Scenic Byway
The 39-mile byway begins on SR 78 at Burr Oak State Park and continues along SR 83 northeast to SR 284 concluding at the Muskingum and Morgan County line. This byway offers travelers a look at the rustic beauty of southern Ohio at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains.
Length: 39 miles / 62.8 km
Time to Allow: Allow 1 hour.
The foothills of the Appalachian Mountains are a perfect setting for this byway's rustic beauty. It's 'rustic beauty' is embodied in its covered and iron bridges, wildlife areas, historic districts, and state parks.
Sites of Interest
The Wilds is North America's largest research and conservation center. Spanning 14 square miles, the preserve has 200 acres of wetlands and more than 150 lakes. Rhino, giraffe, antelope and deer are only a few of the free-roaming animals in this spectacular habitat. Several tours are offered to include the following: a safari tour, wetland trail and day/overnight camps for students of all ages. top»
Wolf Creek Wildlife Area, a 3938 acre wildlife preserve and hunting area is located along Wolf Creek and serves as a home to a large variety of grouse, deer and principal game species. top»
Burr Oak State Park, located at 10220 Burr Oak Lodge Road in Glouster, offers byway travelers a sense of rustic charm with a large variety of attractions and scenic accommodations. Burr Oak is a designated state park resort. top»
Stained Glass Barn
This English classic barn was built in 1904 and converted to a stained glass studio in the 1980's by Artist Chuck Borsari. The barn is nestled among dairy farms, apple orchards, and gentle rolling hills. Throughout two floors filled with antiques, there are hundreds of stained glass works by the artist. For information, call (740) 962-4284. top»
Part of the Muskingum River Parkway System, Lock No. 7 is typical of the eleven locks and ten damns on the river. Built between 1837 and 1841 to make the river deep enough for steamboat navigation, the locks have the unique distinction of being America's first and last hand operated lock system. Today steamers have given way to water and jet skiing, sternwheelers, and outstanding fishing. top»
Rim of the World
You won't believe it until you see it. Between Wolf Creek and Burr Oak, State Route 78 winds along a narrow ridge. You will be astounded by the view which stretches for a dozen miles. But be careful, State Route 78 has been listed as one of the best roads in the nation on which to drive a sports car. top»
Embree Park
Located in the Village of Pennsville, the park is bordered by an old Quaker meeting house and cemetery. The park contains picnic and restroom facilities and is home to Ohio's largest Butternut Tree. There are several Amish farms in the area, so please be on the watch for horse and buggies. top»
Rock Hollow School
Built in 1877, this one room schoolhouse is outfitted with the original desk and furnishings. Once located near Ringgold, the school was moved to Malta in 1993. Tours are available. Contact the Morgan County Historical Society at (740) 962-4785. top»
The Button House Museum
The former home of Dr. Hiram True and his daughter Evelyn Button, has been restored by the Morgan County Historical Society. The museum contains an eclectic collection of artifacts including hundreds of dolls, paintings, and prints of renowned artist Howard Chandler Christy and much more. 142 East Main Street (740) 962-4785. top»
The Twin City Opera House
One of only a handful of opera houses still in existence in the state, the Opera House is the only one with its auditorium on the ground floor. Built in 1890 on the foundation of the former Brewster Hotel, the Opera House was the first building in Morgan County lighted by electricity and features two tunnels once connected to hotels across the street. As recently as the 1930's, performers at the Opera House used the tunnels to walk from their hotel rooms to the dressing rooms. For the past 50 years, the Opera House has served the community as a movie theatre. It underwent a major renovation in 1996. For more information, call (740) 962-3030 or visit their web site at http://www.operahouseinc.com/index.html for show schedules and other interesting facts. top»