As winter gives way to the vibrancy of spring, Scioto County awakens with a renewed energy, offering a host of captivating experiences that celebrate the season's arrival. From spiritual reflections to festive parades, this guide invites you to revel in the beauty and joy of spring in this picturesque region. White Gravel Mines Easter Cave: A Spiritual Journey Step into the heart of spring at the White Gravel Mines Easter Cave, where an immersive experience brings the life of Christ to life. Journey through the cave's winding passages, encountering artistic displays that highlight the significant moments of Christ's life. This spiritual and reflective journey provides a unique opportunity to connect with the story of Easter in a setting that's both breathtaking and sacred. St. Patrick's Day Parade: A Festive Celebration Celebrate the arrival of spring with a touch of Irish flair at the St. Patrick's Day Parade. Watch the streets of Scioto County come alive with vibrant colors, music, and dancing as the parade marches through town. From spirited floats to lively performers, this festive event promises a joyful atmosphere that's perfect for all ages. Pro Tips for Your Spring Exploration: Dress Comfortably: Wear layers to accommodate changing weather as spring unfolds. Plan Ahead: Check event schedules and any reservation requirements for a seamless experience. Capture the Moments: Bring your camera to capture the vibrant colors of spring and the festive atmosphere. Embrace the Spirit: Participate in any interactive elements of the Easter Cave experience for a deeper connection. Engage with the Community: Enjoy the parade's lively ambiance and connect with fellow spectators. Spring in Scioto County offers a wonderful blend of spiritual reflection and festive celebration. Whether you're immersing yourself in the life of Christ or joining in the excitement of a vibrant parade, this guide promises an enriching and joyful springtime experience that captures the essence of the season's renewal and vitality.

Escape from reality and challenge yourself or your friends to a thrilling experience at one of our unique indoor recreational spaces. From sharpening your axe throwing skills to testing your problem-solving skills in an escape room to enjoying a few rounds of golf, there is something here for everyone! Southern Ohio Axe Throwing 412 2nd St., Portsmouth, OH 45662 Experience the thrill of throwing an axe at a wooden target at Southern Ohio Axe Throwing! Before you ask....YES, it is safe! One of their experienced and highly trained Axeperts will be always with you to help guide you through the entire process and make you a pro in no time! Boneyfiddle Golf and Lounge 347 3rd Street, Portsmouth, Ohio 45662 Test your golfing skills and play at over 25 world-renowned golf courses from around the world and shop for top brands of merchandise while staying close to home. The Vault Ohio 317 Chillicothe Street, Portsmouth, OH 45662 The Vault Ohio is a state-of-the-art ESPORTS and video arcade arena with a 1 Gigabit per second (Gbps) fiber optic connection. The Vault aims to bring people together over the love of ESPORTS and video gaming. Whether you are a pro ESPORTS player or just getting started, The Vault Ohio is a perfect gaming experience for all levels of gamers. They offer a variety of gaming experiences, including LAN events, online tournaments, in-house tournaments, high school ESPORTS, food and drinks, and much more. Deadbolt: Boneyfiddle Escape Rooms and Mysteries 309 Jefferson Street, Portsmouth, Ohio Tucked away in a corner of the historic Boneyfiddle district is an escape from reality, an escape from the ordinary. Deadbolt offers adventure and thrill in the form of 60 minute escape room experiences at our physical location at the Deadbolt Warehouse, an abandoned historic shoe factory. Browse our rooms and book a mystery for a thrilling experience right here in Portsmouth, Ohio. Oddfellows 526 2nd St., Portsmouth, OH, United States, 45662 Oddfellows isn’t just a place to fill your appetite— come here to eat AND play! They offer four duckpin bowling lanes and ten arcade games which are a hit for all ages! The food and fun we offer fills a void our town has had for many years and our locals no longer need to travel 80+ miles for dinner and a good time— whether it’s date night or family night, you can do it all right here. Their delicious selection of fresh, seasonally appropriate items will keep you excited to visit and on their toes in anticipation from season to season. Not to mention their custom tiled wood-fired ovens crank out the tastiest pizzas and chicken wings in town. Pro Tips for Your Indoor Amusement: 1. Hours and Availability: Each business sets their own hours of operation and may require reservations. Check each business website to plan your visit more efficiently. 2. Activity Choices: When planning activities for your trip, be mindful of your group and their interests and age range. 3. Appropriate Attire: Dress comfortably and appropriate for the type of activity you will be participating in. 4. Food and Drink: Some establishments either sell food and drinks or allow outside food and drink to be brought in. Check with the business to see about their rules and guidelines on food and drink. 5. Respectful Interaction: When engaging in the various activities, follow any guidelines provided by the establishment to ensure the safety and well-being of both visitors and staff members. Scioto County's indoor entertainment beckons you to escape reality and allows you to immerse yourself in fun, interactive activities. This guide promises an exhilarating and exciting experience that showcases the pleasure of just having some good old fashioned fun!

