Back To Nature

The Wilds

One of Ohio’s most unique destinations is right here in Muskingum County. A place where threatened and endangered animals from all over the world – rhinos, giraffes, antelope and now cheetahs – live in mixed-species groups, roaming expansive natural habitats. A place where scientists and educators are working to better understand and conserve the world’s animals and natural resources. Visitors can encounter and learn about nature and wildlife. A place called the Wilds, one of the largest and most innovative wildlife conservation centers with nearly 10,000 acres. Hop aboard an Open-Air Safari to get up close time with the animals in the pasture and get behind the scene looks. Take a bird’s eye view from a zip line or explore the Wilds by horseback or cast your line on a guided fishing safari. Enjoy a stay in a one of their cabins at Straker Lake. The opportunities are endless! TheWilds.org

Kidzville

Let the adventure begin at our very own expansive playground that will be sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face with swings, slides, bridges and more! Kidzville is located in Riverside Park along with picnic tables, trails, walking paths, views of the river and softball and soccer fields. Take the kids and let them explore the open!

Lorena Sternwheeler

The Lorena Sternwheeler is moored at Zane’s Landing Park at the west end of Market Street in downtown Zanesville and offers excursions on the Muskingum River. She can carry 75 passengers and is 104 feet long.

This Muskingum County treasure travels up the Historic Muskingum River Water Trail and offers a relaxed and pleasant ride through wide waters, passing scenic woodlands just the way our ancestors did. She has carried governors, Miss Americas, Pat Boone, and the Imperials. Newspapers throughout the world write about the Lorena and radio and TV coverage is extensive. Worldwide coverage came when the Lorena survived the “Blizzard of “78.” The riverboat was within a quarter-inch of capsizing. Lunch, Dinner, Twilight and Public Cruises are available. visitzanesville.com

Spring Acres Alpaca Farm

Visit the largest Suri alpaca farm in Southeast Ohio, with over 90 alpacas on 180 acres of rolling hills. Feel the finest, softest, most beautiful fleece that is also light weight, hypoallergenic and water repellent. The Alpacas of Spring Acres is a real working alpaca farm that offers shopping, education, and many opportunities to experience and enjoy the wonderful world of alpacas. The Alpacas of Spring Acres offers fiber arts experiences such as weaving, spinning, knitting and crocheting to name a few. So, put your hands on this exquisite fiber and find out what all the excitement is about! Enjoy the Farm Store and Weaving Center during your visit. TheAlpacasOfSpringAcres.com

Blue Rock Station Recycled Home

A visit to the Blue Rock Station is an opportunity to rest from the world of fast paced work and city life, and step back in time. Annie and Jay Warmke have created a sustainable living farm located just south of Zanesville in the foothills of the Appalachia Mountains, and they invite their guests to share some of the moments in their lives as they milk goats, construct buildings or grow food. Reservations can be scheduled to tour Ohio’s first Earthship, a house designed by Architect Michael Reynolds using tires, cans, bottles and strawbales to create a one-of-a-kind inviting home. Other buildings include the plastic bottle greenhouse, the chicken strawbale chalet and the privy with the million dollar view. Bluerockstation.com

McDonald’s Greenhouse and Corn Maze

Get lost in the laughter from your family while maneuvering the five acre maze and enjoying all the down on the farm goodness - pumpkin patch, hay ride, petting zoo and jumping pillow. Open on weekend’s mid-September through October. Make great memories this fall. McDonaldsGreenhouse.com

Zanesville Museum of Art

Your children will love exploring this art museum complete with a larger than life Snoopy, a life sized tortoise, and rotating exhibitions from around the US. Docent-led tours present a rich visual arts experience for all families and are led by well-trained volunteer docents or museum tour guides, they bring the museum to life by exploring the rich permanent collection and special exhibitions. Shop for unique items in the Museum Store and enjoy programs and events for children of all ages. ZanesvilleArt.org

Tom’s Ice Cream Bowl

“Serving you proudly for over 50 years.” Owner Joe Baker and his team make all the ice cream – about 600 gallons a week – and serve it in soup bowls. On July 24, 1998 in the Life Destination and Diversions section of the USA Today, Tom’s Ice Cream Bowl was rated #1 of 10 great places in America to get a “scoop”. Candy, nuts, soup, sandwiches and homemade ice cream. Perfect place to get the “scoop” about Zanesville. TomsIcecreamBowl.com

Mission Oaks Garden

This beautiful urban garden exists quietly and virtually undetectable from the street in a residential neighborhood. More than seven acres of gardens showcase hundreds of rare and unusual plants including a collection of azaleas, rhododendrons, magnolias, two waterfalls, a natural bog, perennial garden, walking paths, creek, gazebo and one of the most renowned conifer gardens in the state. The nearly two acre conifer garden displays over 300 trees, many of which are not native to North America. Free and open to the public daily from dusk til dawn. MissionOaksGardens.org

Lind Arena

Let the Good Times Roll! The Lind Arena is a nostalgic roller rink built in 1948 with a wonderful wooden floor and neon lighting. They provide family fun and entertainment that all can enjoy from the very young to the “very young at heart.” We bet your kids will always remember watching their parents reminisce on the roller rink. LindArena.com