Seip Mound Seip Mound is located on the east side of Bainbridge on Route 50 just a few miles away from the Highlands Nature Sanctuary. Free of charge. Seip was once the site of a very large geometric earthworks which contained several mounds. An extremely large mound remains and can be viewed by the public. Interpretive signs are provided on the site.  www.ohiohistory.org/places/seip/  (800) 686-1535

Hopewell Culture National Historic Park The Hopewell site is located on Route 104 just north of Chillicothe. This area was once as essential sacred and ceremonial center for the Hopewell culture, boasting a huge earthworks and many burial and ceremonial mounds. A tremendous wealth of breathtaking art has been excavated from this site, many of which are on display in the museum. The earthworks has been reconstructed along with some of the mounds. A highly recommended site to see. The visitor center has wonderful exhibits and an excellent selection of books for sale. (740) 774-1126

Serpent Mound   The Serpent Mound is among the world's most impressive and significant archeological sites. Among the many earthmounds built by the early moundbuilder cultures in Eastern U.S., only a few are in the shape  of animal effigies. This one is perhaps the best in the entire world of an effigy mound. The serpent is massive, over 1/4 mile long, and stunningly executed to model the sinewy curves of a snake. The reconstructed mound evokes a sense of awe and mystery, providing more questions than answers to our archeological past.  www.ohiohistory.org/places/serpent    (800) 752-2757

Fort Hill State Memorial  Offering 1200 acres of mature forest and 11 miles of trails, Fort Hill is a spectacular hiking destination and archeological area 8 miles south of the Sanctuary.  Although a bit hard for the layman to discern with the naked eye, the flat-topped hill contains one of the best preserved Indian hilltop enclosures in North America. The Hopewell Indians (100 B.C.-A.D. 500) constructed the 1 1/2 mile long earthwork hilltop enclosure, at least two ceremonial buildings, and probably a village in the Brush creek Valley below.   www.ohiohistory.org/places/fthill  (800) 283-8905

Tecumseh Outdoor Drama (Chillicothe) www.tecumsehdrama.com  This popular outdoor theatre has been running for decades without stop, telling the dramatic story of the Native American, Tecumseh,  who attempted to unite the diverse tribes of the Eastern forest against a common enemy who was relentlessly breaking treaties and expending westward. The author of the script was none other than Allan W. Eckart, writer of the famous book, The Frontiersman. The theatrical version is popular with adults because of its engaging  message and dramatic struggle. It is popular with children -- even ones too young to follow the story -- because of the high action on the stage, including gun fights and running horses!! The theatre is placed on the foot of scenic Sugarloaf Mountain. Mon-Sat 8 pm  June-August  (866) 775-0700 www.tecumsehdrama.com/frame_show.html?a=tickets&b=visit&c=visit
 

Early Settlement History

Ross County Heritage Center
Located in the historic district of downtown Chillicothe -- once the capital of the Northwest Territory, and later, the early statehood of Ohio -- Ross County's Historical Society's museum ranks among the best and largest of county museums we have ever seen. Staffed year around, the main complex has a large number of exhibits, featuring Ohio settlement history, Northwest Territory and early Ohio statehood history Northwest Territory & early Ohio statehood, the Civil War years, Camp Sherman and WWI, 19th C. children's toys, replicas of early Chillicothe, and a beautiful exhibit on prehistoric Native American artifacts including famous stone effigy pipes, a massive exhibit on early transportation which includes a real-life Conestoga wagon, horse-drawn buggies and hearses, and early engine-driven cars. Visitors may also choose to visit the society's Knoles Log House which features many artifacts that illustrate life in early Ohio, plus the Franklin House - the Society's museum dedicated to women's history. Heritage Center patrons may also visit the Society's McKell Library - a research center and repository of thousands of rare books, journals, manuscripts, historical documents, and photographs. Highly recommended. Very affordable entrance fees. Located at 45 W. Fifth St, Chillicothe, Ohio. You can usually count on the museum being open 1-5 each day throughout the year. See www.rosscountyhistorical.org/museum.html

Adena Mansion and Gardens Adena was originally the 2000-acre estate of Thomas Worthington (1773-1827), sixth governor of Ohio and one of the state's first United States Senators. The mansion house, completed in 1806-1807, has been restored to look much as it did when the Worthington family lived there.  Many original Worthington family furnishings are displayed there. Situated on the 300 remaining acres of the original estate are five outbuildings and formal gardens. Looking east from the north lawn, one can see across the Scioto River Valley to the Logan Range. This view is depicted on the Great Seal of the State of Ohio. Visitors can stroll through three terraces of flowers and vegetables, as well as the shrubs and trees in the Grove. Looking east from the north lawn of the mansion, one can see across the Scioto River Valley to the Logan Range. This view is depicted on the Great Seal of the State of Ohio. A new Museum and Education Center features interactive exhibits that use the stories of people connected to Adena to give visitors a picture of life in Ohio in the early 1800s. Adena is located at the south end of Adena Road, off Pleasant Valley Road, which is the first road west off of State Route 104, just north of the U.S. 35 interchange at the north edge of Chillicothe in Ross County. Adena Mansions & Gardens, Ohio Historical Society, Box 831 Adena Rd., Chillicothe, OH (740) 772-1500 or (800) 319-7248.  http://www.ohiokids.org/adenahouse/mus.shtml

