Southeast Ohio offers families
“Room to Roam” during the summer months
Where can you enjoy a movie at sunset on a lakeside beach, hit the links on a top-rated golf course, kayak with the family next to a herd of grazing deer, or even embark on a safari with rhinos and zebras? It’s all closer than you think in Cambridge/Guernsey County, Ohio.
Cambridge and Guernsey County, Ohio, is an expansive outdoor oasis full of activities that delight adventurers of all ages. Home to the state’s largest park and third-largest inland lake, this wild wonderland is conveniently located at the crossroads of two major interstates (I-70 & I-77) – an easy day trip or overnight getaway from Ohio’s major cities to the perfect place to play.
MAKE A SPLASH
Seneca Lake, one of the state’s largest inland lakes, offers so many ways to paddle and play. From watersports and fishing – bluegill and bass are plentiful here – to swimming at their beaches, it’s a laid-back spot to camp and unwind.
At Salt Fork State Park, the state’s largest, choose your outdoor adventure. Keep things cozy by pitching your tent in the campground and select from 14 gorgeous hiking and six bridle trails or create an upscale adventure in the full-service lodge or deluxe vacation cabins, gazing on the misty morning hills from the 18-hole golf course. Families love exploring the Civil War-era hideout Hosak’s Cave or panning for treasure at the gem mining station. Don’t miss the enchanting new Storybook Trail! The half-mile-long trail has child-height panels featuring pages of a children’s book and an activity to accompany the text on the page. Whichever path you choose, ensure it leads to the 3,000-acre Salt Fork Lake.
Those who prefer their water fun within city limits will find the Cambridge City Pool the perfect place for an in-town splash-around; guests enjoy a water slide, in-pool fountains and sprayers, lap lanes, diving boards, a baby pool, and concessions.
OHIO’S WILD SIDE
You don’t need a passport to have an exotic adventure. The Wilds, operated by the Columbus Zoo, offers up-close (and safe) animal encounters for the whole family. From painted dogs to graceful giraffes, The Wilds bring the African plain to Guernsey County. With a rooftop Terrace Grill, specialty and zipline tours, and more, there’s always something new to explore.
If you’re lucky, you’ll see more than a few deer during any visit to Guernsey County, but there’s no better place to spot and learn about these beautiful animals than the Deerassic Park Welcome Center. A dock offers fantastic views of the resident deer, while interactive activity centers, a slide, and a mural give families a fun introduction to the plants and animals that help the region thrive.
For more information, contact the Cambridge/Guernsey County VCB office at 627 Wheeling Avenue, Suite 200 in downtown Cambridge, call 740-432-2022, email info@VisitGuernseyCounty.com, or log onto VisitGuernseyCounty.com.
