learning, and community engagement in the heart of rural Ohio.
5. Amesville Firemen's Festival
ANNUAL COMMUNITY EVENT | AMESVILLE OH
The Amesville Firemen's Festival is an annual event held on the third weekend of every July. The festival features a variety of attractions, including carnival games for kids, live music performances, and bingo. Visitors can enjoy a tractor pull and dancing performances throughout the event. A unique highlight of the festival is the opportunity to ride in a Crosley 1954 miniature Fire Engine. The Amesville Firemen's Festival serves as a fun-filled community gathering that supports local firefighters.
6. Hocking Valley Scenic Railway
HISTORIC TRAIN RIDES | NELSONVILLE OH
The Hocking Valley Scenic Railway is a non-profit, volunteer-operated tourist railroad attraction offering scenic train rides. Operating out of Nelsonville, the railway uses former trackage of the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway, originally part of the Hocking Valley Railway. The scenic rides provide passengers with beautiful views of the Hocking Valley region. Throughout the year, the railway offers various themed excursions and special events, making it a popular attraction for both locals and tourists.
7. Stuart's Opera House
HISTORIC PERFORMANCE VENUE | NELSONVILLE OH
Stuart's Opera House is a historic performance venue and cultural centerpiece in Nelsonville. Originally built in 1879, the opera house hosts over 75 events each year, including music performances and other live shows. The venue has a rich history and has been restored to continue serving as a hub for arts and entertainment in the region. Stuart's Opera House is renowned for attracting high-caliber acts and fostering a vibrant cultural scene in Southeastern Ohio.
8. Athens Farmers Market
LOCAL PRODUCE & CRAFTS | ATHENS OH
The Athens Farmers Market is a year-round marketplace offering a wide variety of local products. Visitors can find locally raised meats, vegetables, fruits, plants, cut flowers, cheeses, baked goods, prepared foods, wines, and more. Saturday markets also feature handcrafted items such as jewelry, pottery, paintings, prints, and wooden crafts. The market operates every Saturday year-round and on Wednesdays from April through November, providing a vibrant community gathering space and supporting local farmers and artisans.
9. Little Fish Brewing Company
CRAFT BREWERY & TAPROOM | ATHENS OH
Little Fish Brewing Company is a popular craft brewery located in Athens. The brewery offers a taproom where visitors can enjoy a variety of locally crafted beers. Little Fish Brewing Company features outdoor seating, live music events, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Visitors can also purchase beer to go and enjoy food from on-site food trucks, making it a great destination for craft beer enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
10. Ohio University
HISTORIC CAMPUS TOURS | ATHENS OH
Ohio University is a historic institution rich in tradition and a significant part of Athens' identity. The university offers campus tours, allowing visitors to explore its beautiful grounds and historic buildings. Ohio University is known for its strong academic programs and vibrant campus life. The institution plays a central role in the local community, hosting various events and contributing to the cultural and economic landscape of Athens.
11. Brewed on the Bikeway
CRAFT BEER TOUR | ATHENS OH
Brewed on the Bikeway is a unique craft beer and bike tour experience in Athens. Participants can visit award-winning craft breweries, sampling beers directly from the source. The tour includes stops at a craft beer hall with 32 beers on tap and a local cider house. Brewed on the Bikeway combines the enjoyment of craft beverages with the scenic beauty of the region's bike trails. This attraction offers a fun and active way to explore the local craft beer scene.
12. Hocking Hills State Park
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE DESTINATION | LOGAN OH
Hocking Hills State Park is a renowned outdoor destination offering stunning natural beauty and diverse recreational opportunities. The park features dramatic rock formations, waterfalls, and lush forests, with popular attractions like Old Man's Cave and Ash Cave. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, rock climbing, fishing, and camping within the park. Hocking Hills State Park is known for its scenic landscapes and provides a perfect escape for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.