--- title: Nearby Activities date: 2026-07-06T09:53:00-05:00 author: Brenynn Mowery canonical_url: "https://www.shawneeparklodge.com/things-to-do/nearby-activities" section: Pages --- ![Aerial view of a fire tower rising above a forested landscape with autumn foliage, as dramatic rays of sunlight break through the clouds and illuminate the rolling hills beyond.](https://d3gj2r1upukpus.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Activites/Copperhead-Fire-Tower.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&q=98&f=webp&c=11eb385b&v=400db8109717788bd26dff7b53e7092d2818ae0164762a86d1e4dc420cce046b) # Get ready to dive into adventure! Shawnee Lodge puts you right in the middle of Ohio's stunning 63,000-acre Shawnee State Forest, hugged by the beauty of Shawnee State Park. It's the perfect launchpad for unforgettable outdoor thrills and cool local finds! ## Explore Scioto County Whether you plan to stay within the state park to soak up the natural beauty of Shawnee State Park or you plan to experience the rich history of Scioto County - the guides created by Explore Scioto County will help make planning your trip a breeze. [View Area Guides](https://www.explorescioto.com/plan-your-visit) ## Family Fun ### Kayak Loop \[Kayak rentals / $10 \] Take a leisurely glide around the 1-mile paddle loop for a stunning view of Shawnee State Park. Kayak rentals available. Located at the Ohio River Campground in Shawnee State Park. Call the Campground to schedule [740-858-6681](tel:207408586681). [Learn More >](https://ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/shawnee-state-park-campground) ### Ben's Happy Trails Horseback Riding Enjoy horseback riding? Ben's is the place to go. Located approximately 15 minutes from the lodge, Ben's offers great horseback riding as their horses are ridden daily and are very gentle. The guided rides offer you all the beauties of nature as you enter Shawnee State Forest and see the wonders that make Ohio such a scenic state. You will receive a full explanation of and demonstration upon arrival. [Learn More >](https://www.benshappytrails.org/riding) ### The Happy Pot Ceramics The Happy Pot is a unique and enjoyable experience for people of all ages and skill levels. As a paint your own pottery studio, it offers a variety of pottery pieces and glazes for customers to choose from, as well as different techniques to decorate their pottery. [Learn More >](https://www.thehappypot.com/) ### Candyland Children's Museum Candyland Children’s Museum offers **three floors of discovery-based learning and play** for children ages 0-10. The ever-changing programming provides a unique experience for each visit and gives children, youth, and families a safe, year-round space to cultivate their love of learning together! [Learn More >](https://www.candylandmuseum.com/) ### Deadbolt Escape Room 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 the Deadbolt Warehouse, an abandoned historic shoe factory. [Learn More >](https://www.deadboltescape.com/) ## History & Nature ### Scenic Drives Shawnee Lodge is nestled in Shawnee State Park and within close proximity to Shawnee National Forest, an area also known as “Ohio’s Little Smokies” that offers brilliant views at every turn. Plan an outing with your car or motorcycle club or explore the nearby routes on a leisurely drive. View our favorite nearby routes: - Scenic Scioto Heritage Trail - Ohio State Route 348 - Ohio River Scenic Byway [VIEW THE ROUTES](https://cdn.shawneeparklodge.com/general-uploads/Shawnee-Scenic-Drives-Flyer.pdf?mtime=20210111155021) ### Serpent Mound State Memorial An earthen embankment nearly a quarter-mile long is the largest and finest serpent effigy in North America. The mound represents a giant uncoiling snake. Archeologists don't know which of the area's prehistoric cultures built the effigy, or why. The details are a mystery! Serpent Mound has lunar, solar, planetary, and celestial alignments. It marks all the solstices and equinoxes by lunar or solar alignments or both. In 2005, a local research team observed a triple alignment during the Summer Solstice Sunset. The moonrise was in the opposite direction and Venus set in the same area as the sun, all happening in secession. Later that year, the Volunteers of Serpent Mound honored the Winter Solstice by placing over 900 luminary bags along the edge of the effigy, producing a holiday glow. The grounds are open every day of the year from sunrise to sunset, except during severe snow or ice conditions. Please check [Adams County Travel's Serpent Mound page](https://adamscountytravel.org/where-to-go/serpent-mound-ohio/) for more information. ### Robert A. Whipple State Nature Preserve The [Robert A. Whipple State Nature Preserve](https://ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/whipple-state-nature-preserve) is 270 acres filled with Dolomite cliffs, slump blocks, sinkholes and good spring wildflowers. Pull off parking and a sign are present. The preserve has a moderate 1 3/4 mile hike among the Ohio River Hills. After the leaves are gone in late fall, hikers can see the Ohio River