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Explore the Towpath

View across Zoar Lake

TowpathFollow in the footsteps of Ohio’s pioneers when you walk or bike the Ohio and Erie Canalway Towpath Trail.

From Bolivar’s Fort Laurens to Zoar and beyond, the trail can be enjoyed on foot – or follow America’s Byway in your auto.

Offering a down to earth glimpse of nature in all seasons, you’ll want to bring your camera to capture the beauty of the scenery and bring it home.

TowpathAny season adventure!

Enjoy:

  • Bicycling
  • Bird Watching
  • Questing
  • Photography
  • Historic Places

Visit www.ohioanderiecanalway.com for maps and more.

 

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Scenic Byways

Scenic Byways

byway-signEnjoy the view! Whether by car or by foot, by water or by bike, you can’t beat our rural scenery.

Knee-high by the fourth of July – cornfields transform the landscape. Stray from the towpath trail to visit Bolivar Dam, where fishing is at its best right below the spillway.

corn fieldsTraverse our rolling hills, some of which are actually levees, protecting homes in Bolivar, Zoar and Atwood.

Look up – towering trees are a refuge for wildlife – including our ever expanding population of bald eagles.

Farmland, woodlands, wetlands – get a sense of country life – streaming past your window, just outside the city.

produce standRemember to stop and visit with the locals – produce stands pop up where you’d least expect – always worth a stop to chat.

Any season, rain or shine, you’ll find friendly folks and a view that can’t be beat.

And as we famously tell our kids from the moment they begin to drive until the day they leave our nests: Watch out for deer!

scenery

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Step Back in Time

Step back in time

church in BolivarThe unique village of Bolivar harkens back to the 1800’s. Bolivar was originally settled as a canal town, and still has the historic buildings downtown to prove it, many of which are being revitalized.

Antique shop in BolivarCute shops and businesses are located downtown, and it’s worth the drive or bike ride around the village to see how the old architecture fits in with newer homes. Bolivar is home to an annual Strawberry Festival each June, and the Bolivar Main Street Renaissance group holds other festivals throughout the year, including Christmas on the Canal in late November.

Diner in BolivarFort Laurens, the only revolutionary war fort in the state of Ohio, is located in Bolivar. The museum showcases artifacts from the 1778 fort, and a large park area with picnic facilities is on the grounds. Be sure to visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier before picking up the Towpath Trail here!

Fort Laurens

 

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Historic Retreat

Historic Retreat

Historic RetreatGlimpses of history can be found everywhere – sometimes when you least expect it!

From old photos in local establishments, to the establishments themselves, bask in an era long gone.

The village of Zoar is home to the Ohio History Connection’s site, featuring museums in the original Zoar Society buildings. Tour these and the public garden in the center of the historic district for a look at how the village founders lived their communal life.

Historic Zoar VillageGuided tours are available from April through October when you stop at the Zoar Store. Or visit the village during Harvest Festival (August) or Christmas in Zoar (December) for period demonstrations, crafters and entertainment.

Zoar is unique in the fact that many of the historic buildings from the 1800’s are private residences and businesses. Antique shops, a chandlery, primitives, a cannery and bed & breakfasts call Zoar home.

Visit Zoar Community Association (site manager) for information and local events.

Christmas in Zoar

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Travel the Towpath

Travel the towpath

Iron BridgeTake Exit 93 to travel by foot or by bike on the Ohio and Erie Canalway Towpath Trail! You can pick up the trail in Bolivar, with your excursion taking you over top of I-77, leading to the wetlands of Zoar Lake and beyond.

Follow the old canal path for nature in its splendor, any time of year. Bird watching and wildlife abound, and picnic areas can be found throughout. Many local eateries will pack up your lunch for your sojourn, just ask!

TowpathRemember to bring a camera to capture the ruins of an old dam or structure. From the local wildlife, including bald eagles, to the old iron bridges, you’ll find surprises at every turn!

You can also enjoy towpath views from your automobile – just follow the posted signs for America’s Byway.

Be sure to stop and visit with the friendly people in the community – we know you’ll have an adventure to talk about for years to come!

Towpath

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Explore the Mighty Tusc!

Explore the mighty Tusc!

Explore behind the scenes!

From car to water in just a few minutes! Paddle or float down the Tuscarawas River, with the only sounds being the swoosh of water amid the songs of birds and crickets. Plenty of old ruins to be seen along the way!

River canoe or tubing rides are available at NTR Canoe Livery in Bolivar, with multiple excursion lengths to choose from.

atwood-boats2-6x4

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Adventure Awaits!

Take Exit 93

Take Exit 93 to find your next adventure!

The Bolivar to Atwood area offers something for everyone – in every season!

With plenty of unique dining destinations and cozy sleep arrangements, all that’s left is for you to choose what you’ll explore – just around the bend in the road.

We invite you to take advantage of this website, full of fun ideas to start your journey, and featuring local businesses and individuals who’ve made an extra commitment to ensuring your visit will be one that will have you coming back again soon!

byways1

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Discover Take Exit 93

Elizabeth's Dollhouse Museum

Take Exit 93 to discover a region filled with opportunities for all sorts of adventures!

