East Region

The Ohio portion of the Ohio River Scenic Byway commences in East Liverpool – a city built on pottery and ceramics. Throughout early American history, the Ohio River clay and silt provided the perfect foundation for the ceramics industry, which was producing wares that could be found on dinner tables across the land.  Explore the past at the Ohio Historical Society’s Museum of Ceramics or browse for souvenir artifacts at the Pottery City Antique Mall.

While East Liverpool is best known as America’s Crockery City, it also offers a full complement of outdoor activities.  Beaver Creek State Park is a protected area with mountain bike and hiking trails, canoeing on a scenic canal, a working 1800’s Grist Mill and a Wildlife Education Center.  Additionally, golfing, boating, biking and racing opportunities are all nearby.  See more at www.stclairtwptourism.com 

South of East Liverpool, the Ohio River Scenic Byway passes by the Village of Wellsville and the first of several river museums on the route.  The Wellsville River Museum is open seasonally Sunday afternoons for viewing and the site features an Old Country Store, Firehouse Museum and a restored railroad caboose.  The Wellsville Flood Wall is covered with ten murals depicting the history of the river village.

Continuing along the Byway you’ll discover the charming town of Toronto where the little shops, local eateries and lovely river views take you back to a quieter time.

The next stop is Steubenville “City of Murals” and birthplace of the legendary Hollywood singer and movie star Dean Martin.  The city’s vibrant past is celebrated in a series of 23 murals, including one heralding Steubenville’s favorite and most famous son.

In downtown Steubenville, just off the Byway, stands Historic Fort Steuben, a fully reconstructed 18th century fort overlooking the Ohio River. Originally built in 1786 for the protection of surveyors sent to map the Northwest Territory, the site also features the first federal land office west of the Alleghenies, the Berkman Amphitheatre and the Ohio River Scenic Byway Visitors Center. The Visitor Center provides information on nearby attractions, recreation, walking and biking trails, and local events.

Continuing south on State Route 7 on the Ohio River Scenic Byway, St. Clairsville is a great place to discover the possibilities – whether you’re inclined to shop till you drop in our quaint downtown shops or blaze a rough and dusty trail at Powerline Park.  Adventure Creek has an extensive tree canopy challenge course and ziplines with tours for participants of all levels.

The Ohio River Scenic Byway intersects I-70 at Bridgeport and then comes to the town of Bellaire in Belmont County where the Imperial Glass Museum, the Toy and Plastic Brick Museum and the Great Stone Viaduct can be found.

A sportsman’s paradise is waiting to be discovered near the Village of Powhatan Point in southern Belmont County.  Lake Shawn boasts some of the best bass fishing and hunting in Ohio with more than 108 acres including 30 acres of deep clear, water.  Cabins overlook the grounds and overnight guests can experience the rugged luxury of a wood fired hot tub – available upon request.

An important part of a system of nine locks along the Ohio River, the Hannibal Locks and Dam in Monroe County can be easily viewed from an observation platform.  The visitor’s center onsite celebrates the history of navigation on the Ohio River.  Head into downtown Woodsfield and discover The Monroe Theatre to watch a show or tour the historic structure.  Just a few miles west of Hannibal is Kiedaisch Point Park where visitors can enjoy spectacular views. The Ohio Valley River Museum is also now located at the Locks & Dam Visitor Center as well.

For over 200 years, the Fly/Sisterville Ferry has been a valued part of Tyler County, carrying passengers safely from Sistersville, West Virginia to Fly, Ohio.