Belmont OhioATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Belmont, Ohio.
1. Barkcamp State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Barkcamp State Park offers visitors a stunning natural retreat with hiking trails, fishing, and camping opportunities. The park features a beautiful lake surrounded by woodland areas that showcase spectacular seasonal colors. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy wildlife viewing while history buffs will appreciate the park's connection to the region's coal mining past.
2. Dysart Woods
ANCIENT FOREST PRESERVE
Dysart Woods is one of the few remaining old-growth forests in Ohio, featuring massive oak trees that are over 400 years old. This ecological treasure serves as a living laboratory for researchers and a peaceful sanctuary for hikers and nature lovers. The woods offer a glimpse into what the landscape looked like before European settlement.
3. Tri-State Military Veterans Museum
HONORING MILITARY HERITAGE
The Tri-State Military Veterans Museum preserves and honors the military heritage of veterans from Ohio, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. The museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts, photographs, and personal stories spanning multiple conflicts. Visitors can gain insight into the sacrifices made by local service members throughout American history.
4. Blaine 1828 S Bridge
HISTORIC NATIONAL ROAD LANDMARK
The Blaine 1828 S Bridge stands as Ohio's Official Bicentennial Bridge and the oldest bridge in the state. Recognized as the largest and last remaining structure of its kind on the entire six-state Historic National Road system, the bridge was restored and rededicated in 2005. Its distinctive S-shaped design represents an important piece of early American transportation infrastructure.
5. Great Stone Viaduct
MAGNIFICENT RAILWAY ARCHITECTURE
The Great Stone Viaduct in Bellaire was completed in 1871 and served as the western approach to the former Baltimore and Ohio railroad bridge spanning the Ohio River. This impressive stone structure was once part of the longest railroad bridge in America and has been featured in the 2010 film 'Unstoppable' starring Denzel Washington. The viaduct is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is currently being developed with walkways and observation posts on abandoned portions.
6. Concord Quaker Meeting House
PIONEER RELIGIOUS SITE
The Concord Quaker Meeting House holds the distinction of being the first Quaker Meeting established in the Northwest Territory. This historic site tells the story of Quakers who moved from slave states in the south to settle in the slave-free Northwest Territory. The meeting house serves as a testament to the religious freedoms and abolitionist principles that shaped early settlement in the region.
7. Black Horse Inn
HISTORIC LANDMARK BUILDING
The Black Horse Inn is Morristown's most famous landmark, originally erected around 1807 with additions made in later years. This historic structure served travelers on the National Road during the heyday of stagecoach transportation. The inn represents an important piece of local heritage and offers visitors a glimpse into 19th-century travel accommodations.
8. Belmont County Heritage Museum
LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTION
The Belmont County Heritage Museum preserves and shares the rich cultural history of Belmont County through exhibits and artifacts. The museum showcases items from the county's early settlement days, industrial development, and local cultural traditions. Visitors can explore displays that bring the area's past to life through photographs, documents, and everyday objects from bygone eras.
9. National Road Bikeway
HISTORIC CYCLING TRAIL
The National Road Bikeway offers cyclists and pedestrians a scenic route through Belmont County along a converted railroad path. The paved trail follows the historic corridor of America's first federally funded highway, providing interpretive signs about local history along the way. This recreational amenity connects communities while preserving an important transportation heritage corridor.
10. Egypt Valley Wildlife Area
HISTORIC HAUNTED VALLEY
Egypt Valley Wildlife Area offers outdoor enthusiasts opportunities for hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing across its expansive terrain. The area is also known for its connection to local legends, particularly as the site of the murder of Louiza Fox, a tale that has become part of regional folklore. Its rolling hills and woods provide both natural beauty and a mysterious atmosphere that draws history buffs and ghost story enthusiasts alike.
11. The Bellaire House
AMERICA'S MOST HAUNTED HOME
The Bellaire House is known as one of America's most haunted homes, sitting atop what some call a cursed coal mine. This historic residence offers brave visitors the opportunity to stay overnight and conduct their own paranormal investigations. The house has gained notoriety for its reported supernatural phenomena and has become a destination for ghost hunters and thrill-seekers.
12. Drovers Trail Scenic Byway
HISTORIC CATTLE DRIVE ROUTE
The Drovers Trail Scenic Byway follows historic routes used by cattle drovers in the 19th century to move livestock to market. This picturesque drive winds through rolling hills, past historic farms, and through quaint villages that retain their historic character. Belmont County holds the distinction of being the only county in Ohio with three scenic byways, including this historically significant route.
13. Ohio River Scenic Byway
RIVERSIDE CULTURAL CORRIDOR
The Ohio River Scenic Byway offers travelers spectacular views of the mighty Ohio River as it forms the border between Ohio and West Virginia. This historic transportation corridor passes through riverfront communities that developed as important shipping and industrial centers during America's westward expansion. The byway connects visitors to river heritage sites, historic downtowns, and natural areas that showcase the importance of the river to the region's development.
14. Historic Downtown St. Clairsville
CHARMING SHOPPING DISTRICT
Historic Downtown St. Clairsville features beautifully preserved 19th-century architecture housing unique shops, restaurants, and local businesses. The district's tree-lined streets and brick sidewalks create a charming atmosphere for visitors to explore the county seat's heritage. Shoppers can discover antiques, handcrafted items, specialty foods, and other distinctive merchandise while enjoying the historic ambiance.
15. Ohio University Eastern Campus
REGIONAL HIGHER EDUCATION CENTER
Ohio University Eastern Campus provides higher education opportunities to residents of Belmont County and surrounding areas. Located five miles west of the Belmont County Courthouse along the historic National Road, the campus offers associate and bachelor's degree programs in a convenient regional setting. The facility serves as an educational and cultural hub for the community, hosting academic events and continuing education programs.