Best attractions and places to see around Ashville include historical sites, natural play areas, and scenic waterways. The region features locations like Slate Run Metro Park, which offers insights into 19th-century farm life and opportunities for outdoor exploration. Visitors can discover a variety of natural features, including lakes, creeks, and forests, providing diverse experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. This area is home to several family-friendly attractions, making it suitable for various interests.
Last updated: May 13, 2026
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Natural Play Areas are unique spots that exist in various Metro Parks throughout the Columbus area. These areas allow for off-trail exploration and experiences. In this Natural Play Area in Slate Run Metro Park, hikers can play in the creek and flip logs throughout the forest in this specially designated spot.
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Slate Run Living Historical Farm aims to educate and offer experiences about what life was like on a crop and livestock farm in the 1880s. The land of this historical farm was acquired by the Metro Parks system in the 1970s, including the farmhouse that was built in 1856 and the barn that was built in 1881.
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Slate Run River is a tributary to the Scioto River. The creek bed is comprised of slate, giving the river its name. Many small waterfalls can be found along this creek. The creek sometimes runs dry because it is mostly fed by rainfall.
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This wooden covered bridge was built for $378 in 1885 to cross Brannon's Fork near Young Hickory in Muskingum County. This 56-foot bridge was moved to the area of Big Run in 1967 and then eventually disassembled and moved to its current location in Slate Run Metro Park in 1998.
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Buzzard's Roost Lake is a 14-acre lake inside Slate Run Metro Park. The park keeps the lake stocked with fish, including blue gill and largemouth bass. There is an observation deck with a wildlife-viewing scope on the shore of the lake. There is also a fishing dock that is available for public use.
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Ashville offers a glimpse into the past with its historical sites. You can explore Slate Run Living Historical Farm, which educates visitors about 1880s farm life, featuring an 1856 farmhouse and an 1881 barn. Another notable historical site is the Blackburn/Wesner Bridge, a wooden covered bridge originally built in 1885.
Yes, Ashville is well-suited for families. Many attractions are designated as family-friendly, including Slate Run Living Historical Farm, the Blackburn/Wesner Bridge, and the Natural Play Area. The Buzzard's Roost Lake and Slate Run Creek also offer engaging experiences for all ages.
Ashville boasts several natural attractions. You can visit Buzzard's Roost Lake, a 14-acre lake stocked with fish. The Slate Run Creek, a tributary to the Scioto River, is known for its slate bed and numerous small waterfalls. Additionally, the Natural Play Area within Slate Run Metro Park offers opportunities for off-trail exploration in a forest setting.
While specific hiking trails are not detailed, the Natural Play Area in Slate Run Metro Park encourages off-trail exploration, allowing visitors to play in the creek and explore the forest. The broader Slate Run Metro Park area provides diverse experiences for outdoor enthusiasts, including opportunities to discover natural features like lakes, creeks, and forests. For more outdoor activity ideas in the region, you can explore the full guide page: Attractions and Places To See around Ashville.
The Slate Run Creek is distinctive because its creek bed is composed entirely of slate, which gives the creek its name. Along its course, you can discover many small waterfalls. It is a tributary to the Scioto River and is primarily fed by rainfall, meaning its flow can vary seasonally.
Yes, Buzzard's Roost Lake, a 14-acre lake within Slate Run Metro Park, is kept stocked with fish, including bluegill and largemouth bass. There is a fishing dock available for public use, making it a great spot for anglers.
The Blackburn/Wesner Bridge is a historic wooden covered bridge. Originally constructed in 1885 to span Brannon's Fork, this 56-foot bridge was later relocated to its current position in Slate Run Metro Park in 1998, preserving a piece of local history.
The Natural Play Area in Slate Run Metro Park is designed for off-trail exploration. Visitors are encouraged to play in the creek and flip logs throughout the forest. It's a designated spot for immersive, hands-on outdoor experiences, so be prepared for a bit of adventure and potentially muddy shoes!
To experience 19th-century farm life, visit Slate Run Living Historical Farm. This historical site aims to educate and offer experiences about what life was like on a crop and livestock farm in the 1880s. You can see the original 1856 farmhouse and 1881 barn, providing an authentic look into the past.
Visitors appreciate Ashville's blend of historical sites, natural parks, and family-friendly outdoor activities. The living history experiences at Slate Run Living Historical Farm, the unique natural features like Slate Run Creek with its waterfalls, and the opportunities for exploration in the Natural Play Area are particularly popular.
Slate Run Metro Park is a central hub for many of Ashville's attractions. It encompasses the Slate Run Living Historical Farm, the relocated Blackburn/Wesner Bridge, the interactive Natural Play Area, and the scenic Buzzard's Roost Lake. It offers diverse experiences from historical education to natural exploration.
Yes, Buzzard's Roost Lake within Slate Run Metro Park is a good spot for wildlife viewing. It features an observation deck equipped with a wildlife-viewing scope, allowing visitors to observe local fauna, especially around the lake and its surrounding natural habitats.

