River History and Trails by the Water
The Muskingum River Water Trail is 112 miles long. The Muskingum is the longest navigable river located entirely within Ohio. Between Dresden and Marietta, you can travel along the river by canoe or kayak; check river conditions before setting out.
Along the Water Trail, you’ll find campsites and picnic areas, restrooms, parking and drinking water. Facilities also include docks, boat ramps, access for privately owned boats and refueling options. Birdwatching trails, parks and dining options are also available. As offerings may change, check what’s currently available before setting out.
The Muskingum River Parkway showcases another side of the river: it includes ten hand-operated locks, recognized as an outstanding engineering achievement. The Parkway’s navigation system was designated a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in July 2001. This brings the river’s engineering history into focus alongside its use.
Reclaimed Land and Wildlife
The Wilds spans nearly 10,000 acres of reclaimed land from a former strip mine in Muskingum County. The site opened to the public in 1994. On the open-air safari, guests ride in an open vehicle along trails through vast pastures where animals including rhinos and giraffes live.
Tours and safaris are offered year-round. The Wilds is also open in winter; winter tours run from November 1 to April 30. If you’re planning a tour, check the dates before you go.
History in Homes and Museums
The John and Annie Glenn Museum offers a living history experience: a costumed interpreter welcomes guests into the home. The John Glenn Boyhood Home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Both sites offer different insights into the history surrounding John Glenn; at the museum, the interpreter’s personal welcome is part of the experience.
The National Road and Zane Grey Museum preserves the history of the National Road, honors writer Zane Grey and displays historic regional pottery. A 136-foot-long diorama traces the development of the National Road over time. An exhibit on regional pottery focuses on Zanesville.
In Zanesville, the Putnam Underground Railroad Interpretive Center is located in the Stone Academy. The Stone Academy is one of the oldest buildings in Muskingum County and a site on the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. The Center is open from May through September during regular museum hours; visits by appointment are available year-round. Check the hours before your visit.
The Zanesville Museum of Art has a collection of more than 8,000 paintings, sculptures, works on paper and decorative arts from many cultures. Admission is free; check current visitor information before your visit. The museum’s educational program includes more than 170 public offerings, including lectures, concerts, art classes, workshops and summer camps.
Trails and Nature Highlights
The Putnam Greenway is a 0.53-mile public recreational trail along the Muskingum River in the Putnam Historic District. The approximately six-mile Muskingum Recreational Trail is paved and connects Dresden with Rock Cut Road in Muskingum Township. A recreational trail for cyclists and hikers starts at Zane’s Landing Park in Zanesville; the park is also home to an Eternal Flame Memorial honoring Medal of Honor recipients.
The Collegial Woods Trails wind for nearly two miles through a wooded gorge, with views of Joe’s Run Creek and several small wetlands. The John McIntire Outdoor Classroom offers another opportunity to observe nature with its monarch butterfly station, where more than 30 milkweed plants from three cultivars grow.
Dillon State Park has designated hiking trails such as Blackberry Ridge Trail, Eagle Ridge Trail and Storybook Trail. Designated horseback riding trails include Big Run Loop Trail, East Shore Loop Trail and Ranger Loop Trail. The separately designated trail types help you distinguish the described options by planned activity.
Discover more destinations: Zanesville, New Concord, Dresden, Hamilton, Lorain, Holmes County, Brown County, Scioto County.
For the main travel overview: Ohio.
