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Author: Barry Pickard
Harrison County, Ohio is a hidden gem in the east of the state. Situated in the rolling Appalachian foothills, this small, quirky county is conveniently located an hour from Pittsburgh, 2 hours from Cleveland, and 2 hours from Columbus. The area offers a wealth of opportunities for recreation, outdoor pursuits, and visiting sites of historical interest.
Harrison County was settled by pioneers from Pennsylvania and New York in the early 1800s, with the county being named after Benjamin Harrison, the ninth president of the United States. Coal mining was an important industry during the 1800s and by the late 1800s oil was also discovered in the area, followed by shale deposits, leading to a series of booms and busts up to the present day.
Today, Harrison County is a thriving community with a strong sense of history and tradition. The county is home to a number of small museums, historical sites, and cultural attractions. Harrison County is also a popular destination for outdoor recreation, with hiking, biking, fishing, and hunting opportunities aplenty.
We were based in Cadiz, the main town of the county and had a very enjoyable time discovering this little settlement and the area surrounding it. So read on to discover 7 attractions that you should visit in Harrison County, Ohio.
Don’t forget that Tailor-Made Itineraries delights in creating bespoke self-guided tours. So, if visiting Harrison County appeals to you, reach out to me by email. I would be more than happy to design a self-guided tour around your requirements incorporating the attractions of Harrison County, or indeed, a general tour of Ohio.
Attractions to Visit in Harrison County, Ohio
1. Clark Gable Foundation
The Clark Gable Foundation is a museum and nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the memory of Clark Gable, one of the most iconic actors of the Golden Age of Hollywood. The museum features a variety of exhibits on Gable's life and career, including costumes, props, photographs, personal items, and even one of his cars. The museum is contained in a house that was built as an exact replica of Gable's childhood home.
Clark Gable was born William Clark Gable on February 1, 1901, in Cadiz, Ohio. His father, William Henry Gable, was an oil-well driller, and his mother, Adeline Hershelman, was a homemaker. Gable was the only child of his parents.
In 1928, Gable landed his first major role in the Broadway play "Machinal." The play was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to launch Gable's career as a leading man. Gable then made the transition to talking films in the early 1930s. He quickly became one of the most popular and successful actors in Hollywood, starring in a string of classic films, including "It Happened One Night" (1934), for which he received an Oscar, and, perhaps most memorably, "Gone with the Wind" (1939). Gable died of a heart attack on November 16, 1960, at the age of 59. He is buried in Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California.
The Clark Gable Foundation is a great place to learn about one of Hollywood's most beloved stars. Visitors will come away with a deeper appreciation for Gable's talent and his impact on the film industry. The Foundation was established in 1999 by a group of Gable fans who wanted to preserve his memory and legacy, and they have done a great job so far. The museum itself opened in 2001 and has become a site of pilgrimage for Gable fans across the world (like my Mum and I!)
Tailor-Made Top Tip: The gift shop at the museum is an absolute treasure trove of Gable memorabilia.
2. Harrison County History of Coal Museum
The Harrison County History of Coal Museum is a non-profit educational museum dedicated to preserving the rich mining heritage of Harrison County, Ohio. The museum is located in the lower level of the Puskarich Public Library in Cadiz.
The museum features a variety of exhibits on coal mining, including coal’s geological history; the history of coal mining in the area; how mines were built; and products made from coal, such as insecticides and mothballs.
The Harrison County History of Coal Museum is a great place to learn about the important role that coal mining played in the development of the region. Visitors will come away with a new perspective on the challenges and sacrifices that coal miners made to provide for their families and communities.
The first coal mine in Harrison County was opened in 1807 near Cadiz. Coal mining quickly became a major industry in the county, and by the mid-1800s, there were over 100 coal mines in operation. Despite the dangers, coal mining was a vital part of the economy of Harrison County, and it provided jobs for thousands of people. The industry in the county reached its peak in the early 1900s. At that time, there were over 200 coal mines in operation in the county. However, the coal mining industry began to decline in the mid-1900s. Today, there are only a few coal mines still operating in Harrison County. However, the history of coal mining in the county is still an important part of the local culture and economy.
Tailor-Made Top Tip: Admission is free of charge and the museum is open during the libraries' normal business hours.
3. Boss Bison Ranch
Boss Bison Ranch is a unique and educational experience and was definitely the highlight of our trip to Harrison County for my son. Boss Bison Ranch is a family-owned and operated farm located on the outskirts of Cadiz. The ranch is home to over 60 bison, which are raised for their meat and hides, while also providing recreational activities for visitors of all ages.
One of the most popular activities at Boss Bison Ranch is the guided farm tour. Visitors can learn about the history of bison, their natural habitat, and their role in the environment. They can also see the bison up close and learn how they are raised. You also get the chance to feed the lovable bison, including the adorable calves (from late spring onwards).
Boss Bison Ranch was founded in 2000 and the ranch is still committed to raising bison in a humane and sustainable way. The ranch uses regenerative pasture management practices, which help to improve the soil and water quality. The bison are also raised without the use of antibiotics or hormones.
If you are looking for a unique and educational experience, Boss Bison Ranch is the perfect place for you.
