The urge to get away from it all and escape to a simpler time and place is strong, especially these days. Cambridge/Guernsey County, Ohio is ready to welcome you and your family with fresh air and wide-open spaces. Whether you seek serene hideaways or come to enjoy our multiple lakes and parks, trails, shops and restaurants, , we are conveniently located at the crossroads of two major interstates (I-70 and I-77). This region is just a few hours’ drive from Columbus, Cleveland and Cincinnati.
GET OUTDOORS at Salt Fork State Park which at 20,181 acres is Ohio’s largest state park! Snap photos of wildlife as well as seasonal wildflowers. Cast a fishing line. Lounge at one of Ohio’s largest inland beaches. Boat, swim or waterski in the nearly 3,000-acre lake. Bring a picnic and sprawl out in a scenic spot. Hone your swing at the driving range or play a challenging round of golf. Hike 14 different trails. Ride horseback on six bridle trails.
Salt Fork State Park has several other distinctions worth noting. It was dubbed one of the Top 10 “Squatchiest” Places in the Country USA TODAY! Join in the hunt for Bigfoot with night hikes, conferences and more. And don’t miss out on Hosak’s Cave, a Civil War hideout, and the gem mining station for kids. What’s not to love? www.ohiodnr.gov/wps/portal/gov/odnr/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/salt-fork-state-park
MAKE A SPLASH at Seneca Lake where 3,550-acres of water ripple invitingly. Come boat, swim, waterski, and reel in catfish, bass, walleye, yellow perch, and bluegill. Ohio’s third-largest inland lake offers three public boat launch ramps, so bring your speed boat, sailboat, pontoon, jet ski, fishing boat or rent a watercraft from Seneca Lake Marina. There’s a 399 horsepower limit, but if you prefer to paddle, rent a kayak or join a guided kayaking program. When you’re ready to dry off, explore the park’s 4,060 acres of land. www.mwcd.org
CHECK OFF A BUCKET LIST ADVENTURE at The Wilds where visitors get a taste of an African safari with the affordability of Midwest prices. The Wilds resides on over 9000+ acres that were formerly used for strip mining in Cumberland, Ohio. The repurposing of the land allows for important animal conservation and education. During the 2+ hour open-air safari tour, you will see several rare and endangered species, along with rhinos, ostriches, and giraffes roaming around in a natural setting. Tours offered May-October. Tours are 2.5 hours long and are offered daily at 1:30 p.m. (July – October). Advance reservations are required. www.thewilds.org
Are you a fan of Nat Geo WILD TV series, Secrets of the Zoo? Join one of The Wilds’ Animal Management team members who appear on the hit show for a special tour as they make their rounds. You might help take a head count of the Bactrian deer, see Albert the Sichuan takin, be introduced to the resident giraffe herd or drive among the herd of southern white rhinos.