By: Emily Uldrich, Portsmouth Earthworks Researcher and Executive Director, Main Street Portsmouth In Bloom 740-464-0203 www.mspohio.org In September 2023, a collection of eight unique Native American sites in various locations in the State of Ohio were inscribed as World Heritage Sites. These sites include Fort Ancient in Oregonia, OH, two sites at the Newark Earthworks in Newark, OH, and five sites that are part of Hopewell Culture National Historical Park in Chillicothe, OH. Collectively, these five sites are known as the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks. None of the above sites are located in Scioto County, but we too, have Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks that you can visit in our area. Discover the Native American history of Scioto County in this handy guide. Scioto County has been a prime location for human settlement since the end of the last Ice Age. The Scioto and Ohio River Conflux provides a bounty of wild game, as well as edible plants, nuts, and berries. These resources attracted Paleo-Indian Culture hunter/gatherers for thousands of years. The presence of Indigenous Cultures persisted in the area through the time when European explorers first made contact with the people of the New World. In the 18th century, the Shawnee Nation operated a popular trading post at Lower Shawnee Town in both Ohio and Kentucky. The Shawnee are thought to have arrived in the area in the 1730s. Lower Shawnee Town was located in West Portsmouth, Ohio, in and around what is now Earl Thomas Conley Riverside Park. Repeated flooding drove the village to the opposite bank of the Ohio River in Kentucky in 1756. By the time the Declaration of Independence was written in 1776, all of the Shawnee were driven out of Lower Shawnee Town. By the early 1800s, the Shawnee were removed from Ohio. The last Native American tribe living in Ohio, the Wyandot, signed a treaty declaring their move to Oklahoma in 1842. The Shawnee Nation is now three federally recognized tribes living on reservations in Oklahoma: The Absentee-Shawnee Tribe, The Eastern Shawnee Tribe, and The Shawnee Tribe. The prehistoric indigenous presence in Scioto County remains today in the form of monumental landscape architecture and artifacts left behind hundreds and even thousands of years in the past. Scioto County is home to what was once the largest prehistoric earthen mound complex in the entire world: The Portsmouth Earthworks! The majority of the complex is thought to have been created by the Hopewell Culture around 2,000 years ago. The Portsmouth Earthworks were the largest of all Hopewell Culture constructions. The footprint of the Portsmouth Earthworks covered over 25 square miles or over 50,000 acres! These mounds occupied the cities and hilltop ridges of Portsmouth, West Portsmouth, Lucasville, Sciotoville, and Wheelersburg in Ohio, as well as South Portsmouth and South Shore in Kentucky. The center of the complex was the Twin Horseshoe Mounds Enclosure at Mound Park in Portsmouth. Four sets of Parallel Earthen Embankments formed paths of procession leading in the intermediate directions to the satellite elements of the complex. The purpose of this massive construction is thought to have been ceremonial. Though there are a number of burial mounds included in the Portsmouth Earthworks, many of the mounds were used for different purposes. For example, no burials have ever been discovered at Mound Park. There were never any burials reported to be associated with any of the four sets of Parallel Embankments. While some of the mounds served a mortuary purpose, it is thought that additional ceremonies were performed at some Portsmouth Earthworks sites. Astronomical, directional, and seasonal alignments documented in the Portsmouth Earthworks suggest that some components may have functioned as a type of calendar. The Portsmouth Earthworks were altered and repurposed by subsequent prehistoric peoples, including the Intrusive Mound Culture (~AD 700-1000) and the Fort Ancient Culture (~AD 1,000-c.1675). Mound construction is thought to have begun in Scioto County by Archaic Cultures (~8,000-1,000 BC). In fact, Scioto County houses the oldest earthwork in Ohio: