Franklin Furnace brings together two distinct themes for planning a trip: equestrian sports at Ohio Horse Park and the history of the Franklin Furnace iron furnace. The park is located at 400 Bobcat Lane. Riding lessons and clinics give your stay an active focus, while the furnace and Day Cemetery offer a glimpse into local history.

Equestrian Sports with Specific Areas of Focus

Ohio Horse Park is a learning and opportunity center for Ohio University students and the general public. Its mission is to promote a love of horses and equestrian sports. Riding lessons are offered to people aged four and up, from beginner to advanced levels.

Areas of specialization include barrel racing, pole bending, and cow-horse work. Adkins Performance Horses manages Ohio Horse Park and offers clinics year-round. If you plan your trip around a riding lesson or clinic, confirm the specific date and availability in advance.

Local History from the Iron Furnace to the Cemetery

The historic iron furnace known as Franklin Furnace was located in the original French Grant in Green Township. Its production capacity was seven tons of iron per day; it was shut down in 1860.

Another historic site is Day Cemetery in Green Township, Franklin Furnace. Kimber Barton, considered one of the earliest settlers in the French Grant, is buried there. The cemetery is on property currently owned by Ohio University’s Equine College, about a quarter mile south along the Ohio River. If you plan to visit the cemetery, check access in advance. The furnace and cemetery offer two distinct ways to explore local history: one through iron production, the other through the biography of an early settler.

On the Ohio River

Ginat Run Public Boat Ramp is located in Franklin Furnace on the Ohio River. It adds a river connection to the area and differs from riding lessons when it comes to planning: to use the ramp, check in advance whether it is currently operating. The arrangements needed for these activities are not all the same: for riding lessons and clinics, confirm the specific date and availability. For Day Cemetery, access is the key point to clarify; its location is only approximate, about a quarter mile south along the Ohio River. For Ginat Run Public Boat Ramp, check whether it is currently operating. The arrangements therefore vary by activity: scheduling for equestrian sports, access for the cemetery, and operating status for the ramp. These conditions are not interchangeable; they concern dates, access, or ongoing operations, respectively.

Discover more destinations: Shawnee State Forest, Wheelersburg.

Return to the broader travel overview: Scioto County.