Ohio Day Trips

Location: USA
*Distance: ?? miles
*Travel Time: hours & mins

S.W. OHIO DAY TRIPS

by Jack & Leonore Sewell ALL TRIPS ROUTED FROM THE DAYTON AREA
937-748-USA1
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HUESTON WOODS STATE PARK
513-664-3500.

A NICE TRIP WITH STRAIGHT-A-WAYS AND TWISTY TURNIES. RIDE THROUGH GERMANTOWN RESERVE OFF 725 ALONG THE WAY. A NICE SLOW RIDE THROUGH HOUSTON WOODS WITH A STOP AT THE LODGE, THE SMALL ZOO/MUSEUM AND BEACH AREA. IF YOU’RE BIKIN’ ALONE, IT’S KINDA FUN TO GO THROUGH THE CAMPGROUNDS AND LET THE CAMPERS SEE YOUR RIDE. WHENEVER YOU GO THROUGH A STATE PARK ANYWHERE, TOUR THE CAMPGROUND AND BE PART OF THEIR VACATION MEMORIES. TELL THE GATE FOLK YOU WANT TO SEE THE GROUNDS TO DECIDE IF YOU WANNA STAY.

725 through Miamisburg and Germantown. Tour the reserve.
Left on 177 into Morning Sun, Ohio.

A few miles out of town you’ll turn right on 732 toward the park. This park seems to have more internal road way than some of the other state parks. Take advantage of it.

The lodge has a downstairs lounge that’s even open on Sundays and serves drinks, coffee and economical snacks. We recommend the potato skins. They do have a Sunday morning breakfast buffet in the restaurant but it‘s a bit on the pricey side.

INDIAN LAKE/LAKEVIEW/RUSSELS‘S POINT/THE TILTON HILTON RESTAURANT.
937-843-2717

A LAZY WINDING, SMOOTH RIDE ON A SECONDARY ROAD. RT 235. IF YOU GET HUNGRY HALF-WAY THERE, STOP AT THE VILLAGE PANTRY IN
DE GRAFF….WE CAN’T MAKE MEALS THAT CHEAP AT HOME! NOTE THAT MAC-O-CHEE AND MAC-O-CHEEK CASTLES ARE NEAR HERE!
THE TILTON HILTON IS ACTUALLY TILTED TO ONE SIDE (BE CAREFUL GETTING OUT OF YOUR CHAIR). THE SANDWHICHES ARE HUGE!>>>>

Take 235 North Past Kiser Lake, past Quincy etc. As you pass through the small, main area of the Lakeview you will be brought right to the edge of Indian Lake. You will want to cross the highway (33) and turn left to go around the lake toward the beach, picnic areas etc. stay on this road and keep a sharp look-out for the sign on the right side of the road that will direct you to the Tilton Hilton ( It’s maybe 5 miles out). Come back and enjoy the lake, or, if you want an extra long day, take 33 over to Grand Lake St. Mary’s. It’s about 45 minutes away.

GRAND LAKE ST. MARY’S. OHIO’S OTHER GREAT LAKE
419-394-3611

TAKE 725 WEST THEN PICKM UP 127 JUST OUT OF CAMDEN. A STRAIGHT SHOT NORTH ON LONG, FLAT SMOOTH SECONDARY. PICK UP A PICNIC LUNCH IN TOWN (THE COLONEL). RIDE AROUND THE AREA (REALLY NICE) WITH PICNIC TABLES AND RESTROOMS. A COOL BREEZE OFF THE LAKE ON A HOT SUMMER DAY.

Take Rt. 49 north (intersects with 40). 49 is another long, flat and smooth secondary
that takes you to 127 which serves as a by-pass for Greenville.

Alternate course---35 over to 127 north

127 north is a fine road that passes some interesting sites.

6 miles out of Greenville you’ll see something on the left that resembles a fort. In actuality it’s a land-owner who is so profoundly paranoid that people want to steal his stuff that he tries to protect his belongings by showing that he has flood lights, gun towers etc. Don’t stop. A few miles past this is a road stop on the left and a decent eatery across from it. The annual Steam Threshers reunion is held nearby.

Later you’ll see the red and white 57 Chevy high on a post that marks the Carousel Club where Gallagher filmed one of his shows. You can rent his water-melon-mobile-limo here if you like.

Stop at the North Star Bar and see the Harley Tribute. A few miles out of North Star you will see the seminary. Most people pass this thing up. Very majestic. Be sure to take the drive-way up to the place. We usually don’t stop, we just want to see the huge building with the ornamental masonry, cemetery, mausoleums and all.

As you come to the edge of Celina, you’ll see the light house. You will want to turn right here then left and follow around the lake. Make sure you follow all the way out to the Park on the right. This is where the most activity and scenic beauty is.