The Scioto County Infirmary Mound. This mound is thought to be nearly 6,000 years old! There are a small number of Portsmouth Earthworks sites still in existence today. Mound Park in Portsmouth features the East Twin Horseshoe Mound, the Mound Park Conical Mound, and the so-called Natural Elevation, which is also an earthwork. Mound Park is open to the public. Archaeological testing and monitoring in 2020 during the installation of paved walking paths and lighting at Mound Park uncovered nearly 4,500 Woodland Period (~1,000 BC – AD 1,000) Native American artifacts! Archaeologists confirm that these objects are consistent with those created by the Hopewell Culture. The artifacts are in the collection of the Ohio History Connection in Columbus, Ohio. The Tremper Mound and Enclosure in West Portsmouth is still present in the modern landscape. Tremper Mound is now part of a nature preserve under the stewardship of the Arc of Appalachia, an Ohio archaeological and ecological conservancy. The Arc of Appalachia has plans to open the Tremper Mound Nature Preserve to the public sometime in 2024. The Tremper Mound was excavated in 1915 by the Ohio Archaeological and Historical Society (now known as the Ohio History Connection). The mound is famous for the discovery of around 60 Hopewell Culture effigy pipes carved in the images of local wildlife. The Tremper Mound covered a Hopewell Culture Charnel House which was thought to be the resting place of around 400 individuals, most of whom were cremated. Hundreds of artifacts were discovered in the 1915 excavation, and many were documented with photographs in William C. Mills’ 1916 book, “Certain Mounds and Village Sites in Ohio, Volume 2: Part 3, Exploration of the Tremper Mound.” These artifacts are now in the collection of the Ohio History Connection. The Scioto County Infirmary Mound still exists in West Portsmouth. The mound is owned and cared for by Scioto County and the Scioto County Commissioners. The site was slotted for development in the 1980s, and the Commissioners allowed a salvage excavation because the site was known to have archaeological significance. This excavation was led by Martha Potter Otto, Director of the Ohio Historical Society (now the Ohio History Connection), and spearheaded by David Kuhn, Esquire, and Jonathan E. “JEB” Bowen, Professional Archaeologist. The excavation uncovered hundreds of artifacts thought to range from the Archaic Period through the Late Prehistoric Period (~AD 1,000-1,500). Reports of this salvage excavation may be found in the “Ohio Archaeologist” journal. During this excavation, it was discovered that the Scioto County Infirmary site is actually a prehistoric mound. This finding led to the preservation of the mound as it stands intact today. The Scioto County Infirmary Mound is open to the public by appointment. It may be viewed from Earl Thomas Conley Riverside Park, which is open to the public. There are additional intact Portsmouth Earthworks sites located on private property in Kentucky. These locations are closed to the public. The Southern Ohio Museum and Cultural Center houses a collection of over 10,000 prehistoric Native American artifacts, many discovered in and around the Portsmouth Earthworks. This collection is displayed in the museum’s “Art of The Ancients” permanent exhibition. For more information about the Southern Ohio Museum and Cultural Center or to schedule a free guided tour, please visit www.somacc.com or call the museum at 740-354-5629. The Raven Rock Overlook is a prominent destination for hikers in West Portsmouth showcasing a vista of over 10 miles up and down the Ohio River. The overlook was utilized by prehistoric people, as evident from the Raven Rock Stone Cairn, an earth and rock mound which used to set at the top of the ridge just to the north of the lookout. Hopewell Culture artifacts are reported to have been found beneath the Raven Rock Stone Cairn. A cache of Leaf-Shaped Adena Culture Blades (~800 BC) were recovered from the cairn. These colorful flint knives or spear points are now part of the Southern Ohio Museum and Cultural Center’s “Art of The Ancients” exhibition. The Raven Rock Overlook is open to the public by permit. The