Media Room
Thousands of people visit Muskingum County every year because we have something for everyone. In fact, in 2006, over 13,000 visitors stopped at the Muskingum County Welcome Center, 4,600 motorcoach groups visited the area, and 11,600 people requested visitor information by phone or email, and the numbers continue to climb.
Why Muskingum County?
Graced by rolling hills and rich woodlands, Muskingum County instills a sense of heritage, pride and well being. Zanesville and Muskingum county are easily located off of Interstate 70, just 55 miles east of Columbus. We offer unique shopping, fine dining, historic districts, excellent accommodations, and outdoor recreation.
Muskingum County is home to many great attractions including Longaberger Homestead, the World’s Largest Basket, National Road-Zane Grey Museum, Zanesville Art Center, Lorena Sternwheeler, and the Wilds – a 9,000 acre wildlife preserve. As you can see, there are plenty of reasons why Muskingum County attracts tourists.
Can You See Rhinos in Muskingum County?
You certainly can at a place called the Wilds. The Wilds is North America’s largest conservation facility located approximately 24 miles southeast of Zanesville. The mission of this innovative institution is to support wildlife conservation though education programs, scientific studies, and the development of management techniques.
People of all ages enjoy the safari tours offered from May through October at the Wilds. This guided tour includes open range views of wildlife such as rhinos, giraffes, zebras, wild horses, camels and more.
The Wilds continues to expand its research programs and projects. The most recent expansion includes the addition of a Mid-size Carnivore Conservation Center The Wilds also holds several annual events which are gaining more notoriety with every year.
A Strong Manufacturing Heritage
Thanks to its transportation access and other advantages, Muskingum County is a strong center for manufacturing. Several manufacturing companies have taken root and grown in Muskingum County’s fertile business climate to become nationally acclaimed competitors.
A Manufacturing Success Story
One example is The Longaberger® Company, founded in 1973 in Dresden, Ohio by Dave Longaberger. He started the company weaving baskets in an old garage. Today, The Longaberger® Company is the largest manufacturer of handmade baskets in the U.S.
The Longaberger Company’s newest attraction is The Factory Store at Longaberger Homestead™. The Longaberger Homestead is a complete guest destination features shopping, restaurants, special events and educational demonstrations. The facility offers a look at Longaberger’s history while paying tribute to family, home and a simpler time.
Adjacent to Longaberger Homestead is the Manufacturing Campus where guests can take a self-guided tour and see hundreds of basket-makers handcrafting every shape and size of Longaberger Baskets.
Pottery is our Traditon
Pottery manufacturers have also flourished in Muskingum County, making it the “Pottery Capital of the World.” With a century and a half of production by artisans and industries,pottery is a proud symbol of our local heritage and culture.
Several companies manufacture and retail pottery in Muskingum County including Beaumont Pottery Co., Buckeye Stoneware, Burley Clay Products, Hartstone Pottery, and Ohio Stoneware, many of which are nationally known.
Outdoor Recreation Opportunities
Many visitors flock to Muskingum County to take advantage of our numerous outdoor recreation opportunities.
Golfing
Beginners to seasoned pros can find over 10 golf courses to enjoy in Muskingum County. The newest course in our area is the Longaberger® Golf Club™. Designed by nationally renowned architect Arthur Hills, the club is a par 72 public course set in magnificent surroundings including rolling hills and heavily wooded areas with several water features.
Also located in Muskingum County is Ohio’s #1 rated public golf course, EagleSticks Golf Club. This course was designed by Michael Hurdzan and features bent grass fairways, large undulating greens, and more than 130 white sculptured bunkers.
Parks
Visitors who love the outdoors can enjoy Muskingum County’s parks. Blue Rock State Park and Dillon State Park offer hiking, boating, camping, fishing, swimming and more. Other parks located in Muskingum County include Muskingum River Parkway State Park, Kenny Wolford Community Park, Putnam Hill Park, Riverside Park, and Zane’s Landing Park.
Lorena Sternwheeler
Guests can cruise along the Muskingum River on this diesel powered sternwheeler from May to September. She carries up to 90 passengers and offers public rides, dinner cruises, lunch cruises, twilight cruises and charter rides. The Lorena has been filmed by television crews from throughout the United States and has carried governors, Miss Americas, Pat Boone, the Imperials, and others.