Piketon OhioATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Piketon, Ohio.
1. Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant
HISTORIC ATOMIC FACILITY
The Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant, locally known as the 'A-Plant,' offers public tours that provide visitors with a guided history of this former uranium enrichment facility. The 3,700-acre site operated from 1954 until 2001 and played a significant role in the nation's nuclear defense system and commercial nuclear power industry. Today, visitors can learn about the gaseous diffusion process and observe the ongoing environmental cleanup efforts through special public tours held on the third Saturday of each month from July through October.
2. Piketon Mounds
ANCIENT NATIVE AMERICAN SITE
Piketon Mounds offers visitors a glimpse into the ancient history of the region with its prehistoric Native American earthworks. The site features ceremonial mounds constructed by indigenous peoples hundreds of years ago, providing important archaeological insights into early American cultures. Visitors can explore the mounds while learning about their historical significance to the area and the Native American tribes who once inhabited this land.
3. Hollywood Prop Museum
FILM MEMORABILIA COLLECTION
The Hollywood Prop Museum displays an interesting collection of props, costumes, and memorabilia from various film and television productions. Visitors can get up close with authentic items used in Hollywood productions, offering a unique connection to the entertainment industry. The museum provides a surprising cinematic experience in this small Ohio town.
4. Pike Heritage Museum
LOCAL HISTORY SHOWCASE
Pike Heritage Museum preserves and exhibits the rich history of Pike County through a collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents. The museum showcases the cultural heritage of the region, from Native American times through the settlement period and beyond. Visitors can explore exhibits that highlight the Ohio-Erie Canal, the Civil War, and other significant historical events that shaped the community.
5. Bristol Village Railroad Museum and Model Train Depot
MINIATURE RAILWAY WONDERLAND
Bristol Village Railroad Museum and Model Train Depot features expansive model train displays that span multiple rooms and extend into outdoor gardens. Visitors can admire both small and large-scale replica trains showcasing incredible attention to detail in the miniature landscapes. The adjacent museum houses unique railroad artifacts and memorabilia that tell the story of rail transportation in the region.
6. Dogwood Pass Old West Town
WILD WEST EXPERIENCE
Dogwood Pass Old West Town transports visitors back in time to experience life in the American frontier with its authentic replica buildings and live entertainment. The town features multiple daily shows with gunfights and comedy performances, alongside living history exhibits including a blacksmith, potter's wheel, and spinning wheel demonstrations. Visitors can explore numerous western-themed buildings including a saloon, jail, bank, and church while enjoying activities like gem mining and old-time photography.
7. Big Beaver Creek Golf Club
SCENIC GOLFING EXPERIENCE
Big Beaver Creek Golf Club offers golfers a picturesque course nestled in the natural landscape of southern Ohio. The course provides challenging play for all skill levels with well-maintained fairways and greens. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful rural setting while testing their golfing abilities at this local favorite.
8. The Ohio State University South Centers
RESEARCH AND EDUCATION HUB
The Ohio State University South Centers serves as an important research and education facility focused on agriculture, aquaculture, and rural development. The center conducts innovative research projects and offers educational programs to support farmers and businesses in southern Ohio. Visitors can learn about sustainable farming practices and the latest agricultural technologies being developed to enhance rural economies.
9. Scioto River Water Trail
PADDLING ADVENTURE ROUTE
The Scioto River Water Trail provides outdoor enthusiasts with miles of navigable waterway for canoeing and kayaking through the scenic landscapes of Pike County. Paddlers can observe diverse wildlife and lush vegetation while enjoying the peaceful flow of this historic river. The trail offers various access points and difficulty levels, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced paddlers seeking a nature escape.
10. Lake White State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION AREA
Lake White State Park centers around a 337-acre reservoir offering excellent fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities for visitors. The park features picnic areas, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing spots in a tranquil natural setting. Anglers particularly enjoy the lake for its populations of bass, bluegill, and catfish, making it a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts.
11. Pike Lake State Park
FOREST RETREAT DESTINATION
Pike Lake State Park encompasses 587 acres of forested hills surrounding a 13-acre lake in nearby Bainbridge. Visitors can enjoy camping, fishing, swimming, and hiking through the park's diverse ecosystems including mature forests and wetlands. The park's cabins and campgrounds make it an ideal getaway for families looking to connect with nature in southern Ohio.
12. Hometown Diner
COZY LOCAL EATERY
Hometown Diner serves up classic American comfort food in a friendly, nostalgic atmosphere that captures the essence of small-town Ohio. The menu features homestyle favorites including hearty breakfasts, hand-formed burgers, and daily blue plate specials made from scratch. Locals and travelers alike appreciate the generous portions, reasonable prices, and warm hospitality that make this diner a Piketon institution.
13. Market Street Mercantile
UNIQUE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
Market Street Mercantile offers shoppers a curated collection of handcrafted goods, antiques, and locally made products in an inviting retail space. The shop features everything from homemade candles and quilts to regional foods and artisan jewelry created by Ohio craftspeople. Visitors appreciate the authentic shopping experience and opportunity to find one-of-a-kind souvenirs that represent the culture and creativity of southern Ohio.
14. Atomic Lanes
RETRO BOWLING ALLEY
Atomic Lanes provides family entertainment with its classic bowling experience and retro atmosphere just a short drive from Piketon. The bowling alley features well-maintained lanes, automatic scoring, and a snack bar serving pizza, nachos, and other casual fare. Beyond bowling, visitors can enjoy arcade games and occasional special events like cosmic bowling nights with music and light shows.
15. Roy Rogers Memory Museum
WESTERN ICON TRIBUTE
The Roy Rogers Memory Museum honors the legacy of the famous singing cowboy with a collection of memorabilia and artifacts celebrating his life and career. Located within Dogwood Pass Old West Town, the museum displays photographs, movie posters, and personal items connected to the beloved Western star. Visitors of all ages can learn about Roy Rogers' impact on American popular culture and his connection to the Ohio region where he was born.