location is part of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Raven Rock State Nature Preserve. The overlook may be accessed by a hiking trail rated moderate, as it climbs from an elevation of around 500 feet at the base to over 1,000 feet at the peak. A Free Permit for The Raven Rock Hiking Trail may be obtained from the Division of Natural Areas and Preserves through the following website: https://ohiodnr.gov/buy-and-apply/special-use-permits/nature-preserve-access A Same-Day Permit for hiking to the Raven Rock Overlook may be obtained from the Shawnee State Park Office, located at 4404 State Route 125 in West Portsmouth. The Park Office may be found at the base of the hill leading the Shawnee State Park Lodge and Conference Center. A Same-day permit for hiking to the Raven Rock Overlook may also be obtained from the Shawnee State Park Ohio River Campground and Marina Office, located at 11152 U.S. Highway 52 in Stout. Andrew Feight, Ph.D., Professor of History and Director of The Center of Public History at Shawnee State University has created a tour of the Portsmouth Earthworks sites remaining in Ohio. This tour is hosted on the Scioto Historical website and smartphone app: sciotohistorical.org The Scioto Historical virtual or driving Portsmouth Earthworks Complex Tour may be accessed at the following link: sciotohistorical.org/tours/show/22 As part of the Scioto Historical Portsmouth Earthworks Complex Tour, a virtual rendering of the Portsmouth Earthworks as they are thought to have existed around 2,000 years ago was commissioned. Herb Roe, a visual artist and graduate of Portsmouth High School, created the virtual images of the Portsmouth Earthworks based on historic documentation and professional input The scope of the Portsmouth Earthworks is so large that it is best witnessed from the air. Herb Roe’s Virtual Flyover of the Portsmouth Earthworks Complex may be viewed on the Scioto Historical app and on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcZrGnCRKB8 Evidence from Scioto County attests to the monumental and sophisticated prehistoric civilizations that once thrived in the region. Scioto County remains a land of abundance, attracting modern day visitors and residents for many of the same reasons prehistoric people chose to make this place their home.

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Springtime Splendor: Embrace the Beauty of Spring in Scioto County Read the Guide Proud past, limitless future Step into the Ohio county with a proud past and a limitless future, where history blends harmoniously with innovation. Embrace the rich heritage of this region while witnessing the boundless potential and exciting opportunities that lie ahead, creating an inspiring and promising destination for all who visit. EXPERIENCE THE CHARM Explore these guides Families EXPLORE Indoor Recreation EXPLORE History Buffs EXPLORE Upcoming Events Scioto County is gearing up for an exciting lineup of upcoming events that cater to all interests. From lively music festivals and local food fairs to art exhibitions and community celebrations, residents and visitors alike can look forward to a vibrant calendar of events that showcase the heart and soul of the region. EXPLORE 31 DAYS TO THE EVENT The P'Town Float Jun 02, 2024, 8:30 AM EDT Alexandria Point Park Join us for a day of paddling on the Ohio River. Kayak or canoe a 7-mile stretch of the Ohio River alongside the Ohio River Challenge Canoes. The P'Town Float is FREE to attend. Click the Register Now button for more details about the event. Register Now Prehistoric Heritage of Scioto County Explore and experience the prehistoric heritage of Scioto County, Ohio. EXPLORE The Pastry Path From classic mom-and-pop shops to artisanal bakeries, this guide will take you on a delectable journey through the county's finest establishments, offering a taste of local favorites and sweet treats that will leave you craving for more. EXPLORE Free Things to Do Year-Round Discover the beauty and culture of Scioto County, Ohio, without breaking the bank. This guide invites you to explore a variety of free attractions that cater to all interests, from art enthusiasts to history buffs and nature