NOTE: Rt 119 intersects 127 about 10 miles before Grand Lake. In the fall, take 119 over to Minster for one of the best October-fests in the state. They’ll even let you ride your bike in the parade!

SERPENT’S MOUND
1-800-752-2757

THE PHACOPS MUSEUM-ROOT BEER STAND IN LOCUST GROVE-RARDEN HONDA SHOP. VERY SCENIC RT 73. SOME INTERESTING HAIR-PIN TURNS, SWITCH-BACKS AND HILLS.

Take 741 to St. Rt. 73 through Wilmington and Hillsboro. Just past Serpent’s Mound you’ll find a wide spot in the road called Locust Grove where there’s a nice little root beer stand with a fairly extensive menu. There are picnic tables and stray cats to feed. Across the street you can see the Phacops Museum. Make sure you check it out….this guy is nationally recognized and was sponsored for a display in Washington, D.C. a couple years ago. Most of the relics, fossils and Indian finds are all found locally. We saw him working on a 16 inch trilobite skeleton worth about 20 grand!

RIPLEY, OHIO AND FT. ANCIENT
FT. ANCIENT 1-800-283-8904

ARGUABLY ONE OF THE BEST RIDES IN THE STATE. ONCE YOU GET TO RT 41, IT’S LIKE RIDING IN A STATE PARK FOR ABOUT 40 MILES. FOLLOW THE TRIBUTARY WHERE IT JOINS THE OHIO RIVER ON RT 52. MAKE A RIGHT ON 52 12 MILES INTO RIPLEY. TRY EDDIE’S RESTAURANT ON THE MAIN DRAG…THE FOOD IS GREAT AND THE PRICES VERY LOW. GO PAST THE RESTAURANT TWO BLOCKS AND TAKE A RIGHT-HAND ALLEY-WAY TO THE RIVER… LOTSA BIKERS, EATERIES, BISTROS AND CURIOSITY SHOPS. GREAT VIEW OF THE BARGES, BIG BOY TOYS AND SKIERS. HOME OF THE ANNUAL OHIO TOBACCO FESTIVAL. HEAD BACK NORTH REAL QUICK FROM RT 68 DOWNTOWN.

741 South to 123 at intersection in Red Lion where Mom’s restaurant has great food but few tables and little parking. You could park across the street at the church.

123 will take you into Lebanon. We recommend the Breakfast Club in Lebanon. You will see it at the main intersection. Turn right at the main St. intersection and then left at the bank to Rt. 350 through Clarksville, past Cowan Lake and Cuba.

350 takes you past Ft. Ancient and will dead-end a couple miles past the fort where you will turn right--go one mile--and take the very next left (King’s Domain Camp & Morgan’s Canoe Rental). This route will dead-end near New Vienna and you will turn right on Rt. 73. The next gas station on the right is a good rest stop.>>>>

Stay on 73 into Hillsboro and pick up Rt 50 East toward Boston and past Rainsboro.

Along the way you will find 7 Caves, Paint Creek Lake and Rocky Fork State Park.

50 will wind along and you will eventually see a Marathon station all alone out there where you can gas up and (or) turn right onto Rt. 41 and continue the trip.

41 is a great ride and will take you past Ft. Hill, Sinking Springs and Peebles.

Peebles has an ancient stop light at an odd-looking intersection. We’ve seen people blow right through the red without thinking. Mostly biker’s…sorry

Enjoy 41 all the way to Aberdeen where you’ll dump right out on Rt. 52. Keep an eye out for the parked “American Eagle Semi”, it’s pretty neat. At the edge of Aberdeen there’s a sign for “Fishing Gut Road”. We’re often tempted but never been on it.

Turn right on 52 and go 12 miles to Ripley. Eddies restaurant is a nice place to eat. Afterwards, be sure to go past Eddie’s 2 or 3 blocks and make a left down the alley or street to the Great Ohio River. You’ll find a great view from the elevated outside bar. Shops and eateries are here too. Don’t forget 68 is the fast way back North!

