Cambridge and Guernsey County, Ohio is an expansive outdoor oasis full of activities that delight adventurers of all ages. You don’t need a passport to have an exotic adventure! Experience Ohio’s wild side at The Wilds, operated by the Columbus Zoo. The Wilds offers up-close (and safe) animal encounters for the whole family. See camels, giraffes, zebras and much more as they roam and graze across the beautiful Eastern Ohio plain. With a rooftop Terrace Grill, specialty and zipline tours and more, there’s always something new to explore.
The area is also home to the state’s largest park (Salt Fork State Park) and third-largest inland lake (Seneca Lake)! This wild wonderland is conveniently located at the crossroads of two major interstates (I-70 & I-77) – an easy daytrip or overnight getaway from Ohio’s major cities to the perfect place to play!
Seneca Lake offers so many ways to paddle and play. From watersports and fishing – bluegill and bass are plentiful here – to swimming at lifeguard staffed beaches. New this year is a spectacular splash pad and storybook hiking trail the entire family will enjoy.
At Salt Fork State Park choose your outdoor adventure. Keep things cozy by pitching your tent in the campground and select from 14 gorgeous hiking and six bridle trails or create an upscale adventure in the full-service lodge or deluxe vacation cabins. Families love exploring the Civil-War-era hideout Hosak’s Cave or panning for treasure at the gem mining station. Don’t miss the enchanting Storybook Trail! The half-mile long trail has child height panels featuring pages of a children’s book and an activity to accompany the text on the page. Whichever path you choose, make sure it leads to the 3,000-acre Salt Fork Lake for fishing and boating fun.
If you’re lucky, you’ll see more than a few deer during any visit to Guernsey County, but there’s no better place to spot and learn about these beautiful animals than the Deerassic Park Welcome Center. A dock offers fantastic views of the resident deer, while interactive activity centers, a slide and mural give families a fun introduction into the plants and animals that help our region thrive.
Plan an adventure at one or more of these stops by requesting a travel guide! And check-out what events and festivals are on the horizon.