The Dental Museum is located on US Hwy 50 in Bainbridge, Ohio, houses displays of some of the earliest dentistry equipment used on patients in Ohio's early statehood days. By today's standards, these tools might seem a bit primitive and frighteinng!! but they are part of the unfolding story of professional dentistry in our country. Many people consider the U.S. cradle of the dentristry profession to be none other than the Bainbridge-Chillicothe region, and this museum tells this story. By appointment only (740) 634-2228 or 634-2246
 

Swimming & Public Campgrounds

Paint Creek State Park A large beach located two miles north of the Highlands Nature Sanctuary. The campground is in a young forest and is sunny, but the sites are well-spaced. Camper cabins also available. www.dnr.state.oh.us/parks/parks/paintcrk.htm (937) 365-1401

Pike Lake State Park A beach on a small and scenic lake (no motor boats) surrounded by wooded hills. A beautiful setting with a few nice hiking trails nearby. The campground has sites very close together located under a pine forest. Though the sites are sometimes crowded, the park is beautiful and well-loved, with a wonderful community atmosphere.  www.dnr.state.oh.us/parks/parks/pikelake.htm  (740) 493-2212

 
Fine Dining

Moyer's Vineyards & Winery:
Visit the vineyards and winery while enjoying delightful gourmet dining on the banks of the Ohio River. Meals between 9.95 and 26.95, not included in registration. 55 miles away from the Appalachian Forest Museum. Located in a very historic region. Reservations recommended.  937-549-2957.

Local Produce & Health Food

JR’s Mennonite General Store is a Mennonite store a few miles southeast of the Appalachian Forest Museum on SR 41. This is one of our favorite places to shop! As we are careful in our planning, we can buy almost everything we need without hitting the "big city." Of greatest appeal to us it its large selection of bulk pantry items, including many kinds of grains and flours, beans and rice, dried fruits, and noodles. JR’s also has a wonderful selection of Amish cheeses, deli meats, local produce, butter and eggs, jams, desserts, pickles and bulk candy – even the old fashioned root beer barrel candies!  JR's is run by representatives of our conservative Mennonite Community and is run totally without electricity. Driving to JR's will take you through horse and buggy territory. To get there, drive south on Cave Rd until you dead-end on Barrett's Mill. Turn left and take Barrett's Mill all the way to Rt 41 at Cynthiana. Turn left. JR's will be a few miles north on your left. It is well-signed. The Country Crust bakery is on the other side of the road. Closed on Sundays and evenings.

Country Crust Mennonite Bakery is a Mennonite-operated bakery just across the road from JR's. Wonderful doughnuts and pastries. Shop here at your own risk!! See directions above.

Weaver’s Produce  Weaver's is a summer road-side produce stand run by a Mennonite family offering a wide variety of fresh produce at very reasonable prices. To get there, drive to Rainsboro, turn north on 753. Weaver's will be approximately one mile down the road on your left. It is well-signed. Closed on Sundays.

Sellers Orchard (513) 466-2388 In Marshall off of 506. Sellers offers several varieties of apples including Mutsu and Winesaps. This is one of the last of the old-time family-run country orchards!!

Cundiff’s Seasonal Produce (937) 393-1411 Off of 124 on the east side of  Hillsboro. Cundiff’s has an organic greenhouse with tomatoes and other organic produce in
season.  They also stock peppers, onions, cucumbers, zucchini, melons, peaches, plums, and more in season.

Hillsboro Natural Food Store (937) 393-5623 In downtown Hillsboro, on 62 South. This is a small but friendly local store. They carry organic, processed foods such as canned beans and vegetables, as well as spaghetti, spaghetti sauce, cereals, snacks, peanut butter, condiments, etc. One may also find organic grains, nuts, milk, cheese, teas, tofu, and energy bars. There are Seventh Generation and other environmentally-friendly detergents, dish liquids, soaps, and shampoos. 
 

Visitor Bureaus in the Arc of Appalachia Region  

Highland County Convention Visitor’s Bureau: 1575 N High St Hillsboro (937) 393-4883

www.highlandcounty.com

Ross-Chillicothe Convention and Visitor’s Bureau 25 E Main St Chillicothe (740) 702-7677

www.chillicotheohio.com/rccvb   http://www.visithistory.com/