lovers. EXPLORE Day Hikes in Scioto County Explore Scioto Counties' best day hiking options for the novice, intermediate, and advanced hikers. EXPLORE Prehistoric Heritage of Scioto County Explore and experience the prehistoric heritage of Scioto County, Ohio. EXPLORE The Pastry Path From classic mom-and-pop shops to artisanal bakeries, this guide will take you on a delectable journey through the county's finest establishments, offering a taste of local favorites and sweet treats that will leave you craving for more. EXPLORE Free Things to Do Year-Round Discover the beauty and culture of Scioto County, Ohio, without breaking the bank. This guide invites you to explore a variety of free attractions that cater to all interests, from art enthusiasts to history buffs and nature lovers. EXPLORE Day Hikes in Scioto County Explore Scioto Counties' best day hiking options for the novice, intermediate, and advanced hikers. EXPLORE Prehistoric Heritage of Scioto County Explore and experience the prehistoric heritage of Scioto County, Ohio. EXPLORE The Pastry Path From classic mom-and-pop shops to artisanal bakeries, this guide will take you on a delectable journey through the county's finest establishments, offering a taste of local favorites and sweet treats that will leave you craving for more. EXPLORE Free Things to Do Year-Round Discover the beauty and culture of Scioto County, Ohio, without breaking the bank. This guide invites you to explore a variety of free attractions that cater to all interests, from art enthusiasts to history buffs and nature lovers. EXPLORE Day Hikes in Scioto County Explore Scioto Counties' best day hiking options for the novice, intermediate, and advanced hikers. EXPLORE Prehistoric Heritage of Scioto County Explore and experience the prehistoric heritage of Scioto County, Ohio. EXPLORE The Pastry Path From classic mom-and-pop shops to artisanal bakeries, this guide will take you on a delectable journey through the county's finest establishments, offering a taste of local favorites and sweet treats that will leave you craving for more. EXPLORE Free Things to Do Year-Round Discover the beauty and culture of Scioto County, Ohio, without breaking the bank. This guide invites you to explore a variety of free attractions that cater to all interests, from art enthusiasts to history buffs and nature lovers. EXPLORE Day Hikes in Scioto County Explore Scioto Counties' best day hiking options for the novice, intermediate, and advanced hikers. EXPLORE Prehistoric Heritage of Scioto County Explore and experience the prehistoric heritage of Scioto County, Ohio. EXPLORE The Pastry Path From classic mom-and-pop shops to artisanal bakeries, this guide will take you on a delectable journey through the county's finest establishments, offering a taste of local favorites and sweet treats that will leave you craving for more. EXPLORE Free Things to Do Year-Round Discover the beauty and culture of Scioto County, Ohio, without breaking the bank. This guide invites you to explore a variety of free attractions that cater to all interests, from art enthusiasts to history buffs and nature lovers. EXPLORE Day Hikes in Scioto County Explore Scioto Counties' best day hiking options for the novice, intermediate, and advanced hikers. EXPLORE Prehistoric Heritage of Scioto County Explore and experience the prehistoric heritage of Scioto County, Ohio. EXPLORE The Pastry Path From classic mom-and-pop shops to artisanal bakeries, this guide will take you on a delectable journey through the county's finest establishments, offering a taste of local favorites and sweet treats that will leave you craving for more. EXPLORE Free Things to Do Year-Round Discover the beauty and culture of Scioto County, Ohio, without breaking the bank. This guide invites you to explore a variety of free attractions that cater to all interests, from art enthusiasts to history buffs and nature lovers. EXPLORE Day Hikes in Scioto County Explore Scioto Counties' best day hiking options for the novice, intermediate, and advanced hikers. EXPLORE Prehistoric Heritage of Scioto County Explore and experience the prehistoric heritage of Scioto County, Ohio. EXPLORE The Pastry Path From classic