Introduction to Athens, Ohio
Athens, Ohio, in Athens county, is 64 miles SE of Columbus, Ohio.
Athens History
The area now known as Athens was first settled by Europeans around 1797. It was officially incorporated as a village in the year 1811. The Hocking Canal was opened in 1843, and the first railroad entered Athens in 1857. The present day Athens State Hospital was opened in 1874. Athens earned the status of a city in 1912 and became the alternate capital city of Ohio during the 1960s.
Athens and Nearby Attractions
- Kennedy Museum of Art
- Wayne National Forest
- Strouds Run State Park
- Forked Run State Park
- Burr Oak State Park
Things To Do In Athens
The city of Athens offers approximately 260 acres of parkland for the recreation of both residents and visitors. Apart from its nature preserve, the city also has a state park, 14 outdoor basketball courts, five soccer fields, two miles of paved bike path, four tennis courts and two sand volleyball courts. Athens organizes several festivals and events through out the year including the annual Sustainability Festival, Athens County Fair, Pawpaw Festival and Hockhocking Folk Festival.
Athens Transportation
Air transportation is available from Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Airport.
Athens Higher Education
Ohio University - Main Campus is the local university. Facilities for higher education are also provided by West Virginia University at Parkersburg, Hocking Technical College, Denison University and other colleges.