Glass history, trails and seasonal events offer different ways to enjoy a stay in Guernsey. You can focus on museums and crafts, or on nature, water and events throughout the year. The following places and activities can help you decide what suits your interests.

Lakes, Trails and Activities on the Water

Seneca Lake has 3,550 acres of water and 4,065 acres of land. Seneca Lake Park is in Guernsey and Noble counties, near Cambridge, and can be reached via I-70 and I-77. There are five public boat ramps on Seneca Lake; one is at Seneca Marina.

Boating, fishing, water skiing and tubing are available at Salt Fork Lake. Those interested in trails and wildlife can find walking paths at Senecaville State Fish Hatchery, including a section of the Buckeye Trail. They are open daily from sunrise to sunset for wildlife viewing; check the details before you travel. At the Lore City end of the Great Guernsey Trail, there is a self-service kayak rental for the Leatherwood Creek Water Trail. Availability may change, so it is worth checking shortly before your trip.

The activities differ in focus: Seneca Lake has public boat ramps, Salt Fork Lake offers several water sports, and the trails at the Fish Hatchery have a daily window for wildlife viewing. The kayak rental adds another option for getting out on the water. Which one you plan to visit depends on whether you prefer walking, want to use a boat ramp or want to focus on water sports.

Experience Glass and History

At Mosser Glass, the retail shop is located in the center of the factory and sells handmade glassware. Mosser Glass offers factory tours at its historic location, providing a behind-the-scenes look at glassmaking. The National Museum of Cambridge Glass preserves the heritage of the Cambridge Glass Company, which made hand-crafted glass from 1902 to 1958. Exhibits, interactive displays and demonstrations show how glass was made in Cambridge. This gives you two different ways to explore crafts and industrial history: through a look at glassware made today and through the story of an earlier glassmaking operation.

The Guernsey County Museum is housed in a historic 199-year-old building, considered the oldest timber-framed house in Cambridge. Its exhibits include a replica coal mine, a recreated one-room schoolhouse classroom and an area devoted to the county’s military history. The subjects range from the history of work and education to military history. The Armstrong Covered Bridge, also known as the Clio Covered Bridge, is part of a walking trail in Cambridge City Park.

The Welcome Center for Dickens Victorian Village in downtown offers help from costumed volunteers and souvenirs. At Imagination Station, you can dress up in Victorian clothing. The Deerassic Park Welcome Center features a 5,400-square-foot facility with interactive, hands-on exhibits about Ohio’s native wildlife. These activities complement the museums with practical, engaging ways to explore history and nature.

Events Throughout the Year

Seasonal events are especially important if you want to visit on a particular date. The Guernsey County Fair takes place every September. The program includes livestock shows, harness racing, truck and tractor pulls, live music, rides, games and a children’s area; exact dates vary.

The seasonal light show at the Guernsey County Courthouse illuminates the historic 1881 building every evening from November 1 to January 1 with tens of thousands of colored lights, synchronized to traditional and contemporary Christmas music. Check the schedule before planning your trip around it. The restored Pennyroyal Opera House on the Historic National Road hosts live bluegrass performances on Fridays; home-cooked meals are served before the shows. Here, too, it is a good idea to check the performance schedule before visiting.

These differences can help with planning: the trails at the Fish Hatchery have a daily opening window, while the fair is tied to September and the light show runs from November 1 to January 1. Live music at the Pennyroyal Opera House offers another reason to plan ahead around a specific performance date.

Explore more destinations: Cambridge, Quaker City, Old Washington, Franklin, Pike County, Crawford County, Henry, Greene

Return to the main travel overview: Ohio.