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Zanesville, Ohio: Where Fun and Adventure Collide – The Best Places to Visit and Things to Do

Dr. Increase Mathews built his house here in 1805 and it is still standing, which is roughly how Zanesville treats everything. The S Bridges from the 1820s are among the oldest surviving in Ohio and still carry a road. The pottery industry that made the town’s name is laid out in an exhibit you can put your hands into. And Alan Cottrill works bronze in a studio you can walk into and watch. Come to see the making.

Planning a trip to Zanesville, Ohio is a good decision. The town is small and it carries more than it advertises. Historic landmarks, art and culture, and outdoor activities are all here.

The history is the best thing Zanesville has. The Y Bridge, which spans the confluence of the Licking and Muskingum Rivers, is the landmark most people come for. The John and Annie Glenn Historic Site covers the life and legacy of the astronaut and senator. For art and culture, the Zanesville Museum of Art and the Alan Cottrill Sculpture Studio and Gallery are the two to book. For time outdoors, Dillon State Park or the Wayne National Forest cover hiking, biking and fishing.

That is only the start. Zanesville also runs local entertainment, food and drink, and a few attractions you will not find elsewhere. Catch a show at the Renner Theatre Company, drink craft beer at Weasel Boy Brewing Company, or visit the Alpacas of Spring Acres. The accommodation runs from bed and breakfasts to modern hotels.

Key Takeaways

• Zanesville, Ohio offers a rich history and plenty of historic landmarks to explore.
• Art and culture lovers will enjoy the Zanesville Museum of Art and the Alan Cottrill Sculpture Studio and Gallery.
• Outdoor enthusiasts can head to Dillon State Park or the Wayne National Forest for hiking, biking, fishing, and more.

Historic Landmarks

If you’re a history buff, Zanesville has plenty of historic landmarks to explore. Here are a few must-see spots:

Y Bridge

A visit to Zanesville without the Y Bridge is incomplete. The bridge spans the confluence of the Licking and Muskingum Rivers and forks into a Y, which is where the name comes from. Local legend says it was first built as an X and rebuilt because nobody could work out how to drive it. Believe the story or not, the bridge is worth the stop.

S Bridges

The S Bridges are the other landmark, a series of three historic bridges over the Licking River. They were built in the 1820s as part of the Zane’s Trace Military Road and are among the oldest surviving bridges in Ohio. They take a scenic drive or a slow walk equally well.

Dr. Increase Mathews House

For Zanesville’s past, the Dr. Increase Mathews House. The home was built in 1805 as the residence of the Ohio medical doctor Increase Mathews and his family. It is a museum now, covering the military history of Zanesville and Muskingum County. The gardens around it are worth the extra time.

Zanesville holds more historic landmarks than those three. Military history, architecture or an unusual bridge, each thread runs through the town.

Zanesville sits where the Licking and Muskingum Rivers meet, which is why the Y Bridge is shaped the way it is. Downtown holds the Zanesville Museum of Art, the Alan Cottrill Sculpture Studio and the Pottery Exhibit within a short walk of the bridge, with the Dr. Increase Mathews House close by. The S Bridges run west along the old Zane’s Trace route. Dillon State Park and the Wayne National Forest are the outdoor half and both take a drive. Most visitors photograph the bridge and leave.

Art and Culture

Zanesville takes art and culture seriously, with museums, galleries and exhibits worth the time. These are the destinations for art enthusiasts:

Zanesville Museum of Art

The Zanesville Museum of Art is the one not to miss. The collection is large and it covers local and international artists, running from paintings to sculpture. The temporary exhibits are the reason to check what is on before you go.

Alan Cottrill Sculpture Studio

Sculpture people should get to the Alan Cottrill Sculpture Studio. You can watch the sculptor working and see the collection of bronze pieces around him. Few places let you stand that close to the process.

Pottery Exhibit

Zanesville has a long pottery history and the Pottery Exhibit is where to find it. The display traces the evolution of pottery in the region and holds some of the finest pieces made here. You can also throw a pot yourself, which changes how the rest of the exhibit reads.

Seasoned art enthusiast or curious beginner, Zanesville has enough to fill a day. Take a break from the routine and work through the city’s art and culture scene.

Frequently asked questions about Zanesville, Ohio

Why is the Y Bridge in Zanesville shaped like a Y?

It spans the confluence of the Licking and Muskingum Rivers, so it forks. The story locals tell is that it started as an X and was rebuilt because nobody could navigate it. Walk it rather than drive it; the shape only makes sense on foot. Then take the S Bridges west for the older ones.

What can you see at the Zanesville Museum of Art?

A large collection covering local and international artists, running from paintings through to sculpture, plus temporary exhibits that change through the year and are worth checking before you go. Allow a morning. The Alan Cottrill Sculpture Studio is a short walk away, so do the two together.

Which park is best for outdoor time near Zanesville, Ohio?

Dillon State Park for hiking, biking and fishing close to town, which makes it the easy afternoon when you do not want to drive far. The Wayne National Forest is the bigger option and the better one if you have the whole day. Go early either way. The parking at Dillon fills first on summer weekends.

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