Tailor-Made Top Tip: Make sure to call ahead of your visit - info@bossbisonranch.com tel: 740-942-8726. Also, make sure to check out the tasty variety of bison meats on sale. I was a little self-conscious buying a pack of their Bison Snack Sticks after having just petted some of the herd, but they were so tasty!
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4. Harrison County Courthouse
The Harrison County Courthouse is a historic building located in the centre of Cadiz. The courthouse was built between 1893 and 1895 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The courthouse is a beautiful example of Second Empire architecture and is well worth a visit to admire its exteriors.
The courthouse was designed by Joseph W. Yost, a prominent architect from Cleveland, Ohio. Yost designed a number of other courthouses in Ohio, including the Cuyahoga County Courthouse in Cleveland and the Stark County Courthouse in Canton.
5. Custer Monument
The Custer Monument is a bronze statue located in New Rumley, just a 20-minute drive from Cadiz. It was dedicated in 1931 to honour General George Armstrong Custer, who was born in this village in 1839. The monument is located in a small park on the corner of Main Street and Rumley Road. Custer’s childhood home once stood on this site. It is a popular tourist destination and is a reminder of Custer's legacy.
The Custer Monument is a great place to learn about Custer's life and career since there is a highly informative panel display to the side of the statue that details Custer’s history and there are plenty of illustrations and photos to compliment his interesting story.
Custer was a controversial figure, but he is also one of the most famous American military leaders. He graduated from West Point in 1861 and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He served in the American Civil War, where he earned a reputation for bravery and recklessness. After the war, Custer fought in the Indian Wars, where he was killed at the Battle of the Little Bighorn in 1876.
Custer's legacy is complex and contested. He is remembered as a hero by some and as a villain by others. He was a complex man who was both brave and reckless, both brilliant and foolish. He was a product of his time, and his actions must be judged in the context of the 19th century.
Custer's death at the Battle of the Little Bighorn made him a martyr for the cause of American expansionism. He was a symbol of the U.S. government's determination to conquer the West and subdue the Native Americans.
6. 16-Sided Barn
The 16-Sided Barn is a historic barn located near Freeport. It was built in 1916 by John B. Stewart and Sons, and it is one of only three 16-sided barns in the United States. The barn is a beautiful example of early 20th century barn architecture and makes an interesting stop on road tour of Harrison County.
The 16-Sided Barn is located on a working farm, and it is still used to store hay and equipment. The barn is 60 ft. high, 60 ft. across and requires 60 square feet of roofing. Each side is 12 feet. Inside the barn there is a 12-foot silo going up through the middle, with 27 walnut post that hold up the top layer. Ohio.
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7. Skull Fork Covered Bridge
The Skull Fork Covered Bridge is a historic covered bridge located near Freeport. The bridge was built around 1860 and is one of the oldest covered bridges in the state. The bridge is a beautiful example of 19th century covered bridge architecture.
The bridge is located on Covered Bridge Road, which is a scenic byway that winds through the rolling hills of Harrison County. The bridge is a popular spot for photography and is a great place to take a walk or a bike ride.
It is believed that the bridge got its name due to a legend concerning local Native Americans that kidnapped and murdered some individuals whose skulls were found near the creek.
Tailor-Made Top Tip: If you are driving, the bridge is best approached from the north along Skull Fork Road (Covered Bridge Road is quite rough and winding and is best avoided if driving).
Restaurant and Accommodation Suggestions
Vineyard 22
Vineyard 22 is a family-owned and operated winery located on the outskirts of Cadiz. The winery is open year-round and offers a variety of wines, including reds, whites, and dessert wines. Vineyard 22 also offers a variety of food options, including charcuterie boards, cheese plates, and pizzas.
The winery is located on a beautiful 100-acre farm and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The winery is also home to a variety of events, including live music, wine tastings, and food pairings.
Ranch to Table
Ranch to Table is a farm-to-table restaurant located in Cadiz, opposite the courthouse. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and offers a variety of dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
The Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Cadiz
This hotel is a great place to stay when you're visiting Cadiz and Harrison County. The hotel just a ten-minute walk from the centre of town and offers a variety of amenities, including free Wi-Fi and breakfast. The rooms are clean and comfortable, and they all have a microwave, hot drinks making facilities and mini fridge.
The staff at the Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Cadiz are exceptionally friendly and helpful. They were always willing to go the extra mile to make sure we had a great stay.
Conclusion
If you're looking for a place to visit that offers history, outdoor recreation, and small-town charm, Harrison County, Ohio is the perfect place for you. With its convenient location and abundance of activities, Harrison County is sure to have something for everyone. There are many more interesting little museums and attractions that you can visit and for more information, check out the Visit Harrison County website.
Comment below and let us know if you have visited Harrison County.
Don’t forget that Tailor-Made Itineraries delights in creating bespoke self-guided tours. So, if visiting Harrison County appeals to you, reach out to me by email. I would be more than happy to design a self-guided tour around your requirements incorporating the attractions of Harrison County, or indeed, a general tour of Ohio.
Join me next time on my adventures when I discover the best attractions to visit in Munich, Germany. Tailor-Made Itineraries posts every two weeks, and you can subscribe to the latest blog and newsletter here. Until then, happy reading and safe travels.
Barry
Contact Me: tailoritineraries@gmail.com
Tailor-Made Itineraries creates one-of-a-kind bespoke self-guided travel itineraries for adventurous and curious travellers.
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