Tuscarawas: Discover Historic Places and Trails

Tuscarawas County lies in the foothills of Appalachian Ohio and Amish Country. The region’s character spans early settlement history to railroad and Revolutionary War history; it also offers hiking trails and opportunities for cycling. If you’re looking for a hotel in Tuscarawas, you can start by considering the themes that matter for your stay: historic sites, collections, or time outdoors. The places and trails below each offer a different focus.

Early Settlement History in Schoenbrunn and Zoar

Schoenbrunn Village was founded in 1772 as a Moravian mission and was the first Christian settlement in Ohio. The state’s first church and schoolhouse were also located there. The site includes the original cemetery and 16 reconstructed log cabins. A visitor center with a museum and introductory video provides an introduction to the site.

Historic Zoar Village is also a National Historic Landmark. German religious dissenters settled Zoar in 1817; it was organized as a communal society in 1819. The two dates show the sequence of settlement and communal organization. Visitors can tour restored buildings and shops of the Zoarites. A guided tour of historic Zoar includes samples of cheese, baked goods, pickles, and apples, as well as a sauerkraut-making demonstration.

Revolutionary War and Railroad History

Fort Laurens was established during the American Revolution as a strategic location for an attack on the British at Fort Detroit. Visitors can walk around the grounds and see the fort’s original outline. The Fort Laurens Museum presents the history of the frontier soldiers through videos and artifacts excavated on site.

The Dennison Railroad Depot Museum is a National Historic Landmark. Its exhibits and special events explore railroad history and World War II history. This brings two distinct historical perspectives together: rail transportation and the history of war.

Trails and Outdoor Views

Hikers can use all the trails at Camp Tuscazoar; Class 1 e-bikes are permitted on the mountain bike trails. Pioneer Point is an authentic Native American lookout with panoramic views of the northern Tuscarawas River valley. The W.C. Moorhead Museum displays photographs, books, uniforms, badges, artifacts, and other memorabilia related to the history of Camp Tuscazoar and scouting in the region.

The Ohio & Erie Canalway Towpath Trail is more than 90 miles long and runs south from Cleveland to Bolivar; it can be used for cycling or walking. The Buckhorn Creek Trail runs between Newcomerstown and Stone Creek, is eight miles long, and has a limestone surface. The difference in length is clear: the Towpath Trail exceeds 90 miles, while the Buckhorn Creek Trail is eight miles long.

Recreation at Tuscora Park

Tuscora Park features three swimming pools, historic rides, and miniature golf. The historic carousel dates to 1928 and has been operating there since 1941. The pools, rides, and miniature golf offer a different kind of recreation from the historic sites focused on settlement, railroads, and frontier history.

Explore more destinations: Newcomerstown, New Philadelphia, Uhrichsville, Dover, Sugarcreek, Jefferson, Auglaize County, Summit

For the main travel overview: Ohio.