No trip to Zanesville is complete without a visit to Wilds (thewilds.org), a wild animal preserve that features a number of threatened and endangered species from around the world, including giraffes, rhinos, and cheetahs. The preserve spans about 10,000 acres of reclaimed mine land and features numerous education programs for the kids, a 90-minute guided safari through open-range animal areas, bird watching or exploring the preserve's challenging complex of mountain bike trails.
Located less than 20 minutes north of Zanesville along State Route 146, Dillon State Park (dnr.state.oh.us) has 29 family cottages overlooking Dillon Lake. You can spend the day boating on the 1,560-acre lake, take a dip at the 1,360-foot swimming beach, or fish for largemouth bass, muskie, bluegill, crappie and catfish. Those in the household who prefer more vigorous exercise can hike on two trails that are less than a mile long or ride along the approximately 12 miles of mountain bike trails.
The family can take a tour of the Hartstone Pottery Factory Store (hartstonepottery.com), located minutes away from Interstate 70. The 18,000 square-foot store features hand-crafted and hand-painted stoneware. At the end of the tour, you can stop in at the "Paint Your Own" room and finish your own piece. The store's decorators will assist the artists young and old in your family.
Visitors can see the Muskingum River by taking a relaxing ride through scenic woodlands on the Lorena Sternwheeler (visitzanesville.com/lorena_sternwheeler), a historic river boat that can carry 75 passengers. Weighing over 59 tons, it is moored at Zane's Landing Park in downtown Zanesville and features hour-long public rides or two-hour dinner cruises.
Film lovers can see the latest movie releases at the 12-screen Cinemark theatre, shop at more than 70 stores, play a round of miniature golf, or let the kids take advantage of the soft play area at the Colony Square Mall (colonysquaremall.com) located on Maple Avenue.
Travelers can drive about 16 miles south of Zanesville to find Blue Rock State Park (dnr.state.oh.us), named for the blue-colored shale found in the region. The family can go hiking along seven trails, have lunch in one of the 10 picnic areas, or swim at the 250-foot public beach. In the winter, you can take advantage of the ice skating and sledding areas of the park.
