COLUMBUS — America 250-Ohio launched the Lake Erie to Ohio River Trail in Geneva on Aug. 8.
The organization is the official state commission responsible for spearheading Ohio’s celebrations and commemorations relating to America’s semiquincentennial in 2026.
The trail is an experiential driving trail of more than 150 sites across Ohio. It celebrates the crucial role that water has played in moving people, goods, and ideas across the state.
The Lake Erie to Ohio River Trail features sites in seven categories: Boat Rides & Ferryboats; Lake Erie Lighthouses; Lake Erie Museums & Historic Sites; Ohio Canal Museums, Locks, & Natural Areas; Ohio River Museums & Historic Sites; Natural Areas & Overlooks, Aquatic Science & Research Sites.
Water: a highway of hope
A complete list of trail sites with an interactive map that can be filtered by category can be found here.
Highlights include:
- Marblehead Lighthouse in Marblehead
- Anderson Ferry in Cincinnati
- Tony Packo’s in Toledo
- Carillon Historic Park in Dayton
- Historic Fort Steuben & Scenic Byway Visitor Center in Steubenville
- Put-in-Bay Aquatic Visitor Center in Put-in-Bay
- Shawnee State Park in Portsmouth
- Monticello III Horse-Drawn Canal Boat Rides in Coshocton
“Lake Erie, the Ohio River, and the canals were highways of hope,” said Melinda Huntley, executive director of the Ohio Travel Association, America 250-Ohio commissioner, and co-project leader for the Trails & Tales program.
“They built towns, attracted inventors, created jobs, and brought people together. Today, their legacy flows through every scenic overlook, preserved towpath, and community that still thrives along their shores. The Lake Erie to Ohio River Trail will help all Ohioans explore and connect with the waters that moved a nation.”
Ohioans can use the interactive map on the America 250-Ohio website to create custom itineraries of drivable routes to see multiple sites on the trail. A printable version is also available.
With over 150 sites, guests will be able to get a true picture of these waterways either by theme or geographic region.
Three more experiential trails set to launch
The Lake Erie to Ohio River Trail is the third of America 250-Ohio’s planned Trails & Tales program. The program aims to establish three additional thematic experiential trails over the next year.
Additional details on these trails will be announced in the coming months.
The first trail, the Ohio Air & Space Trail, launched in May 2024. The second trail, the Ohio Creativity Trail, launched in February 2025.
Representatives from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources attended Friday’s launch.
