Are you looking for things to do in Athens, Ohio? You are in the right place. I was born and raised in Ohio and spent a lot of my life exploring the area.
There are so many things to do in Ohio, and here I will guide you through all the best things to do in Athens, Ohio.
Athens mixes the modern world with old-school charm in an effortless way.
The area is also full of lakes and gardens, so you will never run out of things to do.
Here are my top 11 suggestions of must-do things to do in Athens, Ohio.
11 Best Things To Do In Athens Ohio
Visit Hocking Hills For Outdoor Fun
Nature and state parks just abound in the Athens area, and it really is worth exploring them.
You can’t come here without taking a peek at the beautiful Hocking Hills State Park, a mere 37 miles away.
Make sure you take a visit to Old Man’s Cave, a magnificent gorge, visit the best waterfalls in Ohio; or walk around one of the many trails.
Some of the best hiking in Ohio can be found here. It’s the perfect place for the outdoor types!
You could also head over to Lake Hope and Lake Logan State Parks for some canoeing and kayaking if you fancy taking to the water.
Go Shopping At Nelsonville Antiques And Vintage Market
One of the free things to do in Athens is visiting Nelsonville Antiques and Village Market!
It’s a lively market, and the prices are affordable.
You will find lots of items from ancient to modern.
Located in Nelsonville’s Historic Public Square it’s a great way to spend time looking for antiques in Athens, Ohio.
Get Quilting at Dairy Barn Arts Centre
The Dairy Barn was built in 1914 and once housed the cows that provided the milk to the residents of The Ridges.
The barn was saved from demolition in the ’70s when a group of citizens stepped in.
It was gifted to the citizens, with the agreement that they would hold an art exhibit within one year of acquisition.
The citizens held Quilt National, an exhibit of contemporary quilts, and the Dairy Barn became the birthplace of quilting as an art form.
The Dairy Barn is now an art gallery and houses digital, ceramics, and fiber art studios.
Workshops and classes are held throughout the year.
You can easily enjoy a few lovely hours here.
Ride A Vintage Train On The Hocking Valley Scenic Railway
If you would enjoy just sitting back and enjoying the view, then may I recommend a trip on the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway?
Located a few minutes’ drive outside of Athens, Ohio, it has been in operation for over 40 years.
The trains range from 1917 to 1960, and the train traverses a 145-year-old route.
Rides last between 90 minutes to two hours.
Head’s up: the train doesn’t make any stops and has no restrooms on board.
You can take your own food and drink on board, so it’s a great way to have lunch and watch the world go by.
Check before you go for what trains are running.
Relax at Strouds Run State Park
With acres of hardwood forest sprawl and many hills, Strouds Run State Park is one of the things to do in Athens Ohio.
. Set in the Appalachian Plateau, the views are incredible.
There are so many trails to enjoy, and one of the best beaches in Ohio if you would like to do some swimming and sunbathing.
Activities you can do include fishing, boating, swimming, scuba diving, and an assortment of family activities.
Things To Do In Athens Ohio: Essentials Packing List
Here are my tips on how to pack lightly. using a carry-on when traveling. And WHY it is almost a necessity!
This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors.
These RFID sleeves are another solution.
This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry on all my trips.
Don’t forget Apple AirTags to track your luggage. (Whether you fly or drive.)
My daughter gifted me this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday.
It is made of lightweight aluminum and is so easy to use.
I never leave home on a trip without a non-disposable water bottle.
Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would work well for you as well.
This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great for a daily go-pack.
These quick-dry slip-on Aqua shoes will be useful at pools or spas you happen to visit along the way.
These men’s quick-dry trunks are essential.
For women, this one-strap one-piece bathing suit is amazing.
Consider bringing along quick-dry super-absorbent microfiber towels.
This wet-dry bag with handles is a good option.
These unisex polarized sunglasses come in many lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable, too.
If you like aviator-style sunglasses, these polarized aviators may interest you.
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Experience Hauntings At The Ridges
A visit to The Ridges is one of the must-do things to do in Athens Ohio.
You must not visit Athens without a trip to The Ridges.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Athens Lunatic Asylum, known as The Ridges, operated from 1874 until 1993
and is a place of paranormal activity to this day.
Tours do take place on the grounds once a month, but you can no longer go inside.
The property also has a cemetery where most of the former patients are buried.
Very few ever left, and you can access this via a short hike.
The Kennedy Museum of Art located in the Lin Hall used to be the administrative building for the Athens Lunatic Asylum.
Explore All That Athens Has To Offer On Foot
Downtown Athens, Ohio really is easy to walk around.
For those that like a bit more of a hike, Athens is home to 9 state parks, so you will be spoilt for choice.
Some of my favorites are Ash Cave, Rock House, and Cedar Falls.
If you visit the Dairy Barn Arts Center, they have the Ora Anderson Trail, an easy one-mile loop.
The trail winds through the forest and has plaques featuring the poetry of Ora Anderson.
Go Mural Hunting In Athens Ohio.
I love a good mural or graffiti wall. I find they often speak louder than words about a town and what it stands for.
The mural “Without Labor, Nothing Prospers,” painted in 2015 on the side of Lucky’s Sports Tavern, is a gem.
Painted to honor the coal mining past, it depicts a group of coal miners.
There is also a mural in the Stimson Avenue area by Keith Wilde as a nod to the brick industry that existed here.
Ohio University also has a graffiti wall that seems to change constantly and murals come and go in the area.
Things To Do In Athens, Ohio: Get On Your Bicycle!
The Hockinghill Adena Bikeway is a 21-mile bike path in the Hocking Hills area.
It’s a gentle bike path, making it great for those who are not bike enthusiasts.
The bikeway is named in honor of the first inhabitants of this southeastern Ohio region.
Hockhocking,” which means “bottleneck” or “twisted.”
“Adena” reflects the history of the Adena Indians who lived in the Hocking Valley more than 2,000 years ago
You can rent bikes cheaply at various stations throughout the trail.
It’s a great way to slow down and see some of the countryside.
Enjoy A 30 Mile Meal In Athens
Athens was the First 30 Mile Meal Community in the Nation.
The initiative gets together local farmers and producers with local eateries and restaurants
to ensure everything on your plate comes from a 30-mile radius.
Athens has an abundance of eateries and restaurants to choose from, most of them participating in this project.
Look out for the 30-mile meal logo on establishments.
It’s a great way to know you are contributing to the local economy.
Stroll The Historic Streets Of Athens Ohio
Exploring the brick roads and sidewalks is one of the best free things to do in Athens Ohio, and not to be missed!
The downtown area is easily explored on foot, and you can experience all the little nooks and crannies.
The Ohio University campus has impressive buildings dating back to the 1800s. And historic monuments as well.
The historic downtown buildings now house upscale restaurants and unique shops and are worth your effort to visit!
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