Southeast Ohio’s vibrant communities are home to great food, fantastic outdoor activities, and deep historical significance. From the southern river towns and the rural state parks to the Amish farming communities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. History buffs, hikers, and foodies alike will love what this incredible region has to offer.

Athens - Athens County

The city of Athens is home to the Ohio University Bobcats and a historic, tree-lined College Green. Exploring the university grounds is a unique architectural experience with quaint brick walkways and Federalist-style buildings.

Lovers of the arts will enjoy the Kennedy Museum of Art and the Dairy Barn Arts Center. In town, the Tantrum Theater is a great option for some entertainment, and just outside of Athens in Nelsonville, the annual Nelsonville Music Festival is hosted at the Snow Fork Event Center.

For those who appreciate the outdoors, Athens has lots to offer. From the Wayne National Forest to Strouds Run State Park, there are plenty of waterways, trails, and campgrounds to take advantage of.

Coshocton - Coshocton County

Coshocton is home to the historic Roscoe Village where guests can experience what life was like in an Ohio and Erie Canal town during the 1800s. Visitors will hear from the town's Doctor, Printer, Weaver, Blacksmith, Teacher, and Broom-maker, played by reenactors.

The living museum is open year-round with hands-on crafts, a model of the canal locks, and various shops and restaurants. Visitors will enjoy stopping into locally owned stores and lively pubs and restaurants. Many restored historic buildings line Whitewoman Street in the heart of downtown.

In the surrounding area, the Three Rivers Wine Trail connects eight unique wineries and a brewery, all within a scenic drive of one another. Visitors can enjoy beverages with the Appalachian foothills as the backdrop.

Marietta - Washington County

Located where the Ohio River meets the Muskingum River, Marietta is a true river town. Founded in 1788, it was the first permanent settlement in the Northwest Territory. Vestiges of Marietta’s Victorian roots are on display at The Castle Historic House Museum, a Gothic Revival home. Visitors can explore period furniture and see how the wealthy lived in the 1800s.

The Campus Martius Museum preserves General Rufus Putnam’s house, which is the oldest dwelling in Ohio, and gives guests a glimpse into frontier life. Visitors will learn about life as a pioneer and General Putnam’s conflicts with the Native American tribes of the region as settlers tried to claim the land.

Front Street in Marietta is a great spot for strolling and experiencing the downtown. The area is walkable, charming, and home to many boutiques, antique shops, and local bars and restaurants.

Chillicothe - Ross County

Chillicothe has something for everyone: proximity to outdoor recreation, vibrant history, and a great downtown.

At the Hopewell Culture National Historical Park, visitors can explore ancient earthworks and ceremonial mounds that are over 2,000 years old. These prehistoric constructions offer a glimpse into the lives of the original Ohio Valley residents.

The Adena Mansion & Gardens is the restored estate of Ohio’s sixth governor and a tour reveals what life was like in the 19th-century. The Ross County Heritage Center is the birthplace of Ohio’s statehood. Chillicothe is also a great stop for exploring five state parks, a national park, and over 225 miles of trails. There are endless outdoor opportunities for hiking, paddling, birdwatching and fishing.

Millersburg - Holmes County

A trip to Millersburg wouldn’t be complete without experiencing Amish Country. Millersburg is home to a bustling Amish community and serves as a popular destination for a relaxing weekend getaway.

Amish Country’s unique food, culture, shopping and entertainment give visitors a glimpse into a way of life that’s been preserved for generations. From horse-and-buggy transportation and authentic farm stands to picturesque country lanes and delicious home-cooked food, there’s so much to enjoy.

Check out the Colonial Homestead for a tour of a working 1800s-era woodshop and gunsmith. Enjoy a performance at the Amish Country Theater, just outside of Millersburg in Berlin. Dine at one of many Amish family owned and operated restaurants.

Portsmouth - Scioto County

Portsmouth is another river town in Southeast Ohio, along the Ohio River and next to the Scioto River. Located right near the Shawnee State Forest, Portsmouth is the perfect launching pad for hiking, camping, kayaking, and biking trips.

For centuries, towns like Portsmouth have dealt with heavy flooding and devastation. The 1937 Flood was detrimental to Portsmouth and so many other towns. To avoid future disaster, a 20-foot-high wall was constructed between the main river front and the downtown. In the 1990s, the Floodwall Mural Project began as a way to beautify the walls. Today, over 55 murals depict the 2,000 year history of the Ohio River Valley.

Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway, a road trip stop, or a new place to move to, Southeast Ohio is ready to welcome you. Get out there and explore!