Excerpt from a past edition of OhioTraveler
Ross County and Chillicothe, Ohio offers visitors not only the opportunity to explore Ohio’s heritage but also provides a beautiful setting for outdoor recreation. Located in southern Ohio, Ross County is part of Ohio’s Appalachian Country that consists of many of the counties throughout eastern and southern Ohio.
Chillicothe was the first capital of Ohio and contains lots of historical sites that allow each visitor to learn more about the heritage of the area and life in different eras. Learn facts about Ross County from the prehistoric, Hopewell Culture to the view from Thomas Worthington’s estate that became the background to the Great Seal of Ohio.
Step back in time at Adena Mansion & Gardens with a tour of the home and grounds of Thomas Worthington, who was known as the “Father of Statehood.” The guided tours take you on a journey through the mansion to learn about life in that era. Relive the life of Shawnee leader, Tecumseh, at the Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheatre, home of “Tecumseh” Outdoor Drama. Visitors will witness the epic life story of Tecumseh as he struggles to defend his sacred homelands in the Ohio country during the late 1700s. Guided tours of the Ross County Heritage Center provides visitors with the opportunity to learn more about the history of Chillicothe and Ohio, knowledge about Native Americans in the area, the military training center known as Camp Sherman, and much more!
Travel even farther back in time to 200 BC at Ross County’s National Park. Discover the Hopewell Culture and learn about the ceremonial earthworks that these natives had created. At Hopewell Culture National Historical Park, you can get a ranger led tour through the earthworks to uncover more facts about this culture. This location is currently nominated as a World Heritage Inscription site for the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks.
Another treasure for Chillicothe is the 160 year old continuously operating, Majestic Theatre. This theater is not only a historical site but continues to offer entertainment to the area. It hosts over 100 events each year that feature a variety of musical performances, plays, and workshops.
If you enjoy being outdoors, Ross County is definitely where to be! Ross County is fortunate to be able to offer visitors five State Parks with beautiful scenery and many trails for walking or biking. Many of the State Parks also offer a variety of activities which include beach areas for swimming, boating, and fishing. If you enjoy biking, Ross County is part of the Tri-County Triangle Trail that contains over 32 miles of paved trails. If you prefer to be on the water, visitors can relax and enjoy nature by traveling down Paint Creek by canoe or kayak at one of the canoe liveries.
For visitors who enjoy festivals, Ross County hosts several annual festivals throughout the year. Each festival offers its own unique touch to complement the community and its heritage from the Native American heritage to the beautiful autumn colors of Southern Ohio. Some of the most notable festivals include the Feast of the Flowering Moon, International Sunflower Festival, Salt Creek Valley Festival, Southern Ohio Storytelling Festival and the Fall Festival of Leaves.
Don’t miss out on some of Chillicothe’s best local flavors! Visit restaurants in downtown Chillicothe for a variety of great food and fun atmosphere. You can also spend the afternoon browsing through the unique shops that make up the downtown area and then spend some time in Yoctangee Park.
Whether visitors are looking for a weekend getaway or a longer stay, Chillicothe and Ross County can provide them with something fun to do while learning about its heritage. With many more historical sites and special events, there is never a shortage of activities. You can find more information about the area by visiting the Ross-Chillicothe Convention & Visitors Bureau’s website at www.VisitChillicotheOhio.com.