Valley. The preserve is located at 1194 State Route 247, Manchester, approximately one mile north of Route 52. ### Appalachian Discovery Birding Trail Bird watching in Ohio at its finest! Southern Ohio, Adams County, is home to a rich assortment of habitats from lush forests to thriving meadows and boggy wetlands to open waterways. It is no surprise that birding in the region can be a rewarding experience with the diverse species of birds to be found. Visitors to the area have caught glimpses of the Bald Eagle, Osprey, and the uncommon Cerulean Warbler. On occasion you might see a Yellow-crowned Night Heron or Horned Lark. Created to showcase the natural and historic treasure of Southern Ohio, the Appalachian Discovery Trail combines the region's most productive birding hotspots with significant historical sites. Please check out the [Ohio Travelers website](http://www.ohiotraveler.com/appalachian-discovery-birding-trail/) for location specifics and the "Driving Trail of Southern Ohio". ### Clark Planetarium Located inside the Advanced Technology Center on Second Street in Portsmouth, the Clark Planetarium is a large room with 66 seats under a 10-meter, domed projection screen. The key piece of equipment in the planetarium is the Konica Minolta Mediaglobe I/II digital projection system, the first in the United States. The globe displays a realistic view of the night sky as well as displays of full-dome or warped videos, pictures, and animations. Hours of operation are 9am - 3pm Monday - Saturday. One hour tours may be reserved by calling [740-351-3122](tel:7403513122). ## Culture & Arts ### Portsmouth Floodwall Murals More than 2,000 feet of floodwall space is dedicated to the depiction of the Portsmouth area's history. The murals can be viewed along Front Street, which is within walking distance of the historic Boneyfiddle District. More information and tours are available by calling the Portsmouth Convention and Visitors Bureau at 740-353-1116. Internationally renown artist, Robert Dafford completed the 52 murals in October 2002. Each mural tells the story of the history of Ohio and its people-beginning in the year 1730 and ending in 2002. ### Tecumseh! Outdoor Drama Beneath a canopy of stars, you can see a dramatic presentation of the life of the legendary Shawnee leader, Tecumseh. Performed Monday-Saturday in Summer months. Call toll-free 866-775-0700 for more information and reservations. or visit the [Tecumseh! Website](http://www.tecumsehdrama.com/). ### Columbia Music Arena [The Columbia Music Arena](https://www.columbiaportsmouth.com/) features the world's best music and unbeatable drink specials. The unique decor is inspired by all genres of music. It combines handcrafted workmanship with modern style, to create a unique place that looks like no other. The Columbia Music Arena offers a mix of live music from national recording artists to DJs spinning great dance tunes. Our well-stocked bar and great bartenders will create any drink imaginable. The Columbia Music Arena has all the ingredients for a great time. ### Adams County "Clothesline of Quilts" Donna Sue Groves had a dream to someday honor her mother with a large painting on their barn of her mother's passion, quilting! That one beautiful dream has now lead to more than the planned 21 quilt squares, throughout Adams County and beyond. Donna has teamed up with the PACT Organization, and after receiving a grant from the Ohio Arts Council, began the county's colorful display of historical quilt squares. This idea has really caught on and the Adams County Chamber of Commerce made a contribution along with Adams county residents and area businesses. Please visit [Adams County Travel's Quilt Barn Trail page](https://adamscountytravel.org/what-to-do/quilt-barn-trail/) for more information or to view a map of the trail. ### Vern Riffe Center for the Arts As a part of Shawnee State University, on Second Street in Portsmouth, the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts is a great spot to catch a show. From wind symphonies to musicals, there are shows for all art, theater, and music lovers to enjoy. Tickets are available at the box office Monday though Friday from 10:00AM-5:00PM or [online](http://www.ticketmaster.com/venue/41868). Visit the [Vern Riffe Center website](http://vrcfa.com/) to view upcoming shows. ![Wooden overlook shelter silhouetted against a colorful sunset sky, with rolling hills and leafless trees stretching across the landscape.](https://d3gj2r1upukpus.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Property/9O7A7621.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&q=98&f=webp&c=136b9ef4&v=e3cfd06eae233f98f9b7a601e898fd046a6002d575803b1e1ae89b3e9f274a70) ## Book Direct for Exclusive Savings A little extra savings goes a long way toward your next getaway. Explore special offers at Shawnee Lodge and enjoy more time discovering scenic trails, breathtaking overlooks, great dining, and the natural beauty of southern Ohio. No matter the season, there's always a new adventure waiting. [Specials & Rewards](https://www.shawneeparklodge.com/specials-rewards)