GREENVILLE, WAYNE LAKES , NEW MADISON, OHIO

HOME OF ANNIE OAKLEY AND NEWSMAN & ADVENTURER LOWELL THOMAS. TAKE 725 OVER TO WEST ALEXANDRIA AND PICK UP RT 503. 503 IS ONE REALLY SMOOTH, HILLY, CURVY AND SCENIC COUNTRY ROAD. TAKE IT OVER TO RT 121 AND TURN LEFT A COUPLE HUNDRED FEET TO WAYNE LAKES. WAYNE LAKES WAS ONE OF AMERICAS FIRST GOVERNMENT RECLAMATION PROJECTS (FORMER GRAVEL PITS) AND IS NOW A LANDSCAPED COMMUNITY WITH MANY PONDS AND LAKES. STOP BY THE GATEHOUSE (NO GATE ANYMORE BUT THE ENTIRE VILLAGE IS STILL SUROUNDED BY FENCE). THIS IS WHERE JACK SEWELL WAS BORN AND RAISED. HE WON’T GET LOST HERE BUT YOU VERY WELL MAY. LATER, HEAD UP 6 MILES ON RT 121 TO GREENVILLE AND GRAB A FEW MAID RITE SANDWHICHES. THIS HISTORIC SANDWHICH SHOP IS LITTERALLY COVERED ON THE OUTSIDE WITH GUM WADS. STOP ANYWHERE IN TOWN FOR DIRECTIONS.

Take 725 through Miamisburg, through Germantown (swing into Germantown reserve if you have time and turn left to tour the picnic area after you cross over the flood wall).

Follow 725 into Gratis where you will turn right on 503 which takes you through Lewisburg and Ithaca.>>>>

503 is very nice. You may even see the Llamas, Peacocks and zebras some farmers have.

503 will dead-end at 121 where you can turn right and travel 2 miles to Ft. Jefferson (Ft. Jefferson park has a nice memorial and picnic Bldg.)

OR 6 more miles Past Ft. Jefferson to historic Greenville and have lunch at the Maid Rite. They have a nice city park and museum just a couple blocks from the Maid Rite.

OR…turn left on 121, go a half mile and turn right into Wayne Lakes. You may get lost here, but, that’s the point. It’s a pretty area for a slow ride. OR…Continue 5 miles past Wayne Lakes to New Madison where bikers frequent the Ft. Black Buffet on Main Street.

RIO GRAND, OHIO-BOB EVANS FARM
1-800-994-3276

HISTORIAL SITE UP RT 35. A DECENT DAY TRIP WHERE YOU ARE GETTING CLOSE TO THE FOOTHILLS OF THE APPALACIANS. VISIT THE ORIGINAL HOMESTEAD OF THE BOB EVANS FAMILY.

Rt. 35 is a decently maintained and little traveled road that will take you past Chillicothe (Easy Rider Rodeo) and all the way to Rio Grand, Ohio. Look for the signs that direct you to the Bob Evan’s homestead and restaurant. There’s a full-sized wind-mill and small museum that pays tribute to the family and traces their history.

HOCKING HILLS AREA
1-740-385-6841

OLD MAN’S CAVE, ASH CAVE, CEDAR FALLS, ROCK HOUSE AND CANTWELL CLIFFS ARE ALL BRIEF STOPS ON ROADS THAT BEG YOU TO COME BACK AND CRUISE ITS SERPENTINE BELT.

This is a large geographic area. It seems we take different roads in the area each time. Once there you will find all the signs to take you to the various sites. Routes 374 and 664 will take you to all of them

ROCKY FORK STATE PARK
937-393-4284

Nice park

HILLSBORO-RT 350. OFF OF ST RT 124

KELLEY’S ISLAND
1-419-353-1116

FERRY THE BIKE A QUARTERWAY ACROSS LAKE ERIE TO KELLY’S ISLAND (BE SURE TO PARK AT THE REAR OF THE FERRY AND STAY ON THE BIKE). LAST CHECK, IT WAS $20 FOR CARS AND $12 FOR MOTORCYCLES. THE ISLAND ITSELF IS A GREAT TOUR. MAKE SURE YOU SEE THE GLACIER GROOVES--REALLY AMAZING. THE HOMES, RESTAURANTS AND SHOPS ARE VERY QUAINT AND ALL THE HOME-OWNERS SMILE AND WAVE. THE BEACH AREAS ARE NOT SAND BUT BILLIONS OF TINY LITTLE MUSSEL SHELLS. DON’T FORGET CEDAR POINT!

STRAIGHT UP RT 4

PORTSMOUTH, OHIO-WALL MURALS
1-419-797-4530

Take route 73 all way into Portsmouth. There are alternate routes but we don’t mind this road at all. As you cross over into Portsmouth you will see a little Dairy Queen-looking joint that’s not bad for lunch. Stay on this course for 3 more blocks and you will see the signs that direct you to the murals. There must be 25 or more that cover a 30 foot high flood wall about 600 feet long and trace the history of industry, commerce and farming in the area. Park and walk or ride as slow as you like.

