Places to visit in Athens, OH.
Athens is a small city with plenty to see and do. The city’s quaint downtown district features historic buildings that house upscale restaurants and unique shops. It is also a perfect place to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities.
When it comes to things to do in Athens, Ohio, the first thing to consider is the Kennedy Museum of Art. This art museum is located on the Ohio University campus. Visitors can take a tour of the grounds or watch an art exhibit.
If you’re planning a trip to Ohio, consider visiting the city of Athens. This small but exciting town has plenty of things to see and do. For example, you can visit the Kennedy Museum of Art, the OHIO Museum Complex, and the Dairy Barn Arts Center. In addition, you can go to the nearby Strouds Run State Park, Pleasant Hill Vineyards, and The Athena Cinema.
Strouds Run State Park
Strouds Run State Park in Athens, Ohio, offers a scenic retreat. This park features a beautiful lake, rugged hiking trails, and over 2,600 acres of hardwood. The park has a range of activities, including swimming, fishing, and mountain biking. There are several campsites, as well as restrooms and sewers.
There are also hiking and horseback riding trails. A group camp area is available for organized groups on a reservation basis. Several beaver ponds are found in the park.
Strouds Run State Park is located in the unglaciated Appalachian Plateau. Many of the streams were carved into deep ravines by glacial outwash. In these areas, large amounts of gravel and sand were deposited. Some of these outwash deposits create expansive sandy beaches.
Strouds Run State Park in Athens, OH, has several hiking and biking trails. In addition, there are seven bridle trails plus fifteen mountain bike trails.
Dairy Barn Arts Center
Dairy Barn Arts Center in Athens is a community arts center at Ohio University. As an institution, it offers many fine arts and entertainment options. In addition, it is a great place to check out some of the finest works of art in the area.
The museum offers so much that staying in one place is hard. However, with galleries, performances, and lectures, the Dairy Barn is a must-see for visitors looking for something to do in a day.
One of the center’s most intriguing features is its main floor exhibition hall. This 2,100-square-foot facility boasts exposed beams and a wood floor. There are also two more galleries and a small library. The Dairy Barn also has a robust schedule of special events, lectures, and performances.
OHIO Museum Complex and Kennedy Museum of Art
The OHIO Museum Complex and Kennedy Museum of Art in Athens are home to several noteworthy collections. For example, the OHIO Museum Complex houses an interactive nature gallery, a sculpture garden, and virtual tours of the campus. Additionally, the Kennedy Museum of Art offers a range of educational opportunities and programs.
In addition to a world-class art museum, the Kennedy Museum of Art at Ohio University boasts a contemporary print collection and an impressive range of traveling exhibitions. This institution also features a notable collection of Southwest Native American artwork, a modern-day chess set, and many other exciting things. Its museum-quality works of art are free to see.
However, the Kennedy Museum of Art’s most impressive offerings is its special exhibitions.
The Athena Cinema
The Athena Cinema is one of the oldest movie theaters in the United States. It has been in operation since 1915. Now owned by Ohio University, the theater offers classic and independent films.
Originally called the Majestic Theatre, Ohio University purchased the building in 2001. The college has been working to bring the theatre back to life. This includes a restoration of the interior of the building.
The theater is a non-profit cultural institution. It shows independent and world films, as well as documentary films. In addition, it also hosts a Holiday Film Series.
The Athena Cinema has screened classic holiday films for the last ten years. They are a great way to see family-friendly movies and are free to attend.
Fox Lake
Located in southwestern Athens, Fox Lake is an Ohio State Wildlife Area. The park features a 48-acre lake surrounded by rolling hills. It is an excellent spot for bird watching and fishing.
Fox Lake is an inland lake with bluegill, channel catfish, largemouth bass, and black bullheads. You’ll also find populations of beavers.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources manages the area. There are two parking lots around the lake and a pier. Fishing regulations may vary from season to season.
Visitors can take the Fox Lake Trail for scenic views of the lake. In spring, you’ll see a variety of wildflowers.
Aside from fishing, the most popular recreational activity is nature study. However, Fox Lake is also home to many species of birds. Some of the birds you’ll see include woodcock, ruffed grouse, and woodchuck.
If you’re looking for a more active adventure, kayaking is a fun option. It takes about an hour and a half to cover the entire lake’s circumference. At the upper end of the lake, there’s a boat ramp.