Story Ideas
Zanesville-Muskingum County
Story Ideas
Adventure The Wilds is a unique attraction as it is North America’s largest wildlife conservation facility. This 9,154 acre preserve houses more than 25 species of endangered animals from Africa, Asia, and North America. The Lorena Sternwheeler is also an adventurous attraction with an interesting history. This diesel powered sternwheeler carries up to 90 passengers for excursions on the Muskingum River.
Golf Muskingum County offers several golfing options including the Longaberger Golf Club, a par 72 public course designed by renowned architect Arthur Hills. This course was named the “Top Ten You Can Play” by Golf Magazine in 2000. Another popular course, EagleSticks Golf Club was designed by Michael Hurdzan and included on Golf Digest’s 2003 list of “America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses.”
Pottery Zanesville was once known as the “Pottery Capital of the World” because of the numerous, thriving pottery companies in the area. Today we have 9 pottery companies in our area and we boast that “pottery is our tradition” as it is an important part of our heritage. Every year in July, pottery lovers flock to Muskingum County for Pottery Lover’s Week when various auctions, festivals, signings, and more take place.
Antiques As the home of the nation’s first highway, the National Road, Muskingum County was the transfer point for some of the nation’s most prized possessions during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Some of America’s finest treasures stayed in our area and can be found in over 20 local antique shops and malls.
Bridges The Y-Bridge was first built in 1814 and the current bridge is the fifth structure at the site. This bridge has been recognized by Ripley’s Believe It Or Not for being the only bridge that you can cross and still be on the same side of the river. Johnson’s Mill/Salt Creek Bridge, an 87-ft bridge completed in 1876, is the only remaining pure Warren truss covered bridge in the world. We also have a unique S-Bridge, which was once part of the National Road.
Dining Dining is taken to a new level at The Schultz Mansion, located in the Putnam Historic District. Not only can you savor delicious food in a wonderful, Victorian atmosphere, but you can also take a guided tour of this magnificent mansion. The mansion is open by reservations only.
Dresden The Village of Dresden is home to the World’s Largest Basket and the place where the Longaberger Basket Company got its start. This village is filled with quaint shops, restaurants, and bed & breakfasts. Dresden retains the traditions and charming qualities of yesteryear while offering the conveniences of today.
Baskets Just as Muskingum County is known for pottery, it is also known for baskets. The Longaberger Company is the largest manufacturer of handmade baskets in the United States. Part of the Longaberger experience is The Longaberger Homestead, a complete guest destination featuring unique shopping, restaurants, special events and educational demonstrations.
Historic Districts Zanesville has three historic districts: Brighton, Putnam, and McIntire Terrace. Brighton Historic District is a residential neighborhood of large, detached homes built by some of Zanesville’s finest builders roughly between the 1890s and early 1920s. The Putnam Historic District encompasses one of the earliest European settlements in the State of Ohio. It also boasts a rich architectural heritage of late Federal, Greek Revival and Victorian period residential, religious, and commercial structures. The homes of McIntire Terrace Historic District were built roughly between the Civil War and 1920. The terrace was given by the federal government to Ebenezer Zane as partial payment for the cutting of a trail from Wheeling to Maysville, Kentucky on the Ohio River in the late 1790s.
Museums The development of the National Road and the life of popular Western novelist Zane Grey are commemorated at the Ohio Historical Society’s National Road-Zane Grey Museum. This facility was noted a “should see” by AAA. The Zanesville Art Center displays the largest selection of Ohio pottery and glass in southeast Ohio. This museum also features 18 galleries of Asian, Indian, African, and pre-Columbian collections, and American and European paintings, sculpture, and graphics. The National Ceramic Museum and Heritage Center is a pottery museum with 5 buildings devoted to the history of pottery. The John and Annie Glenn Museum is dedicated to telling the story of 20th Century American history through the lives of John and Annie Glenn, and to creating educational programs for learners of all ages.
Outdoor Recreation Muskingum County is rich in opportunities for sportsmen and outdoor enthusiasts. Two navigable rivers and three state parks including Dillon State Park, Blue Rock State Park and Muskingum River Parkway State Park make the area popular for hunting, fishing, camping, etc.
The Arts The Artist Colony of Zanesville was created in 2003 by a group of community leaders with a desire to revitalize Downtown Zanesville by creating an artist colony. Today there are over 15 artists working and/or living in downtown Zanesville. The first Friday of every month there is an art walk to celebrate the arts of the community.
For more information about Zanesville and Muskingum County story ideas or to schedule a personalized fam visit, please contact:
Kelly Ashby Lori Kappes
Vice President Marketing Manager
Zanesville-Muskingum County CVB Zanesville-Muskingum County CVB
205 N. Fifth Street 205 N. Fifth Street
Zanesville, Ohio 43701 Zanesville, Ohio 43701
(800) 743-2303 (800) 743-2303
kashby@zmchamber.com lkappes@zmchamber.com