SOUTHEAST OHIO
Shawnee Ohio
ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
1. Tecumseh Theater
HISTORIC ENTERTAINMENT VENUE | SHAWNEE OHIO
The Tecumseh Theater, located on Shawnee's historic Main Street, offers its first-floor event space, the Tecumseh Commons, for community and entertainment activities. This renovated theater hosts music performances, community meetings, and various events, serving as a cultural hub for the village of Shawnee and surrounding areas.
2. Tecumseh Lake
SCENIC OUTDOOR RECREATION | SHAWNEE OH
Tecumseh Lake, situated just outside historic Shawnee in Wayne National Forest, offers a serene setting for outdoor enthusiasts. Built in 1952 through community effort, the lake serves as a recreational hub for activities such as fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. It also provides access to the Buckeye Trail and North Country Scenic Trail.
3. Robinson's Cave
HISTORIC NATURAL LANDMARK | NEW STRAITSVILLE OH
Robinson's Cave, known for its natural beauty and historical significance, played a crucial role in labor organizing movements. Located near New Straitsville, this secluded cave with excellent acoustics became a meeting place for coal miners in the late 1800s, hosting important gatherings during the Hocking Valley Coal Strike of 1884-1885.
4. Buckeye Trail
EXTENSIVE HIKING NETWORK | SHAWNEE OH
The Buckeye Trail, stretching nearly 1,444 miles around Ohio, passes through the Shawnee area, offering hikers access to diverse landscapes. This extensive trail network connects various natural and historical sites, providing opportunities for both day hikes and long-distance treks through the scenic Appalachian foothills of southeastern Ohio.
5. Wayne National Forest
VAST OUTDOOR PLAYGROUND | SHAWNEE OH
Wayne National Forest, Ohio's only national forest, encompasses over 244,000 acres of Appalachian foothills surrounding Shawnee. This vast outdoor playground offers diverse recreational opportunities, including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and ATV trails. The forest's natural beauty and abundant wildlife make it a haven for nature enthusiasts.
6. Tinker's Cave
MYSTERIOUS HISTORICAL SITE | SHAWNEE OH
Tinker's Cave, a rockshelter tucked between two ridges in Wayne National Forest near Shawnee, boasts a fascinating history. This natural formation, large enough to stable 20 horses, gained notoriety in the 1840s when Shep Tinker allegedly used it to hide stolen horses, adding an air of mystery to its natural allure.
7. Little Cities of Black Diamonds Council Archive
LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTION | SHAWNEE OH
The Little Cities of Black Diamonds Council, based in Shawnee, maintains a local history archive and exhibit of Shawnee memorabilia. This collection preserves and showcases the rich mining history, labor organization, and immigration patterns that shaped the region, offering visitors insight into the area's significant cultural heritage.
8. Tecumseh Trails Offroad
THRILLING ADVENTURE PARK | SHAWNEE OH
Tecumseh Trails Offroad, located near Shawnee, is an off-road enthusiast's paradise. This 1,340-acre park caters to ATVs, UTVs, and dirt bikes, offering riders a network of signed and looped trails. The diverse terrain provides exciting challenges for off-road adventurers of various skill levels.
9. Payne Cemetery
HISTORICAL BURIAL GROUND | SHAWNEE OH
Payne Cemetery, situated near Shawnee, holds significant historical value as an early African American settlement. This burial ground marks the site of several farmsteads established by freed or escaped slaves from Virginia. The cemetery serves as a poignant reminder of the area's role in the Underground Railroad.
10. Stone Church Trailhead
SCENIC HIKING & RIDING | SHAWNEE OH
The Stone Church Trailhead, located near Shawnee in Wayne National Forest, serves as a gateway to miles of scenic trails. This popular starting point offers opportunities for both hikers and horseback riders to explore the beautiful Appalachian landscape. The trailhead also provides camping facilities for those seeking an extended outdoor adventure.
Shawnee Attractions
THINGS TO DO IN SHAWNEE
Shawnee, Ohio, nestled in the heart of Perry County, is a small village steeped in rich history and natural beauty. Known for its pivotal role in Ohio's coal mining era, Shawnee stands as a testament to the resilience and spirit of Appalachian communities. The village's well-preserved 19th-century architecture, particularly along Main Street, offers visitors a glimpse into its prosperous past as a bustling coal town.
At the center of Shawnee's cultural heritage stands the iconic Tecumseh Theater. This historic venue, built in 1907, once served as a vibrant opera house and continues to be a focal point for community gatherings and events. The theater's ongoing restoration efforts symbolize the town's commitment to preserving its cultural legacy while adapting to modern times.
Nature enthusiasts flock to Shawnee for its proximity to the vast Wayne National Forest. This expansive woodland offers a myriad of outdoor activities, from hiking and mountain biking to horseback riding and ATV trails. Tecumseh Lake, just outside the village, provides a serene setting for fishing and boating, while nearby attractions like Robinson's Cave and Tinker's Cave add elements of mystery and historical intrigue to the area's natural allure.
Shawnee's significance extends beyond its borders, as it forms part of the Little Cities of Black Diamonds region. This network of historic mining communities collectively tells the story of Appalachian Ohio's coal boom and subsequent economic challenges. Through initiatives like the Little Cities of Black Diamonds Council Archive, Shawnee continues to play a crucial role in preserving and sharing the region's unique history, attracting history buffs and curious travelers alike to explore its storied past and scenic present.