C.J. BROWN RESERVOIR/BUCK CREEK STATE PARK
1-740-353-1116

SPRINGFIELD-VERY SCENIC, CLEAN AREA. PACK A LUNCH. THERE ARE A COUPLE OTHER NICE PARKS TO TOUR THROUGH ALONG THE WAY INCLUDING GEORGE R. CLARK STATE PARK AND JOHN BRYANT STATE PARK BE SURE TO CHECK THEM OUT.>>>>>

Take Rt. 4 to the edge of Springfield then 68 North to 334

SHAWNEE FOREST
937-322-5284

MAKE SURE YOU DON’T JUST CIRCLE THE AREA LIKE MOST BIKERS. TAKE THE TWISTY-TURNY INSIDE ROAD (PARK ROUTE 1)…A GOOD 7-8 MILES OF HILLY FOREST AREA THAT WILL GIVE YOU VERTIGO FROM THE ELEVATION.

Rt. 73 all the way to the Forest. Just down the road from the entrance for the lodge, you will see a sign for OYO Camp (Park Route 1), be sure to ride this, it cuts right through the forest, it’s all smooth, up and down, twisty turny and a bit narrow. 125 will take you down to the river at Friendship, Ohio (Rt. 52). 52 is a nice 40 mile ride along the Ohio to Ripley where you can check things out. There’s always bikers here. Fast-back on 68 north.

CAESAR’S CREEK STATE PARK
513-897-3055

AND THE CORWIN TOUR OFF RT 73. THERE’S A LOT OF THE CEASAR’S CREEK AREA THAT MANY DON’T NORMALLY SEE. A COUPLE OF THE BOAT RAMPS ARE REALLY SCENIC, THE DAM, , THE BASIN AND ONE OF THE CAMPGROUNDS PROVIDE PICTURE POSTCARD SETTINGS. THE HISTORIC VILLAGE IS PRETTY BORING. BE SURE TO STOP BY THE B&B GAS STATION IN HARVEYSBURG OFF 73. IT’S ALMOST A THROW-BACK TO THE DAYS OF THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW. THE LOCAL GUYS ARE OUT FRONT AT THE PICNIC TABLES BY 5 A.M. JAWIN’ ABOUT POLITICS AND WEATHER. THE WOMEN-FOLK INSIDE WILL MAKE YOU A FRIED EGG SANDWHICH FOR 70 CENTS AND A SMALL COFFEE FOR 50 CENTS.

There’s a very scenic river ride through the Corwin area. As you cross Rt. 42 past Waynesville on 73 you will see a state sign on the left that directs you to the route. Turn left here and then make another left at the sign (right for Corwin). This road follows the best bike path in the state. About 3 miles down the road you can turn right and cross a covered bridge. Make another right and get lost in the hills. It’s a lot of fun. Don’t forget Corwin itself…the ice cream shop and the Rib House are nice eateries.

RAVENWOOD CASTLE
1-800-477-1541

Rt. 35 to Rt. 50 and then north on 93. This is a really nice ride but we suggest you plan on staying at Ravenwood Castle…a bed and breakfast village. This place is actually only a few years old. Just 3 or 4 miles out of McArthur (where you can pick up your dinner for the evening). The castle is a medieval replica where they serve meals to the guests. The castle is pretty cool and sits high on a hill with turrets-n-all. There are cottages in the lower valley with quaint Gaelic names. The cottages are decorated for the period but have all the modern conveniences. Over night cottage w/breakfast for two is right at $100. The castle costs a bit more. There is never anyone at the gift shop, everyone is on their honor to bring what you want to buy to the castle to pay for it!

OTHER PLACES TO GO

MAC-O-CHEE AND MAC-O-CHEEK CASTLES Near West Liberty, Ohio

Routes 287 and 245

SHIPSHAWANNA

In Indiana (Northeast corner) is not far from the Michigan line. This is about as Amish as it gets with lots of real antique shops, cheese manufacturers and B & Bs. We were invited to an Amish farm house for an evening buffet. The food just kept coming and coming and…Plan to stay the week-end

LAKE LORAMIE
1-937-295-2011

This is one the prettiest camping and recreational areas to be seen. Not real big. Getting there is fun. Take Rt. 48 and hang a left on 66

HISTORIC BARDSTOWN, KY.

Only a couple hours away with antiques,
B & Bs, whiskey factory tours and a remarkable 10 mile dinner train trip with 7 courses on china with linen. Stay at the B&B where Jessie James shot up the wall.

METAMORA-HISTORIC CANAL TOWN
1-419-335-1966

Kind of quaint with shops, crafts antiques-n-all. Usually fairly busy. They have eateries and a scenic train ride. Once you’ve been there…You’ve been there. The ride is the reason to go. On Rt. 64 about 7 miles from Michigan.

You can travel to any of these destinations by
automobile but it only takes half the time on a
Motorcycle …. even at the same speed.

For a great motorcycle club experience, go to WWW.X-2.COM

Ohio Day Trips

USA

Submitted by: Jack Sewell

*All mileage and travel times are estimated and are only provided as a guideline for planning your motorcycle trip.

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