Discover Muskingum: History, Art and Nature
Accommodation in Muskingum
Ten hand-operated locks are part of the Muskingum River Parkway and are considered an outstanding engineering achievement. The Parkway’s navigation system was designated a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in July 2001. This river history is a distinctive introduction to Muskingum; historic museums, art collections, trails and wildlife viewing provide further highlights.
History and Museums
At the John and Annie Glenn Museum, a living history experience is part of the visit: a costumed interpreter greets guests in the home. The John Glenn Boyhood Home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The two sites explore different aspects of the region’s heritage.
The National Road and Zane Grey Museum preserves the history of the National Road, celebrates writer Zane Grey and displays historic regional pottery, with a particular focus on Zanesville. A 136-foot-long diorama depicts the development of the National Road over time. The exhibition brings together transportation history, literature and regional ceramics.
In Zanesville, the Putnam Underground Railroad Interpretive Center is housed in the Stone Academy. The Stone Academy is one of the oldest buildings in Muskingum County and is a site on the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. The center is open from May through September during regular museum hours; visits by appointment are available year-round. Be sure to arrange visits outside the regular season in advance.
Art and Public Programs
The Zanesville Museum of Art has a collection of more than 8,000 paintings, sculptures, works on paper and decorative arts from many cultures. Admission is free; check current visitor information before your visit. The museum also offers more than 170 public educational programs, including lectures, concerts, art classes, workshops and summer camps. A visit therefore encompasses both a range of art forms and a broad program of educational and cultural activities.
River, Water Trail and Trails
The Muskingum River Water Trail stretches for 112 miles. The Muskingum River is the longest navigable river located entirely within Ohio. You can paddle it by canoe or kayak between Dresden and Marietta; check river conditions before setting out. Along the water trail, you’ll find campgrounds, picnic areas, restrooms, parking and boat docks. Other amenities include drinking water, boat ramps, birdwatching trails, parks and dining options. Since these amenities can change, check in advance for the facilities that matter for your planned stop.
On land, trails vary in both length and scenery. The Putnam Greenway is a 0.53-mile public recreational trail along the Muskingum River in the Putnam Historic District. The paved Muskingum Recreational Trail is about six miles long and connects Dresden with Rock Cut Road in Muskingum Township. At 0.53 miles, the Putnam Greenway is considerably shorter than the approximately six-mile Muskingum Recreational Trail.
The Collegial Woods Trails offer nearly two miles of hiking trails through a wooded ravine, with views of Joe’s Run Creek and several small wetlands. Dillon State Park has designated hiking trails, including the Blackberry Ridge Trail, Eagle Ridge Trail and Storybook Trail. Separately designated horseback riding trails include the Big Run Loop Trail, East Shore Loop Trail and Ranger Loop Trail, among others. You can rent canoes, paddleboards and kayaks at Dillon Lake; check availability before you arrive.
Zane’s Landing Park is home to an Eternal Flame Memorial honoring Medal of Honor recipients. The park is also the starting point for Zanesville’s recreational trail for cyclists and hikers.
Nature and Safari
The Wilds opened to the public in 1994 and covers nearly 10,000 acres of reclaimed former strip-mining land in Muskingum County. On the open-air safari, guests ride in an open vehicle along trails through expansive pastures where animals such as rhinos and giraffes live. Tours and safaris are offered year-round. The Wilds is also open in winter; tours run from November 1 through April 30. If you’re planning a winter tour, check the specific tour times.
For the broader travel overview: Ohio.
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