Athens OhioATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Athens, Ohio.
1. Little Fish Brewing
AWARD-WINNING CRAFT BREWERY
Little Fish Brewing is a popular craft brewery in Athens offering a selection of award-winning beers. Visitors can enjoy locally brewed beverages in a relaxed atmosphere that showcases the region's brewing expertise. The brewery is part of the Brewed on the Bikeway tour, making it accessible for cyclists exploring the area.
2. Athens Farmers Market
LOCAL FOOD AND ARTISANS
Athens Farmers Market is a year-round destination open every Saturday and Wednesdays from April to December. The market features an exceptional selection of produce, baked goods, and artisan crafts from local vendors. Visitors particularly enjoy the offerings from the French baker and other specialty food producers that make this market stand out in Ohio.
3. Pleasant Hill Vineyards
FAMILY-OWNED WINE EXPERIENCE
Pleasant Hill Vineyards offers wine enthusiasts a leisurely tasting experience in Athens. The vineyard is run by owners who studied the wine business extensively before establishing this local gem. Visitors can sample various wines while learning about the winemaking process in a relaxed countryside setting.
4. O'Betty's Hot Dog Museum
UNIQUE CULINARY HISTORY
O'Betty's Hot Dog Museum combines a specialty restaurant with a unique collection of hot dog memorabilia. Visitors can enjoy what many consider the best hot dogs in the region while exploring the quirky museum displays. This unusual attraction offers both a satisfying meal and an entertaining cultural experience in one stop.
5. Dairy Barn Arts Center
CONTEMPORARY ART AND CULTURE
The Dairy Barn Arts Center is a premier cultural venue hosting the internationally recognized Quilt National biennial exhibition. The center showcases fiber arts and other contemporary works from artists around the world in its spacious galleries. Visitors can also browse local art and handcrafted items in the gift shop featuring products from regional artisans.
6. Stuart's Opera House
HISTORIC PERFORMANCE VENUE
Stuart's Opera House is a historic venue serving as the cornerstone of Nelsonville's Public Square. With over 75 events annually, it has become Southeastern Ohio's favorite place to experience live music and performing arts. The beautifully restored opera house offers visitors a glimpse into the past while enjoying contemporary entertainment.
7. Hocking Valley Scenic Railway
NOSTALGIC TRAIN EXPERIENCE
Hocking Valley Scenic Railway offers historic train rides departing from the Nelsonville depot throughout the year. This volunteer-operated attraction provides family-friendly adventures that combine entertainment with education about the region's railroad history. Passengers can enjoy scenic views of the surrounding countryside while traveling in vintage train cars.
8. Hocking Hills State Park
NATURAL WONDER DESTINATION
Hocking Hills State Park is the most-visited natural attraction in Ohio, renowned for its breathtaking beauty across all seasons. The park features dramatic rock formations, waterfalls, and lush forests with numerous hiking trails for all skill levels. Visitors can enjoy camping, picnicking, and various outdoor recreational activities in this stunning natural setting.
9. Ohio University Campus
HISTORIC ACADEMIC GROUNDS
Ohio University's campus offers visitors a chance to explore grounds rich in history and tradition that extend beyond academic boundaries. The picturesque campus features historic buildings, beautiful green spaces, and cultural attractions open to the public. Visitors can experience the unique connection between the university and Athens that creates a special sense of place in the community.
10. Hockhocking Adena Bikeway
SCENIC CYCLING TRAIL
The Hockhocking Adena Bikeway is a premier cycling route connecting Athens with nearby communities through scenic natural areas. Cyclists and pedestrians can enjoy this paved trail that follows the Hocking River and passes by several attractions including local breweries. The bikeway serves as the backbone for the popular Brewed on the Bikeway tour, allowing visitors to combine outdoor recreation with craft beverage sampling.
11. Random House
ECLECTIC SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
Random House is a distinctive shopping destination in Athens offering an eclectic mix of merchandise. Visitors can browse through unique items ranging from vintage collectibles to handcrafted goods not found in typical retail stores. The shop provides a treasure-hunting experience that reflects the creative spirit of the Athens community.
12. Adena Mansion and Gardens
HISTORIC PRESIDENTIAL ESTATE
Adena Mansion and Gardens is the imposing hilltop home of early Ohio statesman Thomas Worthington, designed by America's first architect, Benjamin Latrobe. Visitors can tour the historic home, explore the beautiful gardens, and learn about early Ohio history at the Education and Visitor Center. The estate offers stunning views and insights into the life of one of Ohio's founding fathers.
13. Brukner Nature Center
WILDLIFE AND NATURAL BEAUTY
Brukner Nature Center features 150 acres of natural beauty that lives up to its name meaning "most beautiful." Visitors can explore hiking trails, stone outcroppings, and observe more than 100 species of birds in their natural habitat. The center also showcases native orchids and an abundance of plant life, making it a perfect destination for nature enthusiasts.
14. Harding Home Presidential Site
PRESIDENTIAL HISTORY MUSEUM
The Harding Home Presidential Site preserves the restored residence of the 29th president of the United States, Warren G. Harding. Visitors can tour the home filled with original furnishings and personal items that provide insight into the president's life and era. The site also includes one of the most beautiful presidential memorials, located a short distance from the main home.
15. Fort Ancient Earthworks
ANCIENT INDIGENOUS HERITAGE
Fort Ancient Earthworks is North America's largest ancient hilltop enclosure, constructed by indigenous peoples approximately 2,000 years ago. Visitors can explore the on-site museum that explains the significance and history of this impressive archaeological site. The location also features a recreated American Indian garden and miles of hiking trails with scenic overlooks of the surrounding landscape.