mom-and-pop shops to artisanal bakeries, this guide will take you on a delectable journey through the county's finest establishments, offering a taste of local favorites and sweet treats that will leave you craving for more. EXPLORE Free Things to Do Year-Round Discover the beauty and culture of Scioto County, Ohio, without breaking the bank. This guide invites you to explore a variety of free attractions that cater to all interests, from art enthusiasts to history buffs and nature lovers. EXPLORE Day Hikes in Scioto County Explore Scioto Counties' best day hiking options for the novice, intermediate, and advanced hikers. EXPLORE Prehistoric Heritage of Scioto County Explore and experience the prehistoric heritage of Scioto County, Ohio. EXPLORE The Pastry Path From classic mom-and-pop shops to artisanal bakeries, this guide will take you on a delectable journey through the county's finest establishments, offering a taste of local favorites and sweet treats that will leave you craving for more. EXPLORE Free Things to Do Year-Round Discover the beauty and culture of Scioto County, Ohio, without breaking the bank. This guide invites you to explore a variety of free attractions that cater to all interests, from art enthusiasts to history buffs and nature lovers. EXPLORE Day Hikes in Scioto County Explore Scioto Counties' best day hiking options for the novice, intermediate, and advanced hikers. EXPLORE We're just down the road! Less than two hours from... Cincinnati, OH Columbus, OH Lexington, KY Huntington, WV Less than four hours from... Dayton, OH Cleveland, OH Louisville, KY Pittsburgh, PA The word on the street. "Visiting Scioto County was a wonderful experience! The diverse range of outdoor activities and charming rural landscapes made it an ideal destination for nature lovers like me. The warm and welcoming community, along with the rich cultural experiences, left a lasting impression, and I can't wait to return for more adventures in the foothills of Appalachia." Jake T. Follow us @explorescioto

Nearby Attractions While Scioto County offers an abundance of attractions, don't miss the opportunity to venture beyond its borders and explore these nearby gems. Serpent Mound Serpent Mound, an ancient effigy mound located in Adams County near Scioto County, Ohio, is a fascinating archaeological site. Shaped like a serpent and believed to be over 1,000 years old, this historic earthwork holds cultural and spiritual significance, drawing visitors to ponder its mysterious origins and intricate design. LEARN MORE Dogwood Pass Dogwood Pass, nestled in Pike County near Scioto County, Ohio, is a captivating Old West town that transports visitors back in time. With authentic buildings, themed events, and live entertainment, this immersive attraction offers a unique opportunity to experience the Wild West in all its glory. LEARN MORE Malibu Jack's Malibu Jack's in Ashland, Kentucky, is a thrilling entertainment complex that promises an action-packed experience for visitors of all ages. From go-karts and mini-golf to arcade games and laser tag, this vibrant destination offers endless fun and excitement for families and friends. LEARN MORE Jackson Lake State Park Jackson Lake State Park, located in Oak Hill, Ohio, offers a serene escape into nature's embrace. With a tranquil lake perfect for boating and fishing, along with scenic trails and lush surroundings, this park invites outdoor enthusiasts to unwind and explore the beauty of Scioto County's landscapes. LEARN MORE Sandy's Racing & Gaming Sandy's Racing & Gaming in Ashland, Kentucky, is a thrilling destination for those seeking high-speed excitement and gaming entertainment. From live horse racing to a vibrant gaming floor featuring slots and more, visitors can experience the adrenaline rush of the track and the thrill of casino games all in one place. LEARN MORE KY State Parks Kentucky State Parks offer a diverse range of natural beauty and recreational opportunities across the state. From serene lakes and lush forests to historic sites and outdoor activities, these parks provide a rich tapestry of experiences that cater to outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and families alike. LEARN MORE