Wetlands TowpathSplash your way through water sports and camping at Atwood Lake. Hike or bike the towpath in the quaint village of Bolivar. Browse through the 1800’s in the preserved museum buildings of the historic village of Zoar. Somewhere between A and Z you’re sure to find a getaway built for you – whether you’re looking for action-packed family entertainment or just a bit of solitude and relaxation.

It’s here when you Take Exit 93!

 

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Festivals

Festivals

Local Festivals and Attractions just off I-77
when you Take Exit 93!

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13th Annual Bolivar Strawberry Festival

Strawberry Festival in Bolivar OhioJune 15, 16 & 17, 2017

Free to the Public in the historic downtown business section (Canal Street)

Attractions include the Strawberry Queen, Little Miss Berry Princess and Little Miss Shortcake Princess Contests, a 5K Night Glow Run, Saturday Parade, Strawberry Eating Contest, Amusement Rides, Food Concessions, Entertainment, and of course,

STRAWBERRIES!

Sponsored by Bolivar Main Street Association

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Beyond the Fences of Zoar

Garden Tour, Luncheon & Symposium

Zoar Garden TourJune, 2018

Tour, Symposium and Luncheon

The symposium will feature many presenters, and the historic Zoar Garden will be filled with crafters and artisans. Many private gardens in the village will be open as well. A Silent Auction is held.

Sponsored by Zoar Community Association. Visit historiczoarvillage.com for more information.

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Fort Laurens Revolution on the Tuscarawas

ft-laurenJuly 8 & 9, 2017 – 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Explore Fort Laurens Museum, located on the towpath trail in southern Bolivar. View progress on the rebuilding of Ohio’s only revolutionary fort, watch as redcoats and bluecoats face off, or browse through the camps filled with women and children in period dress. Refreshments.

Visit www.fortlaurens.org for admission costs and more information

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Bolivar’s Summer Spectacular!

14th Annual Canal Street Cruise-In

Bolivar Cruise InJuly, 2017 – 4pm – ??

Free admission

Registration to show a vehicle begins at 3pm

Entertainment, Chicken Dinners by Bolivar Lions Club (purchase early for discount!)
Evening Entertainment

Family friendly fun!

Sponsored by the Bolivar Main Street Association

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44th Annual Zoar Harvest Festival & Antique Show

Harvest FestivalJuly 29 & 30, 2017 – Sat 10-6, Sun 10-5

One of the best antique show and sales in the country with over 60 high quality antiques dealers

Enjoy the juried craft show, art show, exhibits, demonstrations, and museums. Horse-drawn wagon rides, food and more are located throughout the historic village!

Sponsored by Zoar Community Association

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Civil War Reenactment –

Civil War ReenactmentSeptember9 & 10, 2017

Experience Ohio’s largest and best Civil War reenactment when over 1200 reenactors invade the village of Zoar to showcase Civil War era life on the battlefield and the home front. Join in the fun at the Civil War Ball on Saturday, shop Sutler’s Row for unique reproduction items, and visit the Zoar museums. Food, drink, horses and canons galore!

Sponsored by Zoar Community Association

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16th Annual Bolivar’s Christmas on the Canal

Christmas on the CanalNovember 2017 – 4:30 – 7:00 pm

Free to the Public

Christmas carols, lighting of the Santa House and Community Christmas Tree, arrival of Santa, Mrs. Claus and the North Pole elves. Kids, bring your letters to Santa! Complimentary coffee, hot chocolate and cookies furnished by Bolivar Main Street Association

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Christmas in Zoar

Christmas in ZoarDecember 2 & 3, 2017 – Sat 10-6, Sun Noon-5

Musical entertainment, private home tours, live manger scene. Juried craft show to shop while the kids visit Santa’s workshop. Horse drawn wagon rides and a Saturday candlelight church service followed by a luminary lit walk to the historic Garden for a tree lighting.

Admission is charged for adults.

Sponsored by Zoar Community Association

 

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Wander the Wetlands

Zoar Wetland ArboretumJust over the levee in Zoar Village lies a hidden treasure: Zoar Wetland Arboretum.

The natural wetland ecosystem is comprised of a 30 acre shallow marsh and 50 acres of woodland. Volunteers maintain two miles of trails and various interpretive features, including the remains of an old Zoarite dam.

Zoar Wetland ArboretumIn addition to fun events  like the annual poker paddle and scheduled guided nature walks throughout the year, the Wetland is also a Geocaching site. Visitors have been setting and finding hidden caches for several years.

Questing was set up in 2014, offering a set of clues to follow through the wetland to discover the stories that make it special.

A large picnic shelter overlooks the marsh, and sits atop what was once the Zoar Brewery. You can see inside the old rathskeller with a short walk below the shelter. Work to repair the area and showcase newly unearthed artifacts is currently underway.

Zoar Wetland is open year round from dawn to dusk. Parking is available at the picnic shelter.

Visit www.zoarwetland.org for more info.

Zoar Wetland Arboretum