Barnesville Ohio
ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Barnesville is a village located in Belmont County, Ohio. Listed below are the best attractions and things to do in Barnesville.
1. Barnesville Pumpkin Festival
ANNUAL HARVEST CELEBRATION | BARNESVILLE OH
The Barnesville Pumpkin Festival is a four-day celebration held during the last full weekend of September. It features harvest-inspired arts and crafts, home-style foods, and entertainment on two stages. The festival includes a giant weigh-in of champion pumpkins, numerous fun contests, and the Giant Pumpkin Festival Parade on Saturday. Admission is free, making it an accessible and enjoyable event for both adults and children.
2. Dickinson Cattle Company
TEXAS LONGHORN RANCH | BARNESVILLE OH
Dickinson Cattle Company boasts the largest herd of Texas Longhorn Cattle east of San Francisco. The ranch offers 75-minute interpretive bus tours for groups of 10 or more, providing an up-close look at these magnificent animals. Their Head to Tails Store sells a variety of products including grass-fed beef, jerky, sausage, and longhorn-related items. Visitors can also find unique souvenirs such as horn art, hides, and leather products.
3. Barnesville Memorial Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION COMPLEX | BARNESVILLE OH
Barnesville Memorial Park is a comprehensive outdoor recreation facility offering activities for all ages. The park features various shelter houses, three lighted baseball fields, hiking trails, and a 12-acre lake. Additional amenities include lighted basketball and tennis courts, a volleyball court, batting cages, and an Olympic-size swimming pool. The park also boasts an amazing playground, an amphitheater, a gazebo, picnic areas, and a group camp with cabins.
4. Barnesville Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Depot
HISTORIC TRAIN STATION | BARNESVILLE OH
The Barnesville Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Depot is the last remaining train station in Belmont County. This historic site features the original depot building filled with railroad memorabilia. Visitors can explore a B&O Caboose on display near the station. Just down the path from the depot, guests can discover the fascinating Railroad Tunnel, adding to the site's historical significance.
5. Belmont County Victorian Mansion Museum
HISTORIC HOME TOURS | BARNESVILLE OH
The Belmont County Victorian Mansion Museum is an award-winning 26-room mansion built in the 1800s. It showcases superbly carved oak fretwork, butternut wood details, and hand-carved wood mantels among its finely crafted features. The museum offers guided tours, allowing visitors to step back in time and experience the elegance of the Victorian era. Open from May to September, Wednesday through Sunday, it also accommodates group tours by appointment year-round.
6. Watt Center for History and the Arts
LOCAL HISTORY MUSEUM | BARNESVILLE OH
The Watt Center for History and the Arts is housed in the original office building of the Watt Car and Wheel Company. It features exhibits showcasing the area's coal history, as well as local business, industry, and agriculture. The center displays an old steam whistle that was formerly used to signal weather for the local community. Open by appointment, this museum offers a unique glimpse into Barnesville's industrial past.
7. Veterans Plaza and Overlook
MEMORIAL & VIEWPOINT | BARNESVILLE OH
The Veterans Plaza and Overlook is nestled in downtown Barnesville at the intersection of North Arch Street and East Main Street. This memorial site welcomes visitors to remember and honor those who served to protect our country. The Overlook Plaza provides a unique vantage point, offering views of the railroad tracks above the B&O Tunnel. This attraction combines historical significance with scenic views, making it a meaningful stop for both locals and tourists.
8. Barkcamp State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION AREA | BELMONT OH
Barkcamp State Park encompasses over 1,200 acres of rolling hills and woodlands. The park features a 117-acre Belmont Lake, popular for fishing and electric motor boating, with annual rainbow trout stocking. Visitors can enjoy a 700-foot beach for swimming, camping facilities, hunting in designated areas, and various winter activities. The park also offers an archery range, an 18-hole putt-putt golf course, and miles of hiking and bridle trails.
9. Underground Railroad Museum
HISTORICAL EDUCATION CENTER | FLUSHING OH
The Underground Railroad Museum houses an extensive collection of publications, books, and memorabilia related to slavery and the Underground Railroad in Ohio. Its exhibits provide insight into the culture of the 1800s and the role of the region in this important historical movement. The museum offers a unique educational experience, shedding light on a crucial part of American history. Visitors can explore the displays to gain a deeper understanding of this pivotal era.
10. Belmont County Sheriff's Residence Museum
LOCAL HISTORY EXHIBITS | ST CLAIRSVILLE OH
The Belmont County Sheriff's Residence Museum is housed in a beautifully restored 1880s former Sheriff's residence. It features artifacts and pictures that tell the stories of many communities throughout Belmont County. The museum provides information about various area attractions, offering a comprehensive look at local history. Visitors are advised to call ahead or check the museum's Facebook page for current operating hours.
11. Olney Friends School
HISTORIC QUAKER SCHOOL | BARNESVILLE OH
Olney Friends School is a historic Quaker boarding school founded in 1837. The school offers a unique educational experience, combining rigorous academics with Quaker values and environmental stewardship. Its campus features historic buildings and expansive grounds, including an organic farm. Olney Friends School is known for its small class sizes, diverse international student body, and commitment to sustainability and social justice.
12. Stillwater Meeting House
HISTORIC QUAKER SITE | BARNESVILLE OH
The Stillwater Meeting House is a significant historical site for the Quaker community in Barnesville. Built in 1878, it stands as one of the largest Quaker meeting houses in Ohio. The building features simple yet elegant architecture, reflecting Quaker principles of simplicity and equality. Visitors can explore the peaceful grounds and learn about the rich history of Quakers in the region. The site occasionally hosts events and gatherings, offering a glimpse into Quaker traditions.